Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/131699
Type: Thesis
Title: Assistance Dogs and Human Health and Wellbeing
Author: Barbato, Isabella
Issue Date: 2020
School/Discipline: School of Psychology
Abstract: Research in the area of assistance dogs is largely inconclusive. A systematic review of the best available evidence to determine the effects assistance dogs may have on individuals’ disability is needed to guide knowledge and understanding of the area. Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology a synthesis of experimental and observational analytic studies on guide, hearing and service dogs aimed to determine their current level of effectiveness in assisting human health and wellbeing. Based on apriori inclusion criteria a total of 20 studies were included in the review; one randomised controlled trial, 12 quasi-experimental studies, 5 cross-sectional studies and two mixed methods design. Studies varied greatly in population, intervention, outcome measures and conclusions drawn. The overall quality of included studies was poor. The most frequently investigated disability-type was physical (guide, hearing, mobility, alert and response dogs), followed by psychological (psychiatric dogs), then social (autism service dogs). Outcomes varied, with some potentially positive effects of assistance dogs evident, but with significant methodological issues present throughout. Heterogenic findings limit recommendations for future practice, however, multiple future research recommendation are made.
Dissertation Note: Thesis (M.Psych(Health)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2020
Keywords: Masters; Psychology; Health
Description: This item is only available electronically.
Provenance: This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the author of this thesis and do not wish it to be made publicly available, or you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
Appears in Collections:School of Psychology

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