Abstract
Simple SummaryIn this study, we hypothesized that the personalized strategies for the animal-assisted therapy (AAT) could be improved by selecting animal species and breeds for individuals (persons) according to the emotions induced in the persons by different animal species and breeds. To our knowledge, this study is the first in the area in which the FaceReader technique has been applied to improve the methodology of AAT, which could be the first step to avoiding and/or minimizing stressful situations during a person’s contact with an animal. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, and horses) and various breeds of those species were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ emotions as well as valence. In addition, animal breed is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotion ‘happy’ and valence. Finally, in this study, we obtained results that could be used as a personalized strategy for improvement of the AAT and to help the individuals select a pet.The aim of this study was to apply the FaceReader technique to select the animal species and breed for a personalized AAT based on the emotions (‘neutral’, ‘happy’, ‘sad’, ‘angry’, ‘surprised’, ‘scared’, ‘disgusted’, and ‘contempt’) induced in the persons (18–64 years old) by the images of different animal species and breeds. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (Canis familiaris, Felis silvestris catus, Sus scrofa domesticus, Ovis aries, and Equus caballus) and their breeds (dogs: Australian shepherd, pug, Labrador retriever, Doberman, miniature schnauzer, beagle, three mixed-breed types, Yorkshire terrier, Cane Corso, Samoyed, and Chihuahua; cats: British shorthair, Himalayan cat, three mixed breed types, Siamese cat, Sphynx, and Bengal cat; horses: Norwegian Fjord, Exmoor pony, Andalusian, and Friesian; pigs: Vietnamese pot-bellied and Kunekune; sheep: Herdwick sheep and Suffolk sheep) were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotions ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ as well as valence, and the animal breed is a significant factor for the emotion ‘happy’ intensity and valence. The obtained results could be used as a personalized strategy for improving AAT and helping the individuals to select a pet.
Highlights
AAT is implemented by a licensed practitioner [9,18], and, until now, some practical challenges have been associated with the AAT methodology, including the issues of process design [19]
Emotions Induced in the Individuals by Different Animal Species
Regarding the emotion ‘sad’ evoked by different animal species, the highest emotion intensity was observed upon seeing the images of dogs (0.063), and the lowest when seeing pig images, i.e., 44.4% lower than the dog image-induced emotion results
Summary
Humans have known that animals can positively influence human health, but only recently has science begun to investigate the therapeutic effect of animals on individuals with various disorders [1,2]. AAT, defined as a therapeutic intervention incorporating animals to improve health and wellness, is based on a human–animal interaction that includes the emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment [4–8]. AAT is used to minimize autistic spectrum symptoms [12]; improve medical conditions [13], including mental functioning [14]; reduce emotional difficulties [15]; and avoid undesirable behaviors [16] and physical problems [17]. AAT is implemented by a licensed practitioner [9,18], and, until now, some practical challenges have been associated with the AAT methodology, including the issues of process design [19]. For this reason, there is an increasing interest in improving the therapy’s efficacy through research [2]. The environment in which AAT is performed and the therapy duration are influencing factors
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