How Dogs Influence the Evaluation of Psychotherapists
Abstract
Research has shown that the presence of a companion animal reduces anxiety, encourages interaction among humans and enhances the way in which people are perceived. These are all effects which would be useful in a psychotherapeutic setting. On this basis the current study investigated the effect of the presence of a dog on the way in which people perceive psychotherapists. The study utilized an experimental design in which participants viewed a videotape of one of two therapists who were either with or without a dog. It was hypothesized that people would respond more positively to the psychotherapists when accompanied by a dog; specifically, that they would be more generally satisfied and would be more willing to disclose personal information, and that these effects would be influenced by attitudes towards pets. The first two hypotheses were confirmed. The effect was most pronounced among those who were the least positive toward the psychotherapist, demonstrating a ceiling effect. Contrary to the last hypothesis, attitudes toward pets had no influence on the perceptions of psychotherapists. History of pet ownership had only minimal impact on the results. Practical applications and directions for further research are discussed.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Animal presence makes strangers and therapists seem more trustworthy and makes people feel more safe and comfortable disclosing.
“Animal presence makes strangers and therapists seem more trustworthy and makes people feel more safe and comfortable disclosing [53–55].”
From Incorporating animal-assisted therapy in mental health treatments for adolescents: A systematic review of canine assisted psychotherapy (2019) · cites this paper as [55]
Existing literature suggests that the inclusion of a canine into psychotherapy improves therapeutic alliance, trust and willingness to disclose [37, 55].
“This is in line with existing literature that suggests that the inclusion of a canine into psychotherapy improves therapeutic alliance, trust and willingness to disclose [37, 55].”
From Incorporating animal-assisted therapy in mental health treatments for adolescents: A systematic review of canine assisted psychotherapy (2019) · cites this paper as [55]
Cites
From dissertation abstracts international
(1974) · ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics · doi:10.1145/988616.988619 · Cited by 12,207 · see citing works
A review of therapist characteristics and techniques positively impacting the therapeutic alliance
Ackerman, S. J., & Hilsenroth, M. J. (2003) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/s0272-7358(02)00146-0 · Cited by 1,173 · see citing works
Self-Disclosure: An Experimental Analysis of the Transparent Self
Jourard, S. M. (1971) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 1,085 · see citing works
Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change
Kepecs, J. G. (1980) · American Journal of Psychotherapy · doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1980.34.1.131 · Cited by 967 · see citing works
Handbook on animal-assisted therapy. Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice
Fine, A. H. (2010) · Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) · doi:10.5167/uzh-46614 · Cited by 762 · see citing works
Animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit.
(1980) · PubMed Central · Cited by 694 · see citing works
New perspectives on our lives with companion animals
Katcher, A. H., & Beck, A. M. (1983) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 646 · see citing works
Dogs as catalysts for social interactions: Robustness of the effect
McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2000) · British Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1348/000712600161673 · Cited by 559 · see citing works
Friedmann, E., & Thomas, S. A. (1995) · The American Journal of Cardiology · doi:10.1016/s0002-9149(99)80343-9 · Cited by 489 · see citing works
Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Anderson, W. P., Reid, C. M., & Jennings, G. (1992) · The Medical Journal of Australia · doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.1992.tb137178.x · Cited by 449 · see citing works
The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients
Barker, S. B., & Dawson, K. S. (1998) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/ps.49.6.797 · Cited by 415 · see citing works
Between pets and people : the importance of animal companionship
Beck, A. M., & Katcher, A. H. (1996) · Purdue e-Pubs (Purdue University System) · Cited by 338 · see citing works
Development and validation of revisions in the Counselor Rating Form.
