Human–Animal Bond Generated in a Brief Animal-Assisted Therapy Intervention in Adolescents with Mental Health Disorders

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is based on the human–animal relationship and the bond that is generated. The effectiveness of AAT will strongly depend on the human–animal bond (HAB) between the patient and the animal. AAT can improve the physical, psychological, and social state of people. Consequently, AAT is particularly relevant in the field of mental health. One hundred and fourteen adolescents with mental health disorders participated in two weekly 1 h group sessions of AAT with therapy dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of HAB generated after short AAT sessions in this young population. The results obtained make it possible to affirm that a short period of time is enough to establish a good HAB between patients and therapy dogs, demonstrating that AAT can be useful in psychiatric hospital acute units.

Background: The human–animal bond is crucial for the proper development of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) sessions. However, in specific cases such as in AAT focused on psychiatric patients who are admitted to acute units, there is only a short period of time available to establish this bond. Objectives: To assess the degree of HAB generated after two AAT sessions in adolescents admitted to acute psychiatry units. Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study aimed at adolescents aged 13 to 17 years admitted to the acute child and adolescent psychiatry unit of three hospitals. Intervention: Two weekly 1 h group sessions of AAT with therapy dogs. Main outcome: The Center for the Study of Animal Wellness Pet Bonding Scale Survey (CSAWPB). Results: One hundred and fourteen adolescents participated. A positive perception of the dog was generated, achieving a good level of bonding and attachment. Conclusions: The results obtained make it possible to affirm that a short period of time is enough to establish a good HAB between patients and therapy dogs. This study aims to contribute to the study of non-pharmacological interventions as a complement to pharmacological treatments in adolescents with mental health disorders.