Kathy Compton, LCSW, is interim division head and lecturer in the psychology program at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC). Included in her program is coursework in animal-assisted therapy, which provides student’s first-hand experience from Compton’s farm located in the rolling hills of rural Bartholomew County.
The IUPUC program, that Compton developed, studies human-animal interaction. The curriculum not only offers the theories of animal-assisted therapy, but explores the impact of animals on various topics relevant to child development, and the physical effects of psychological treatment.
Although the study is in its infancy, Compton suggests that our pets not only make us happier, caring for animals positively impacts our physical and mental well-being. Not surprisingly it is becoming a common practice to see animals, particularly dogs and cats, in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and jails.
During her summer class session, Compton conducted several lectures and demonstrations of animal interaction at her farm. Her students interfaced with her animals, and through interactions they gained a greater understanding of animal therapy. In her lecture, she related the behavior patterns of an animal to clinical experiences. Her introduction includes personal exerts from her independent studies, plus studies from experts that agree animal assisted therapy benefits:
• Abused and neglected children
• Children with Autism
• Children with attention deficit disorder
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or other problematic medical treatments
• Veterans who are struggling to cope with the effects of wartime military service
• People with cardiovascular disease
As an example of the physical benefits, dog owners with a risk of heart disease experience an increase in their health through the physical activity associated with active play and walks. Additionally, says Compton, “Through interaction with animals, people often experience the health benefit of feeling less stressful.
Another great example involves the parents of a child who sought greater methods of interpersonal communication with their child. Like many children with autism spectrum disorder, their child would not make eye contact. During a visit to Compton's farm, the child was introduced to several animals. Compton told the child that when giving an animal directions, it is important to look into their eyes. The parents were delighted to witness their child following Compton’s instructions when interacting with the animals.
Dr. Mark Jaime is assistant professor of psychology at IUPUC and a recognized researcher in early social cognitive neurodevelopment in autism spectrum disorder. “There have been several published studies that have reported improvements in certain social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder during animal-assisted therapy. Although more research is needed, these studies suggest that animal-assisted therapies, combined with established treatment methods, are potentially beneficial for children with ASD."
When conducting animal assisted therapy sessions, Compton says, “It is critical to only use certified therapy animals in therapy sessions. These animals have been tested and demonstrated a natural ability to interact in therapeutic ways that support the human animal bond. Examples of things expected from a therapy animal include experiences like horses being comfortable working closely with wheel chairs, interacting with angry and aggressive behaviors, and with people who may not understand how to keep themselves safe. With any therapy animal it is our job to help them to be comfortable in our human environments such as loud noise, traffic, and a variety of unpredictable situations that could occur.”
Compton also explains, “The most important part of including animals in therapeutic environments is to have a human and animal team that is able to interpret the events during the session and facilitate a healing process. For many people, the opportunity to be outside in the quiet country side opens their thought processes and the animals help them to discover new solutions.”