The Human-Animal Bond: Understanding Zooeyia

Transcription

1 27 Things to Know about the Role of Animals in Addiction Webinar Series The Human-Animal Bond: Understanding Zooeyia April 27, 2016 Colleen Anne Dell Professor & Research Chair in Substance Abuse, U of S Darlene Chalmers Assistant Professor Social Work U of R

2 Agenda The humananimal bond (HAB): What is Zooeyia? Introductions Definition HAB Benefits of animals Zooeyia Questions

3 Who we are Colleen Dell Professor & Research Chair Extreme K-9 Harcum College Work with 3 therapy dogs

4 Who we are Anna-Belle 4 years old Bulldog St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog (2013) Author: Questioning Fluffy : A Dog s Eye View of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in the Treatment of Substance Misuse. Substance Use & Misuse

5 Who we are Darlene Chalmers Assistant Professor Social Work Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) Therapy dog handler

6 Point #1 Do you or have you had a animal companion in your life? What does it mean to you?

7 Point #2 Human-Animal Bond The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment (American Veterinary Medical Association).

8 The HAB is a strong, positive and mutual interaction between humans and animals (

9 Point #3 Health Benefits of Companion Animals Epidemiological evidence for health benefits for humans (coronary heart disease) lowering heart rate and bp Relational significance (wellbeing, connectedness and resilience) Contributors to health and disease

10 Point #4

11 Point #5 Health Benefits of having a animal companion in your life: What the science tells us Zooeyia: The positive benefits to human health from interacting with animals (Hodgson & Darling, 2011) Health Benefits Oxytocin Germs Mental health Mindfulness Substance Abuse Physical health Childhood development

12 Point #6 Pets can benefit human health in 4 key ways: - build social capital - reduce harm - change behaviour - participate in a treatment plan

13 Point #7 Social Work Practice and Human-Animal Interaction Survey: A Canadian Prairie Provinces Study (Chalmers, Rohr, Dell, Dowling, 2016) Animals in Assessment and Treatment 27% of 762 respondents indicated they do include questions about animals in their intake assessments which was similar across the three provinces. Of which: o 86% ask if their clients have companion-animals o 57% ask if they have other animals (e.g., farm animals) o 42% ask if anyone in the family has hurt their animals o 64% ask about what place the animals have in the client family o 20% "other" - included family issues around care and responsibility of animals 22% of 652 respondents reported including animals in their interventions o 35% employ animal-assisted activities, such as, visiting the elderly o 57% do animal-assisted therapy (i.e., animal is part of treatment plan) o 20% include animals in inpatient residences o 43% other - included referring clients to animal assisted therapists or equine therapy programs, o incorporating St. John Ambulance dog or SPCA, bringing their personal pets, allowing clients to bring pets; activities, and walks with dogs; or discussing the potential benefits of companion-animals like pet adoption. 155 respondents answered the question - what type of animals do you include in your practice? o 85% - Dogs; 35% - Cats; 30% - Horses; 11% - Farm animals (e.g., goats, pigs, cows); 5% - Reptiles; 16% other including fish and rabbits

14 7 Point Summary 1. Animals are important in our lives 2. The HAB helps us to understand this connection 3. There are a multitude of health benefits from interacting with companion animals 4. Zooeyia is one explanation for these benefits 5. The benefits exist across the lifespan 6. Pets can leverage behaviour change 7. Service Providers can support the HAB

15 Questions & Comments?