ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY AND DEPRESSION IN ADULT COLLEGE-STUDENTS

This study investigated the effects of animal-assisted therapy (A-AT) on self-reported depression in a college population. Forty-four participants were selected on the basis of scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). They then were assigned to one of three groups: A-AT in conjunction with psychotherapy (directive group), A-AT only (nondirective group), and control. Standardized regressed BDI posttest scores were used as dependent variables in one-way analysis of variance with treatment as the independent variable. Results revealed significant differences among groups, F(2, 41) = 3.69, p < .05. Duncan's Multiple Ranges Test indicated that standardized regressed BDI posttest scores differed significantly between nondirective (M = 5.67) and control groups (M = 10.18).