文章基本信息

标题：Animal-assisted interventions as innovative tools for mental health
本地全文：下载
作者：Francesca Cirulli ; Marta Borgi ; Alessandra Berry 等
期刊名称：Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanita
印刷版ISSN：0021-2571
出版年度：2011
卷号：47
期号：04
出版社：Editrice Kurtis Srl
摘要：There is a growing interest for the potential health benefits of human-animal interactions. Although scientific evidence on the effects is far from being consistent, companion animals are used with a large number of human subjects, ranging from children to elderly people, who benefit most from emotional support. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, this paper examines the potential for domesticated animals, such as dogs, for providing emotional and physical opportunities to enrich the lives of many frail subjects. In particular, we focus on innovative interventions, including the potential use of dogs to improve the life of emotionally-impaired children, such as those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Overall an ever increasing research effort is needed to search for the mechanism that lie behind the human-animal bond as well as to provide standardized methodologies for a cautious and effective use of animal-assisted interventions.
关键词：animal facilitated therapy, elderly, children, autism spectrum disorders, dog.