Date of Last Revision
2023-05-02 14:15:50
Major
Psychology
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Fall 2015
Abstract
This literature review of the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is centered on four scholarly articles published in major psychological journals discussing the reduction of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments as well as the increase in well-being and happiness in the elderly nursing- home population. Many time these residents are abandoned by family and experience little- to- no interaction with others due to understaffing at these homes. My goal through this literature review was to bring attention to an alternative form of therapy for these patients. Often patients grow sick from depression and lose their sense of self-worth but, with the addition of AAT in their daily lives, they can have something to look forward to as well as someone that is really looking forward to keeping them company. This therapy has substantial amounts of psychological and cognitive benefits as discussed in this review, and I believe that this is a new and innovative way to support our growing elderly population in the next stage of their lives.
Research Sponsor
Janice Yoder
First Reader
Jennifer Stanley
Second Reader
Kevin Kaut
Recommended Citation
Elliott, Sophia M., "The Psychological Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy on Elderly Nursing Home Patients" (2015). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 59.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/59