Attitudes and Intentions Regarding Animal-Assisted Interventions: Associated Variables Among Southern Spanish Psychologists
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined acceptance of animal-assisted interventions ( AAI s) among Spanish psychologists ( N = 332; mostly women). Participants reported attachment to animals, empathy, anthropomorphism, attitudes toward AAI, AAI knowledge, and intention to use AAI . Although less than 20% had AAI training, over 85% of participants were interested in using AAI s. Considering companion animals as human social equivalents and having specific AAI training were associated with more positive expectations of AAI , while personal distress was negatively associated. The variables influencing interest in developing AAI were positive attitudes, anthropomorphism, being female, and training, explaining 59% of the variance. Results showed that AAI s have high acceptance among psychology professionals, but interest in implementation was stronger when participants had positive attitudes toward AAI , showed high levels of anthropomorphism, and were female, rather than as a result of AAI training. Representing and publicizing AAI s as evidence-based treatments is important to enhance professional growth in the field.
Source: Society and Animals
Institution: Universidad de Sevilla
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4389952655