Impact on Psychological Healing in Adult Women with High-risk Stress from Animal-assisted Therapy Using Companion and Farm Animals

This study evaluates the psychological healing effects on adult women with high-risk stress from an animal-assisted therapy program that uses companion and farm animals. The study was conducted from June to July 2023 in Wanju, Korea, and involved 10 women aged 18–39 who were registered at a local community welfare center. Psychological measures included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean. Physiological measurements were performed using a pulse wave measuringinstrument device. The results indicate that the animal-assisted therapy program affected self-esteem and the levels of depression and stress in participants in positive ways. Self-esteem significantly increased, whereas both depression and stress levels decreased. Physiological data also indicated stable autonomic nervous system activity. These findings suggest that animal-assisted therapy can be used to effectively promote psychological stability and relieve stress in adult women. However, this study had some limitations, such as the small sample size and a short duration, which restrict the generalizability of the results. Future research should involve larger and more diverse samples and should be conducted over extended periods of time to more accurately assess the long-term effects of animal-assisted therapy. Further studies could analyze the specific impacts of different types of animal interactions on various psychological symptoms to develop more effective therapeutic interventions. This study highlights the potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy for high-risk adult populations, and provides valuable insights into the integration of such interventions into mental health care practices and policies, ultimately contributing to improved psychological well-being and social health.