Using dogs to enhance psychotherapy for children and adolescents
Effects of the Inclusion of a Dog in Psychotherapy on Children's Alliance and Treatment Motivation
This study tests if having dogs in therapy sessions can help kids and teens with mental health issues feel more motivated and connected to their therapists.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Basel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT05384808 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how dogs can be integrated into psychotherapy sessions to improve motivation and therapeutic alliance for children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 with psychiatric disorders. It compares two approaches: one where the dog is actively involved in the therapy and another where the dog is present but not part of the therapeutic context. The goal is to determine the most effective way to utilize canine assistance in therapy to benefit young patients. Participants will include both children and therapists who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 who are experiencing psychiatric disorders and have a positive or neutral attitude towards dogs.
Not a fit: Patients with acute psychosis, severe developmental disorders, or those who have a fear of dogs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance therapeutic outcomes for children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders by improving their engagement and connection with therapists.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of animals in therapy is a growing field, this specific approach to canine-assisted psychotherapy for this age group is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for children and adolescents: : * Age between 9 and 17 years * Children are seeing the therapist for the first time * Basic knowledge of child and parents in either German or English to be able to fill in questionnaires * Informed consent given by legal guardian * Positive or neutral attitude towards dogs Exclusion Criteria for children and adolescents: : * acute psychosis; early childhood autism * diagnosed developmental disorder or intellectual delay; if not diagnosed, exclusion when questionnaires cannot be completed due to development level * fear of dogs * allergic reactions to dogs * reported aggressive behavior towards animals in the past Inclusion criteria for therapists: * working with an own therapy dog * completed therapy training or if not completed far advanced therapy training under supervision * working with children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years Exclusion criteria for therapists: * not working with an own therapy dog * no completed or far advanced therapy training * not working with children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years
Where this trial is running
Basel
- University of Basel — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Karin Hediger, Prof. Dr.
- Email: karin.hediger@unibas.ch
- Phone: (+41) 61 207 69 58
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.