Evolución de la investigación de las Intervenciones Asistidas con Animales: Un estudio cienciométrico

The objective is to analyze the evolution of research on Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in the approach to different psychosocial problems. A scientific-mathematical method of citation network construction based on graph theory was used. The bibliographic search was carried out in Scopus and Web of Science. The Sci2 Tool and Gephi software were used for the analysis. The results were segmented into classical, structural and recent studies. It was found that AAI have empirical support for addressing problems in childhood and adolescence and in hospital and school settings. The therapeutic applications of AAI in the care of older adults with dementia, patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are highlighted. It is concluded that AAI is an innovative alternative strategy compared to conventional psychosocial interventions.