Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective of Animal - Assisted Therapy

Title

Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective of Animal - Assisted Therapy

Creator

Hunjan U.G.; Reddy K.J.

Description

Animal-assisted therapy is a new and upcoming form of therapy that has shown multifarious benefits to participants. It is a goal-oriented therapeutic process with the incorporation of a qualified therapy animal in the therapeutic activities and conversations. This paper explores these benefits from a psychoneuroimmunological lens, wherein the interplay of and impact on an individual's psychological, neurological and immune systems are discussed. Positive physical interaction with therapy animals reduces undesirable symptoms and ailments such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, aggressive tendencies, harmful behaviours, cardiovascular issues and unhealthy tendencies amongst others. It further promotes a healthier lifestyle, promoting quality of life, better heart health, cognitive functioning and overall well-being. The biological basis of these benefits is discussed. 2024 Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Source

Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal, Vol-17, No. 3, pp. 1831-1836.

Date

2024-01-01

Publisher

Oriental Scientific Publishing Company

Subject

Animal-assisted therapy; Health; Immunity; Psychoneuroimmunology; Therapy Dog

Coverage

Hunjan U.G., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Reddy K.J., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore, India

Rights

All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 9746242

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13005/bpj/2988

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85207117398&doi=10.13005%2fbpj%2f2988&partnerID=40&md5=26d491707e45b13e6d1c4068ba44e0eb