Human-animal-environment interactions as a context for youth social-emotional health and wellbeing: Practitioners' perspectives on processes of change, implementation, and challenges

Erin Flynn; Emma Brandl Denson; Megan K Mueller; Jaci Gandenberger; Kevin N Morris

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101223

Human-animal-environment interactions as a context for youth social-emotional health and wellbeing: Practitioners' perspectives on processes of change, implementation, and challenges

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Nov:41:101223. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101223. Epub 2020 Jul 23.

Authors

Erin Flynn¹, Emma Brandl Denson², Megan K Mueller³, Jaci Gandenberger⁴, Kevin N Morris⁵

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 South High Street, Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: erin.fleming@du.edu.
² Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 South High Street, Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: emma.denson@du.edu.
³ Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA. Electronic address: megan.mueller@tufts.edu.
⁴ Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 South High Street, Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: Jaci.gandenberger@du.edu.
⁵ Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 South High Street, Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: kevin.morris@du.edu.

PMID: 32823146
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101223

Abstract

Background: Human-animal-environment interactions (HAEIs) are increasingly used in interventions for youth with psychosocial challenges, yet research is limited. Staff from an exemplary program that use HAEIs have unique perspectives on the processes involved in youth outcomes. The aim of this study was to elucidate processes of change that may underly HAEIs and key implementation considerations.

Materials and methods: A phenomenological approach was used to ascertain HAEI staff perspectives of how they have seen HAEIs impact youth. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 24 staff at a mental health treatment program that utilizes HAEIs.

Results: Six themes were identified, including views that HAEIs had challenges, afforded youth with valuable opportunities, improved mood, facilitated relationships and self-regulation, and strengthened self-conception.

Conclusion: Findings will inform program development; and future research to assess mediating variables and best practices in implementation of HAEIs.

Keywords: Adjunct therapy; Animal-assisted interventions; Child and adolescent development; Human-animal-environment interactions; Social skills.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Animals
Emotions
Gene-Environment Interaction*
Humans
Mental Health*