Corrigan, J. D., & Schmidt, L. D. (1983) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.30.1.64 · Cited by 310 · see citing works
Future Directions in Human-Animal Bond Research
Beck, A. M., & Katcher, A. H. (2003) · American Behavioral Scientist · doi:10.1177/0002764203255214 · Cited by 280 · see citing works
Horvath, A. O. (2001) · Psychotherapy · doi:10.1037/0033-3204.38.4.365 · Cited by 249 · see citing works
The Construction of a Pet Attitude Scale
Templer, D. I., Salter, C. A., Dickey, S., Baldwin, R. T., & Veleber, D. M. (1981) · The Psychological Record · doi:10.1007/bf03394747 · Cited by 241 · see citing works
The Pet Connection: Its Influence on Our Health and Quality of Life
Anderson, R. K., Hart, B. L., & Hart, L. A. (1984) · Cited by 188 · see citing works
Health Enhancement and Companion Animal Ownership
Beck, A. M., & Meyers, N. M. (1996) · Annual Review of Public Health · doi:10.1146/annurev.pu.17.050196.001335 · Cited by 180 · see citing works
Allen, K. (1996) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.275.13.1001 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
The Effects of Service Dogs on Social Acknowledgments of People in Wheelchairs
Eddy, J. B., Hart, L. A., & Boltz, R. P. (1988) · The Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1080/00223980.1988.10542941 · Cited by 169 · see citing works
Socializing Effects of Service Dogs for People with Disabilities
Hart, L. A., Hart, B. L., & Bergin, B. (1987) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279388787058696 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
The Social Meanings of Pets: Alternative Roles for Companion Animals
Veevers, J. E. (2016) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315784656-3 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Marr, C. A., French, L., Thompson, D., Drum, L., Greening, G., Mormon, J., Henderson, I., & Hughes, C. W. (2000) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279300786999950 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
THE EFFECTS OF A COMPANION ANIMAL ON DISTRESS IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING DENTAL PROCEDURES
Havener, L., Gentes, L., Thaler, B., Megel, M. E., Baun, M. M., Driscoll, F. A., Beiraghi, S., & Agrawal, N. (2001) · Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing · doi:10.1080/01460860118472 · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Current Psychiatric Therapies: 1965
W.D. (1966) · Psychosomatics · doi:10.1016/s0033-3182(66)72207-5 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Friedmann, E. (2006) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-012369484-3/50005-0 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
Investigation of what clients and counselors do not say in brief therapy.
Regan, A. M., & Hill, C. E. (1992) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.39.2.168 · Cited by 109 · see citing works
Pet dogs as nonverbal communication links in hospital psychiatry
Corson, S. A., Arnold, L. E., Gwynne, P. H., & Corson, E. O. (1977) · Comprehensive Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/s0010-440x(77)80008-4 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
Evaluating counselor effectiveness: A critical review of rating scale instruments.
Ponterotto, J. G., & Furlong, M. J. (1985) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.32.4.597 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Role of Small Animals in Social Interactions between Strangers
Hunt, S. J., Hart, L. A., & Gomulkiewicz, R. S. (1992) · The Journal of Social Psychology · doi:10.1080/00224545.1992.9922976 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Benefits and Liabilities of Pets for the Homeless
Kidd, A. H., & Kidd, R. M. (1994) · Psychological Reports · doi:10.2466/pr0.1994.74.3.715 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Katcher, A. H., Segal, H., & Beck, A. M. (1984) · American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis · doi:10.1080/00029157.1984.10402583 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
Premature termination at a university counseling center.
Kokotovic, A. M., & Tracey, T. J. G. (1987) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.34.1.80 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
A prestigious introduction, psychological jargon, and perceived counselor credibility.
Atkinson, D. R., & Carskaddon, G. (1975) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/h0076711 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
Utilization of animals as therapeutic adjuncts with children and youth: A review of the literature
Mallon, G. P. (1992) · Child & Youth Care Forum · doi:10.1007/bf00757348 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Factor structure of the Counselor Rating Form—Short.
