Animal-assisted interventions: General considerations

Abstract

The aim of this research is to verify in the literature if the application of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) can be beneficial to those involved. It was verified that these studies are still incipient, but that the area has been growing significantly and more robust studies are being published. There is strong evidence on consulted materials on AAI benefits in the most diverse scenarios, from children to the elderly, without any group distinction. This theoretical essay is characterized by a literature revision. Inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as their descriptors, have been defined and used to ensure the content of the consulted materials. Finally, it is proposed that new studies with more stringent methodological criteria, larger samples, control groups, and longer periods must be performed.