Can the treatment effects of human-animal interaction be maintained? A randomized controlled trial including follow-up in people with severe mental illness (opens in new tab)

IntroductionThere are persistent demands for well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including follow-up measurements, in studies on animal-assisted treatment (AAT). In addition, a possible dose-response relationship is under discussion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of a single-session AAT with sheep, including a booster exercise, over a follow-up period of four weeks.MethodsIn an RCT, a single-session AAT with sheep in a group setting, including an ...