Tracey, T. J. G., Glidden, C. E., & Kokotovic, A. M. (1988) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.35.3.330 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Human/companion animal therapy
Levinson, B. M. (1984) · Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy · doi:10.1007/bf00946311 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Does a Dog's Presence Make a Person Appear More Likable?: Two Studies
Rossbach, K. A., & Wilson, J. P. (1992) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279392787011593 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Some of our best therapists are dogs
Mallon, G. P. (1994) · Child & Youth Care Forum · doi:10.1007/bf02209256 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Disclosure to therapists: What is and is not discussed in psychotherapy
Farber, B. A., & Hall, D. A. (2002) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.1148 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Perception of Animals and Cardiovascular Responses During Verbalization With an Animal Present
Friedmann, E., Locker, B. Z., & Lockwood, R. (1993) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279393787002303 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Effectiveness of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Holcomb, R., & Meacham, M. (1989) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279389787057902 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
Domestic animal visitation as therapy with adult home residents
Francis, G. M., Turner, J. T., & Johnson, S. B. (1985) · International Journal of Nursing Studies · doi:10.1016/0020-7489(85)90003-3 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
The Environment and Mental Health: A Guide for Clinicians
Lacy, T. J. (1999) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/ps.50.10.1366-a · Cited by 56 · see citing works
ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Cole, K. M., & Gawlinski, A. (1995) · Nursing Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/s0029-6465(22)00098-6 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
The Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions
Rowan, A., & Beck, A. M. (1994) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279394787001916 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
The value of service dogs for people with severe ambulatory disabilities
Allen, K. R., & Blascovich, J. (1996) · International Journal of Trauma Nursing · doi:10.1016/s1075-4210(96)80059-9 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Health, Aquariums, and the Non-Institutionalized Elderly
Riddick, C. C. (1985) · Marriage & Family Review · doi:10.1300/j002v08n03_12 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Animal-assisted therapy in the treatment of disruptive behavior disorders in children
Katcher, A. H., & Wilkins, G. G. (1998) · Cited by 46 · see citing works
A WINE BOTTLE, PLANT, AND PUPPY: Catalysts for social behavior
Robb, S. S., Boyd, M., & Pristash, C. L. (1980) · Journal of Gerontological Nursing · doi:10.3928/0098-9134-19801201-07 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Validation and Use of the Animal Thematic Apperception Test (ATAT)
Friedmann, E., & Lockwood, R. (1991) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279391787057134 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Concurrent and Construct Validity of Three Counselor Social Influence Instruments.
Wilson, F. R., & Yager, G. G. (1990) · Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Pet Ownership and Nonownership among Elderly in Arizona
Netting, E. F., Wilson, C. C., & Fruge, C. (1988) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279389787058154 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Pets as Adjunct Therapists in a Residence For Former Psychiatric Patients
Nielsen, J. A., & Delude, L. A. (1994) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279394787001907 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Peacock, C. A. (1984) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 9 · see citing works
The unevenness of psychiatric care
Udell, B., & Hornstra, R. K. (1977) · Comprehensive Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/s0010-440x(77)80002-3 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
People and Animals: A Timeless Relationship
Schneider, M. (2005) · Society and Animals · doi:10.1163/1568530054300208 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
2 of the 59 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234 · Cited by 904 · see citing works
“…et al. (2006) Occupational therapy with and without dog Children with autism, age 7–13 22 More language use and social interaction in dog condition Schneider and Harley (2006) Watching video of psychotherapists with and without dog present in the video Adult students 85 More self-disclosure…”
Toward a psychology of human–animal relations.
Amiot, C. E., & Bastian, B. B. (2014) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/a0038147 · Cited by 374 · see citing works
The human-companion animal bond: How humans benefit
Friedmann, E., & Son, H. (2009) · Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice · doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.10.015 · Cited by 299 · see citing works
The Benefits of Human–Companion Animal Interaction: A Review
Barker, S. B., & Wolen, A. R. (2008) · Journal of Veterinary Medical Education · doi:10.3138/jvme.35.4.487 · Cited by 276 · see citing works
Jones, M. G., Rice, S. M., & Cotton, S. M. (2019) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0210761 · Cited by 164 · see citing works
“This is in line with existing literature that suggests that the inclusion of a canine into psychotherapy improves therapeutic alliance, trust and willingness to disclose [37, 55].”
