article

The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients

Psychiatric Services · 1998 · Vol. 49(6) · pp. 797–801

Sandra Barker✉(Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center)Kathryn Dawson

Abstract

Animal-assisted therapy was associated with reduced state anxiety levels for hospitalized patients with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses, while a routine therapeutic recreation session was associated with reduced levels only for patients with mood disorders.

Human-Animal Interaction Studies Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies Veterinary Practice and Education StudiesAnxietyMoodMood disordersMedicineClinical psychologyPsychiatryPsychologyState-Trait Anxiety Inventory

MeSH terms

AdultAnimalsAnxiety DisordersHuman-Animal BondDogsFemaleHospitalizationHumansMaleMiddle AgedOutcome and Process Assessment, Health CarePatient Care TeamPersonality InventoryPsychiatric Department, HospitalPsychotherapy

Citations

404

FWCI

1.21

field-weighted impact

References

Percentile

80%

vs. same field & year

Citations per year

Cited by

Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin