Effects of an animal-assisted psychotherapy group program in children and adolescents with PTSD

The aim of the project is to develop an animal-assisted group intervention for children and adolescents with PTSD and evaluate its effectiveness regarding reduction of PTSD symptomatology, increased self-efficacy, and quality of life.

Therapeutic effects of animal-assisted therapy for patients in a minimally conscious state

Early rehabilitation is crucial for patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS). The reorganization of neuronal structures and the recovery of cognitive processes as well as emotional and physical functions are most important. To reach these goals, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is part of the therapeutic concept at REHAB Basel. Patients with severe disorder of consciousness showed more behavioural reactions and arousal during AAT compared to standard therapy sessions (Hediger et al., 2019). However, there is no research investigating if AAT can help to facilitate reaching rehabilitation goals in patients in a MCS and therefore advance neurorehabilitation. Hence, this study investigates if animal-assisted occupational therapy can facilitate attainment of therapeutic goals.

This project is currently offering one spot for the master project. One spot will be available for the fall semester of 2022.

Effectiveness of animal assisted interventions in reducing depressive symptoms

In this project, we aim at investigating the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions in reducing depressive symptoms. In a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis we examine in what context and for which population AAI might be most effective in reducing depressive symptoms.

Dog-assisted training program for prisoners

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects of a structured dog-assisted group training for social and emotional skills in prisoners compared to treatment as usual.

Effects of dog-assisted therapy in children with severe neurological impairment

In this project, we investigated the potential of dog-assisted therapy in pediatric inpatient neurorehabilitation for severely neurologically impaired children and adolescents, to identify characteristics of patients receiving this therapy, characteristics of the therapy sessions, and to evaluate feasibility and extent of goal achievement.
The study showed that dog-assisted therapy is a feasible approach and appears to facilitate emotional, social, and psychological goals in children and adolescents with severe neurological impairment.

Effects of cats at psychiatric wards

The aim of this project was to investigate inpatient and staff member attitudes toward and experiences with ward cats at psychiatric wards. Moreover, we looked at how cats might influence patient satisfcation.

Effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for patients with post-traumatic stress disorders

Karin Hediger and Roswitha Zink develop horse-assisted psychotherapy concepts for patients with post-traumatic stress disorders. They describe their collected knowledge within their book "Pferdegestützte Traumatherapie".

Animal-assisted resilience training for children with a history of stressful life events

The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of a group training for children with a history of stressfol live events on their resilience. We developed an animal-assisted resilience training that is tested in a pilot study together with compas institute for nature- and animal-assisted interventions.

Effects of the inclusion of a dog in psychotherapy on children`s alliance and treatment motivation

The study investigates the needed extent and the way a dog is integrated into psychotherapeutic interventions for them to be motivating and alliance building for children with psychiatric disorders. Specifically, we want to elaborate if the dog needs to be integrated into the therapy in a form that it is part of the therapeutic context or if the presence of the dog without being part of the therapeutic context per se is beneficial.

Pet ownership and its relationship with health outcomes

The project proposes that we need to measure pet ownership and the relationship with pets in order to fully understand social networks of humans. We will investigate the relationship between pet ownership/regular animal contact, human health status, health behavior, and the use of the health-care system. Moreover, we will investigate if the strength of the attachment to an animal influences these posential relationships.

Effects of animal-assisted therapy in neurorehabilitation

In this project, we investigate the effects of animal-assisted therapy on patients with acquired brain injury with several studies and multiple methods.

Influences of human interaction on guinea pigs participating in animal-assisted therapy

The aim of this project is to investigate what effects arise in guinea pigs if they work within animal-assisted therapy. Via behavioral coding and thermography we quantify the guinea pigs reaction under different conditions such as during interacting with humans with retreat or without retreat possibilities.

Neurovascular reactions to animal contact in patients with severe disorders of consciousness

There is practical evidence but no scientific investigations that persons with severe disorders of consciousness can profit from animal-assisted therapy regarding their level of awareness. In this study, we aim to get further insight into physiological mechanisms by measuring awareness with additional instruments as NIRS and EDA. The study wants to provide first insights in effects of animal-assisted therapy and help to find new ways to effectively treat patients with severe disorders of consciousness.

Effects of hippotherapy in neuropediatry

In this project, we retrospectively investigate hippotherapy sessions of 602 neuropediatric patients and assess psychological effects and achievement of pre-defined therapeutic goals. Findings suggest that hippotherapy is a feasible approach for even young neuropediatric patients with severe neurological deficits. Hippotherapy enhanced positive emotions, reduced anxiety, encouraged social behavior such as interacting and caretaking, and augmented therapy motivation in the patients.

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