ResultTheories and possible processes of action in animal assisted interventions
Beetz, A. (2017) · Applied Developmental Science · doi:10.1080/10888691.2016.1262263 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
“In addition, the company of animals seems to promote the trust of others toward the accompanied person (Gueguen & Cicotti, 2008; Schneider & Harley, 2006), which is especially important for teachers and therapists working within AAIs.”
BackgroundBrief Unstructured Interaction with a Dog Reduces Distress
Crossman, M. K., Kazdin, A. E., & Knudson, K. A. (2015) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2015.1070008 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
“The strength of the appeal of animals is well illustrated by the fact that the mere presence of an animal enhances perceptions of psychotherapists (Schneider and Harley 2006).”
Pendry, P., & Vandagriff, J. L. (2019) · AERA Open · doi:10.1177/2332858419852592 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
People and Companion Animals: It Takes Two to Tango
Amiot, C. E., Bastian, B. B., & Martens, P. (2016) · BioScience · doi:10.1093/biosci/biw051 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
Effects of Interactions With Animals On Human Psychological Distress
Crossman, M. K. (2016) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22410 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Social capital and pet ownership – A tale of four cities
Wood, L. J., Martin, K., Christian, H. E., Houghton, S. J., Kawachi, I. I., Vallesi, S., & McCune, S. (2017) · SSM - Population Health · doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2017.05.002 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
“Some observational studies have found that the presence of a companion animal enhances perceptions of the trustworthiness of other people (Guéguen & Ciccotti, 2008; Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
BackgroundEvans, N., & Gray, C. (2011) · The British Journal of Social Work · doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcr091 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Animal Visitation Programs in Colleges and Universities
Crossman, M. K., & Kazdin, A. E. (2015) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-801292-5.00024-9 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Hediger, K., Wagner, J., Künzi, P., Haefeli, A., Theis, F., Grob, C., Pauli, E., & Gerger, H. (2021) · European Journal of Psychotraumatology · doi:10.1080/20008198.2021.1879713 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
“It is often hypothesized that animals can facilitate contact between therapists and patients (Julius, Beetz, Kotrschal, Turner, & Uvnäs-Moberg, 2013; Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
BackgroundRodriguez, K. E., Bibbo, J. L., & O’Haire, M. E. (2019) · Disability and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1080/09638288.2018.1524520 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Borrego, J. L.-C. (2020) · Animals · doi:10.3390/ani10060985 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“Second, as far as the clients’ expectations are concerned, the literature shows that the presence of animals can affect their perception of the therapist and their attitude toward disclosing personal information—elements that affect the probability of success [44,45].”
BackgroundThe Effects of Animal-Assisted Activities on College Students Before and After a Final Exam
Jarolmen, J., & Patel, G. (2018) · Journal of Creativity in Mental Health · doi:10.1080/15401383.2018.1425941 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Evaluating care farming as a means to care for those in trauma and grief
Cacciatore, J., Gorman, R., & Thieleman, K. (2020) · Health & Place · doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102281 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Factors Affecting Social Workers' Inclusion of Animals in Practice
Risley-Curtiss, C., Rogge, M. E., & Kawam, E. (2013) · Social Work · doi:10.1093/sw/swt009 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Clark, S. D., Martin, F., McGowan, R. T. S., Smidt, J. M., Anderson, R. E., Wang, L., Turpin, T., Langenfeld-McCoy, N., Bauer, B. A., & Mohabbat, A. B. (2020) · Mayo Clinic Proceedings · doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.04.037 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Flynn, E., Zoller, A. G., Gandenberger, J., & Morris, K. N. (2021) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/appi.ps.202000585 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Self-disclosure with Dogs: Dog Owners’ and Non-dog Owners’ Willingness to Disclose Emotional Topics
Evans-Wilday, A. S., Hall, S. S., Hogue, T. E., & Mills, D. S. (2018) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2018.1455467 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Salivary Studies of the Social Neuroscience of Human–Animal Interaction
Pendry, P., & Vandagriff, J. L. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-35784-9_23 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Bryan, J. L., Quist, M. C., Young, C. M., Steers, M. N., Foster, D. W., & Lü, Q. (2014) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2014.04.003 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“The medical outcomes study (MOS) social support scale (Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991) The 19-item MOS was used to evaluate participants' perceived access to emotional and informational support (eight items; e.g., ''You have someone to give you good advice about a crisis''), tangible support (four…”
MethodResearch in the use of animals as a treatment for humans
Thodberg, K., Berget, B., & Lidfors, L. (2014) · Animal Frontiers · doi:10.2527/af.2014-0021 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Rodriguez, K. E., Bibbo, J. L., & O’Haire, M. E. (2022) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101534 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Disability and Assistance Dog Implicit Association Test: A novel IAT.
