Animal-assisted therapy
Animal-assisted therapy
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) (/ˈænɪməl əˈsɪstɪd θɛrəpi/), also known as pet therapy, is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning.
Etymology
The term "animal-assisted therapy" is derived from the English words "animal", "assist", and "therapy". "Animal" comes from the Latin word "animalis" meaning having breath, "assist" comes from the Latin word "assistere" meaning to stand by, and "therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia" meaning healing.
History
The use of animals in therapeutic settings dates back to ancient civilizations. However, the formal practice of AAT is relatively recent, with the first documented use in the 18th century at the York Retreat in England, a facility established by the Quakers.
Methodology
AAT can be implemented in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. The therapy can involve different types of animals, but the most common are dogs and cats. The animals used in AAT are often specially trained to handle the stress of a therapeutic environment.
Benefits
Research has shown that AAT can have numerous benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression, improved mood, and better social interaction. It can also help with physical health, such as lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Animal-assisted therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Animal-assisted therapy
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