Introduction: The use of animal-assisted therapy as a treatment modality for young people in a variety of settings is growing. Interventions have ranged from brief encounters to structured programs and group counselling, with varying results. Recently published systematic reviews on the efficacy of animal-assisted therapies include a vast range of human-animal interactions, for example living with service dogs, to brief encounters with therapy dogs, to structured equine-assisted therapy groups. Few systematic reviews of the literature have explored the efficacy of mental health interventions with adolescents, and none have focused exclusively on canine-assisted therapies (CAT). In a first of its kind, in this systematic review, we examine the use of goal-focused CAT, delivered by mental health professionals, in the treatment of mental health problems in adolescents.
Methodology: Papers published in the peer-reviewed literature were examined for goal-focused interventions, conducted by, or under the direct guidance of, mental health professionals, aimed at improving mental health outcomes for adolescents. Six studies incorporating canines (and no other species) and reporting qualitative and quantitative results were included in the analysis.
Main Findings: When combined with mental health treatments, CAT has been associated with decreases in targeted symptomatology; for example, the reduction of anger in an anger management group, the decline in PTSD symptoms in a trauma-therapy group, and the improved global functioning of adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric care. Negative results have also been reported; for example, increased depression following participation in an anger management group, and self-concept failing to improve following individual solution-focused therapy. The psychological principles underpinning the interventions were varied, including cognitive behavioural therapy, attachment theory, and solution focused therapy.
Conclusions and Implications: Efficacy of CAT is difficult to establish given the diversity of interventions, definitions and applications currently being used in the field. Systematic reviews consistently compare disparate interventions, further compromising validity and generalisability of conclusions. We call for consistency and comprehensive study of the elements and components within CAT that may be effective and provide recommendations for future professionalisation of the field.