The Comparison of Robotic Animal–Assisted Therapy Versus Alive Animals to Increase Overall Well-Being of Individuals

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: General Counseling Topics (San Diego)

Abstract

Attention has been paid to robotic animals as a viable alternative to live animals to improve individuals’ overall well-being in the context of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). However, effects of robotic animals are inconclusive, compared with live animals. By conducting a series of meta-analyses, we examined the effectiveness of AAT with robotic animals and live animals on overall well-being, with age and country of the study as moderators. Overall, there is no significant difference in the effects of robotic and live animals. However, significant difference was detected in applying moderators. Comparatively better effect with live animals was detected in US as well as young adults and adults. We suggest adopting sagaciously robotic animals as alternative to live animals.
 

Authors

• Christopher Puglisi, SUNY at Buffalo

• Sunha Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Janice DeLucia