Psychological and physiological evaluation of animal-assisted therapy using POMS and salivary amylase

Abstract

[Purpose] The effect of animal-assisted therapy was verified using psychological and physiological methods. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 30 Saga University students (15 males, 15 females), aged 20.6 ± 0.7 years old (mean ± SD). The subjects interacted with a goat, the intervention animal, and POMS and salivary amylase activity were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] POMS and salivary amylase activity decreased significantly after the intervention compared to prior to the intervention. [Conclusion] The results show the psychological and physiological effects of animal-assisted therapy. The study methods can be applied to the rehabilitation of elderly people with disabilities, and to determine the therapeutic effect.