Exploring how dog presence and oxytocin affect trust towards therapists
Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Trust Towards Therapists and Dogs: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Adults
PHASE2; PHASE3 · University of Basel · NCT06248710
This study is testing whether having a dog present during therapy and using an oxytocin nasal spray can help people with depression feel more trust towards their therapists.
Quick facts
| Phase | PHASE2; PHASE3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 176 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Basel (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel, Canton of Basel-City) |
| Trial ID | NCT06248710 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of oxytocin in enhancing trust towards therapists through the presence of dogs during therapy sessions. Participants will receive either an oxytocin nasal spray, engage in an Animal-Assisted Intervention, or receive a placebo. The research aims to clarify the neuroendocrine mechanisms that may facilitate human-animal bonding and improve therapeutic outcomes for individuals with depressive symptoms. By examining these interactions, the study seeks to advance the understanding of animal-assisted interventions in mental health care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are experiencing depressive symptoms and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a fear of dogs, or have certain chronic diseases or ongoing psychological treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve therapeutic relationships and outcomes for patients with depressive symptoms through enhanced trust facilitated by oxytocin and dog presence.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of oxytocin in human bonding is well-established, the specific application of oxytocin in enhancing trust through human-animal interactions is still being explored, making this study a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Being scared of dogs or dog hair allergy by self-report * Any acute or chronic disease (e.g., chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, skin pathologies etc.) * Current medications (psychoactive medication, narcotics, intake of analgesics) or being currently in psychological or psychiatric treatment * Drug consumption (THC, cocaine, heroin, etc.) within the past 24h before study appointment * Ongoing psychotherapy treatment * Sexual Intercourse within the past 24h before study appointment * Current disease involving respiratory system (e.g., influence, asthma etc.) * Insufficient German language skills to understand the instructions
Where this trial is running
Basel, Canton of Basel-City
- University of Basel — Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Karin Hediger, Prof. Dr.
- Email: elena.pauli@unibas.ch
- Phone: +41 (0)61 207 65 80
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Depressive Symptoms, Human-Animal Interaction, Animal-Assisted Interventions, Trust