Coleman, J. A., Ingram, K. M., Bays, A., Joy-Gaba, J. A., & Boone, E. L. (2015) · Rehabilitation Psychology · doi:10.1037/rep0000025 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Dai, C., Chen, Y., & Zheng, Q. (2021) · Human Ecology · doi:10.1007/s10745-020-00208-7 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Who let the dogs out? Therapy dogs in clinical practice
Jones, M., Rice, S., & Cotton, S. (2018) · Australasian Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/1039856217749056 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
The Role of an Animal-Mascot in the Psychological Adjustment of Soldiers Exposed to Combat Stress
Trousselard, M., Jean, A., Beiger, F., Marchandot, F., Davoust, B., & Canini, F. (2014) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2014.515188 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“Independent from the individual or group level, the presence of a pet is known to afford such wellbeing (Friedmann & Heesook, 2009; Headey & Grabka, 2007) even in stressful situations (Schneider & Harley, 2006; Caprilli & Messeri, 2006).”
BackgroundKünzi, P., Ackert, M., Holtforth, M. G., Hund‐Georgiadis, M., & Hediger, K. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-14584-1 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
The Impact of Therapeutic Riding for People with Disabilities on Variables Related to Mental Health
Schneider, M. S., & Harley, L. P. (2016) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2015.1069987 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Self-citationEnhancing Special Education Environments with Animal-Assisted Interventions at Green Chimneys
Kaufmann, M. E., Beetz, A., Kinoshita, M., & Ross, S. (2015) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-801292-5.00015-8 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Effects of Interaction with Virtual Pets on Self-Disclosure in Mixed Reality
Lim, S., & Dong, S.-Y. (2023) · Proceedings - International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality, ISMAR · doi:10.1109/ismar59233.2023.00014 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Delgado-Rodríguez, R., Madroñal, R. C., Villalba, C. V., Martos, R., & Ordóñez-Pérez, D. (2022) · Journal of Veterinary Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.005 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Wagner, C., Gaab, J., & Hediger, K. (2023) · Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2023.01.004 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Flynn, E., Roguski, J., Wolf, J. D., Trujillo, K., Tedeschi, P. J., & Morris, K. N. (2018) · Child Maltreatment · doi:10.1177/1077559518817678 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Delgado-Rodríguez, R., Cabrera, P. M., Ordóñez-Pérez, D., & Martos, R. (2022) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2022.2141968 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Those results are in line with literature indicating that attitudes toward animals do not modulate the effect of the presence of a dog on participants’ perceptions (Friedmann et al., 1993; Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialThe Effect of Dog Presence on the Therapeutic Alliance: A Systematic Review
Collier, T., Bennett, P. C., Rohlf, V., & Howell, T. J. (2022) · Veterinary Sciences · doi:10.3390/vetsci9120669 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Two of the included studies used the Counsellor Rating Form–Short Version (CRF-S) to measure the therapeutic alliance [11,16].”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialThe Potential Influence of a Companion-Animal's Presence on Aspects of the Therapeutic Alliance
Goldmann, K. M., Hatfield, D. R., & Terepka, A. (2015) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2015.1070009 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Drop‐out rates in animal‐assisted psychotherapy – Results of a quantitative meta‐analysis
Seeger, L., Kübler, A., & Hilger, K. (2024) · British Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjc.12492 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“…better trust-building, improved therapeutic relationships (Balluerka et al., 2015; Ewing et al., 2007; Karol, 2007; McCullough et al., 2015; Redefer & Goodman, 1989), and a generally more positive attitude towards the therapist (Schneider & Harley, 2006) have been observed when animals are present.”
