[Universal Credit]

http://www.skeptic.c...-02-22/#feature

Zootherapy Debunked
by Charles Danten

Zootherapy is a term “that can refer to institutionalized therapy sessions led by health professionals, or another such intermediary, as well as simply having an animal at home. The word ‘zootherapy’ is thus a generic term designating the positive impact of animals on people,”1 and I would add, the impact of people on animals, since it is generally believed that zootherapy is as good for them as it is for us.

American psychiatrist Boris Levinson, who is considered the father of animal-assisted therapy, summarized the importance that animals could have in people’s lives in several beacon articles published in the 1960s and 1970s.2 His ideas, which have been accepted into pop culture and become a leitmotif of the pet industry, offer justification for our present passion for animals. According to Levinson, an emotional relationship with an animal is in itself a physiological intervention comparable to a drug. Since the publication of his writings, this line of thinking has become so widely accepted that zootherapy is now a modern institution, with many such interventions being carried out as official treatments. They are “administered” by individuals and by organizations, all of whom aggressively promote the perceived benefits of companion animals. Here are just a few of the many praises zootherapy receives: “The enhancive and stimulating presence of an animal, and particularly that of a dog, in a school setting can thus trigger good conduct, but can also serve as a behavior modifier for young people,” writes the veterinary chronicler Dr. François Lubrina. His article put the spotlight on a group of specialized psychologists solidly embedded in small schools—much in the same way as are multinational corporations such as Coca Cola—with its program “Fudge.” The goal of the program is to create public awareness of the benefits of zootherapy.

French psychiatrist David Servan-Schreiber, author of the book Healing without Freud or Prozac, cannot say enough good things about zootherapy: “As for his depression, the most beneficial thing this patient could do would be to get himself a dog (a little dog, of course, to minimize the risk of falling). If the patient believes this to involve too much work, a cat, which won’t have to go outside, will do the job. If a cat is still too much, a bird, or even a fish will do. If the patient still refuses, then a nice apartment plant.”3

American veterinarian Marty Becker summed up the vital role he believes animals play in people’s lives at a symposium on animal wellness: “Most important, veterinary medicine is embracing the bond as a vital force for not just happy, healthy pets…but happy, healthy people as well.”4

Zootherapy supposedly contributes to better health, stimulates good conduct in children, redeems delinquents, helps autistic and disabled children improve, increases the survival rate of cancer patients, facilitates social interactions, relieves loneliness and helps animals improve their lot. But where is the proof to these claims?

(continued)

[ebonycat]

Spartikus Rex, on 23 February 2012 - 08:23 PM, said:

http://www.skeptic.c...-02-22/#feature

Zootherapy Debunked
by Charles Danten

Zootherapy is a term “that can refer to institutionalized therapy sessions led by health professionals, or another such intermediary, as well as simply having an animal at home. The word ‘zootherapy’ is thus a generic term designating the positive impact of animals on people,”1 and I would add, the impact of people on animals, since it is generally believed that zootherapy is as good for them as it is for us.

American psychiatrist Boris Levinson, who is considered the father of animal-assisted therapy, summarized the importance that animals could have in people’s lives in several beacon articles published in the 1960s and 1970s.2 His ideas, which have been accepted into pop culture and become a leitmotif of the pet industry, offer justification for our present passion for animals. According to Levinson, an emotional relationship with an animal is in itself a physiological intervention comparable to a drug. Since the publication of his writings, this line of thinking has become so widely accepted that zootherapy is now a modern institution, with many such interventions being carried out as official treatments. They are “administered” by individuals and by organizations, all of whom aggressively promote the perceived benefits of companion animals. Here are just a few of the many praises zootherapy receives: “The enhancive and stimulating presence of an animal, and particularly that of a dog, in a school setting can thus trigger good conduct, but can also serve as a behavior modifier for young people,” writes the veterinary chronicler Dr. François Lubrina. His article put the spotlight on a group of specialized psychologists solidly embedded in small schools—much in the same way as are multinational corporations such as Coca Cola—with its program “Fudge.” The goal of the program is to create public awareness of the benefits of zootherapy.

French psychiatrist David Servan-Schreiber, author of the book Healing without Freud or Prozac, cannot say enough good things about zootherapy: “As for his depression, the most beneficial thing this patient could do would be to get himself a dog (a little dog, of course, to minimize the risk of falling). If the patient believes this to involve too much work, a cat, which won’t have to go outside, will do the job. If a cat is still too much, a bird, or even a fish will do. If the patient still refuses, then a nice apartment plant.”3

American veterinarian Marty Becker summed up the vital role he believes animals play in people’s lives at a symposium on animal wellness: “Most important, veterinary medicine is embracing the bond as a vital force for not just happy, healthy pets…but happy, healthy people as well.”4

Zootherapy supposedly contributes to better health, stimulates good conduct in children, redeems delinquents, helps autistic and disabled children improve, increases the survival rate of cancer patients, facilitates social interactions, relieves loneliness and helps animals improve their lot. But where is the proof to these claims?

(continued)

if having a pet was a cure all no one would be ill,I have cats and have to get family members to look after them because I'd forget to feed them when I'm ill. They also become posessed and part of my psychosis not good for them.

[Tincan]

when i became ill at 16 i had little social contact so i got a dog and had dogs ever since . she was a grt asset to me i took her walks which i wouldnt feel comfortable doing without her, getting exercise and a motivation to do something . i had something i was responsible for the care of . she gave me unconditional loyalty and friendship something i couldnt of got from my contemporaries who understandably didnt understand me or my illness . i was comfortable round her unlike people . i found it hard somedays to cope even with a dog but persevered . she gave me a focus . she was very therapeutic at that time and a grt loss when she passed away .

[mias]

My dogs have always made me very happy. I think they can help some people no end and yes are theraputic but only to people that are actually animal lovers.

[Universal Credit]

mias, on 24 February 2012 - 10:32 PM, said:

My dogs have always made me very happy. I think they can help some people no end and yes are theraputic but only to people that are actually animal lovers.

Also allergy...matters. I'm allergic to animals and need to take anti-hystemines if I've spent too long near a furry.

[Wolfwoman]

My dog has helped me as she is the only friend i have as my other friends turned their backs on me but having a dog is not all good as i worry when she gets sick and has to go to the vet, at the minute she is nine years old and is on heart tablets and i really dread the day when she passes away.

[mias]

Wolfwoman, on 13 April 2012 - 12:56 PM, said:

My dog has helped me as she is the only friend i have as my other friends turned their backs on me but having a dog is not all good as i worry when she gets sick and has to go to the vet, at the minute she is nine years old and is on heart tablets and i really dread the day when she passes away.

Omg I really understand your feelings and worries here. My darling dog is unwell right now, has been since Tuesday. She has tests tomorrow, I hope they can make her feel better, she is sleeping beside me as I write this.
It is amazing just how much love you can feel for an animal.

[ghost]

I watched an interesting short TED talk the other day about morality in animals. The look on the monkeys face and reaction when he doesn't get treated fairly, @ 13 minutes in, makes me chuckle- http://www.ted.com/t...ave_morals.html