Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Kelly Dornbier
Abstract
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is characterized by integrating animals into the therapy process as a therapeutic partner and modality (Laskowski et. al., 2019). AAT shows positive outcomes for those who take part in the practice (Ein et. al., 2018; Feng et. al., 2021; Mapes & Rosén, 2016; Nieforth et. al., 2021). Common goals that are targeted via AAT include anxiety and related symptoms, depression and related symptoms, coordination, fine motor skills, reaching, hand-eye coordination, body balance, body awareness, communication, and relationship building (Ein et. al., 2018; Feng et. al., 2021; Mapes & Rosén, 2016; Nieforth et. al., 2021). Even with the growing database of supportive literature, there is a gap in knowledge among occupational therapy practitioners regarding AAT and the identification of clients who would benefit from this therapeutic modality (Velde et al., 2005).
Recommended Citation
Cheatley, Rachel, "EXPLORING NATURE-BASED AND ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPIES AS A THERAPEUTIC MODALITY" (2023). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 556.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/556