Relationship Between Patient Satisfaction and the Presence of Cats in Psychiatric Wards
Templin, J. C., Hediger, K., Wagner, C., & Lang, U. E. (2018) · The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0263 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Advancing the Practice of Animal-Assisted Counseling Through Measurable Standards
Hartwig, E. K. (2020) · Journal of Creativity in Mental Health · doi:10.1080/15401383.2020.1792382 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Schneider and Harley (2006) found that the presence of a companion dog in a counseling session positively influenced the client’s perception of the practitioner and increased the client’s willingness to disclose in a session. Chandler (2017) notes that the practitioner-animal alliance is a model for clients to recogni…”
BackgroundInfluentialNorouzi, N., Gottsacker, M., Bruder, G., Wisniewski, P., Bailenson, J., & Welch, G. (2022) · IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces · doi:10.1109/vr51125.2022.00050 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“For instance, Schneider and Harley [51] found that participants who watched videos of a psychotherapist with a dog were more satisfied compared to the one without a dog.”
BackgroundAnimal-Assisted Activities in Colleges and Universities
Crossman, M. K. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815395-6.00022-5 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
A Dog’s Perspective on Animal-Assisted Interventions
Glenk, L. M. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-30734-9_15 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Grundlagen und Effekte einer hundegestützten Leseförderung
Heyer, M., & Beetz, A. (2014) · Pedocs (German Institute for International Educational Research) · doi:10.25656/01:9251 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R. M., Hellyer, P. W., & Rishniw, M. (2019) · Journal of Veterinary Medical Education · doi:10.3138/jvme.1017-148r · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Wagner, C., Gaab, J., Locher, C., & Hediger, K. (2021) · Frontiers in Pain Research · doi:10.3389/fpain.2021.714469 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Dai, C. (2022) · Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine · doi:10.1186/s13002-022-00559-z · Cited by 5 · see citing works
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND HORSES: IMPLICATIONS FOR EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPIES
Toukonen, M. (2011) · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Vandagriff, J. L., Carr, A. M., Roeter, S. M., & Pendry, P. (2021) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2021.1996025 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“…perhaps feel more receptive to social support, mental health outreach, and/or academic support interventions similar to the documented influence of dogs and cats on students’ evaluation of professors (Wells & Perine, 2001) and clients’ satisfaction with psychotherapists (Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
BackgroundCrossman, M. K., Kazdin, A. E., Galbraith, K., Eros, L., & Santos, L. R. (2018) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2018.1406202 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Camaioni, N. (2013) · D-Scholarship@Pitt (University of Pittsburgh) · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Delgado-Rodríguez, R., Gantiva, C., Ordóñez-Pérez, D., & Linares, R. (2023) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2023.2280375 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“The fi ndings are in line with previous literature indicating that attitudes toward animals do not modulate the e ff ect of the presence of a dog on participants ’ perceptions (Friedmann et al., 1993; Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
ResultBringing human‐animal interaction to sport: Potential impacts on athletic performance
Marvin, S., Sorenson, K., & Stevens, J. R. (2021) · European Journal of Sport Science · doi:10.1080/17461391.2021.1916084 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“In addition, psychotherapists paired with the dogs were seen as more trustworthy than psychotherapists without dogs (Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
BackgroundDo Dogs Really Influence How People Evaluate Psychotherapists? A Conceptual Replication Attempt
Braun, M. N., Issler, T. C., Schanz, C. G., Sopp, M. R., Michael, T., & Lass‐Hennemann, J. (2025) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2025.2482327 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“To measure the willingness to self-disclose, we used the Disclosure to Therapists Inventory-VI (DTI-VI; Farber et al., 2008), a newer version of the DTI-III employed in the original study (Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
