Supervisors info:
Μιχαήλ Μαντζανάς, Καθηγητής, Ανώτατη Εκκλησιαστική Ακαδημία Αθηνών,
Γεώργιος Αραμπατζής, Μέλος ΔΕΠ, Καθηγητής , Τμήμα Φιλοσοφίας ΕΚΠΑ
Ευάγγελος Δ. Πρωτοπαπάδακης, Μέλος ΔΕΠ, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Φιλοσοφίας,ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
The unique bond that can develop between humans and animals, the importance of connection with animals, and the therapeutic properties of this connection form the core and content of this paper. The main goal is to demonstrate that animal-assisted psychotherapy is one of the most effective approaches for improving both the mental and physical health of individuals. The introduction of the paper explores the historical and evolutionary foundation of the human-animal relationship, with a particular emphasis on the significance of animal domestication and socialization in shaping this complex and ever-evolving dynamic.
Through a historical review tracing the bond between humans and animals from prehistory, the domestication of animals, and the discovery of the therapeutic qualities of human-animal interaction, we reach the 19th century, when the professional basis for the application of animal-assisted psychotherapy and various animal-related activities began to form. The paper discusses two main categories of animals: service animals, which provide support to individuals with disabilities, and therapy animals, which assist those with psychological, biological, or developmental disorders. The goal of animal-assisted therapy is to improve all of these conditions, including the physical, psychological, cognitive, and social functioning of an individual.
The steps taken to create this interaction between humans and animals involved the domestication and socialization of animals, primarily dogs and cats (the so-called companion animals), from antiquity to the present. It also involved the establishment of laws for the protection of pets, the development of theories related to biophilia, social support, and attachment, which together created a biopsychosocial model based on the influence of animals on humans. This model has been shown to improve mental health disorders (such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, and isolation) as well as psychological and physical symptoms across various age groups—children, adults, and the elderly.
The most important aspect of animal-assisted therapy is the activities involving animals. While dogs and cats are the most commonly recognized therapy animals, other animals such as horses, farm animals, and dolphins also fall into this category. These animals are often used in therapeutic interventions for motor and neurological disorders, chronic pain, communication issues, and psychological and psychiatric conditions. To ensure their proper use, various training techniques, specific legislation, and international organizations have been established to guide the ethical treatment of these animals, as the aim is not only the well-being and benefit of humans but also that of the animals. If conditions ensuring the welfare of the animals are not met, they cannot serve as effective therapists for humans.
Thus, there must be a reciprocal relationship based on respect for the rights and ethical treatment of animals, which, either directly or indirectly through their nature combined with various techniques, have been proven to act as the most significant psychotherapists for humans. The least humans can do is love and respect them
Keywords:
animal, therapy, animal assisted therapy, animal assisted activities, pet therapy, human animal bond, service animals
