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... This paper will focus on the causes and effects of animal (pet) assisted therapy in a number of situations. ... The goals of animal assisted therapy (AAT) include: reduction of loneliness, improved communication, trust, reduction in the need for medications, improvement of cognitive function, quality enhanced living, physical functioning improvement, decreased stress and anxiety, improved vital signs and motivating the patient (Connor, 2001). ... Improved self-esteem, social competence and positive socio-emotional functioning in chronically ill children has also been linked to companion animals, along with the fact that a friendly animal being present showed a decrease in blood pressure while resting and while under stress. ... This might be very important in chronically ill children in helping them fit in to what is not a normal life style (Spence, et al 2002)
Because (therapy) animals are nonjudgmental, and offer unconditional love, using them in critical and acute care settings can reduce pre-op stress for patients and families, in addition to improve communication, aid in reality orientation, reduce the need for pain medication and improve body image (they don’t care how you look). ... A good example would be a use in occupational therapy. ... Patients will reach out farther to pet an animal than they would to reach out for the therapist (Connor 2001).
Oncology patients have voiced their gratitude at spending time with an animal before dying, or would get excited and jump up to share in playful moments. When used in the group therapy sessions, which can be very stressful, having an animal there to stroke and give back unconditional approval and love has been known to make a patient feel better about themselves and calmer about the setting in which they have been placed (Connor 2001). ... In Colorado, the Department of Corrections has begun using animal therapy with adult prisoners (Connor 2001). ... This center uses animal assisted therapy (and wilderness challenges) as alternative treatment.
Approximate Word count = 1571
Approximate Pages = 6.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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