InfluentialOlder Adults and Pets—Physical and Psychological Benefits
Kogan, L. R. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-30097-9_13 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Isenstein, S. G. E. (2018) · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Tiergestützte Therapie aus systemischer Sicht
Hörsting, A.-K. (2020) · Familiendynamik · doi:10.21706/fd-45-3-228 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Hediger, K., Lunzenfichter, M., Markzoll, E., Arnskötter, W., Schaudeck, M., & Kluger, G. J. (2025) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0320238 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Day, M. (2025) · Journal of arts, humanities and social science. · doi:10.69739/jahss.v2i3.945 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
AKTUELLE PERSPEKTIVER PÅ MENNESKERS FORHOLD TIL DYR – EN DANSK INTRODUKTION
Hansen, T. G. B., & Thodberg, K. (2015) · Psyke & Logos · doi:10.7146/pl.v35i2.22359 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Thodberg, K., & Christensen, J. W. (2015) · Psyke & Logos · doi:10.7146/pl.v35i2.22360 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
MacNamara, M. (2013) · Digital Commons - DU (University of Denver) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Tiergestützte Therapie in Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Huß, E., & Seemüller, F. (2022) · InFo Neurologie + Psychiatrie · doi:10.1007/s15005-022-3090-x · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Barzen, A. (2023) · HETI Journal International Research and Practice · doi:10.58862/erfo9786 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Coleman, J. A. (2013) · PubMed · doi:10.25772/9b6t-ex67 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“by asking participants, “Do you currently have any pets?” Schneider and Harley (2006) asked about current and past pet ownership, but did not specify how they phrased their question.”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialGlenk, L. M. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-27143-5_8 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Animal-Assisted Interventions and Psychotherapy
Winston, E. K. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-10330-8_6 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Meanings Attached to Companion Animals by Russian-Speaking Young Women with AnorexiaPreprint
Mikhaylova, O. R. (2022) · doi:10.31219/osf.io/crh2d
Contribuições de animais na clínica: um estudo em psicologia analítica
de Carvalho, H. K. F., Guimarães, P. P. V., & Catta-Preta, M. V. (2024) · Junguiana · doi:10.70435/junguiana.v41i3.57
Braun, M. N., Michael, T., Equit, M., & Lass‐Hennemann, J. (2025) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-101648
Quick, K. M. (2025) · Police Practice and Research · doi:10.1080/15614263.2025.2566731
“Previous research found that dogs promote trust between humans in various contexts (Rossbach & Wilson, 1992; Schneider & Harley, 2006).”
The impact of therapy dogs on perceptions of police officers
Delzio, M. C., Clements, M., & Rodriguez, K. E. (2026) · Human-Animal Interactions · doi:10.1079/hai.2026.0003
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Geriatric Mental Health
Narvekar, H. N. (2026) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-95-2121-0_29
Braun, M. N., Michael, T., Hauck, A., de Sá, D. S. F., & Lass‐Hennemann, J. (2026) · Journal of Experimental Psychopathology · doi:10.1177/20438087261467795
“This pattern is consistent with the notion that dogs may function as social facilitators or “icebreakers” in therapeutic contexts (e.g., Braun et al., 2025; Schneider & Harley, 2006; Wesley et al., 2009).”
The Impact of Animal-Assisted Treatment on Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation
Shih, H., Martin, F., Ness, D. K., Romine, W. M., Peck, T., Turpin, T., Horoschak, R., Steeby, C. C., Phillips, H. N., Claypool, M., et al. (2026) · Mayo Clinic Proceedings · doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2026.04.012
- Authors
- Schneider, M. S., & Harley, L. P.
- Affiliations
- University of Toronto (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Schneider, Margaret S.
- Venue
- Anthrozoös
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2006-06
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 128-142
- ISSN
- 0892-7936 (ISSN-L)
- 1753-0377
- OpenAlex
- W2038507508
- Cited by
- 80
- References
- 59
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 0.38
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Anthrozoös (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Social Robot Interaction and HRI
- Keywords
- dogs, psychotherapists, consumer perception, client satisfaction, personal information disclosure, pet ownership, human-animal interaction, therapeutic relationship
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
