INFLUENCE OF CANISTHERAPY AGAINST ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION OF OLDER ADULTS

Introduction: The survey was focused on the influence of canis therapy against anxiety and depression in older adults in two retirement homes in the Czech Republic. Methodology: Mixed design approach was chosen for the research. Two questionnaires were used for data collection: BDI-II and Beck anxiety inventory. Interviews investigate the opinion with subjective benefit of canis therapy. The survey was conducted in 2014. Survey group consisted of 80 elderly. This group underwent canis therapy. The control group consisted of 82 elderly without canis therapy. The statistical analysis was performed using the Maim - Whitney test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Average age of survey participants was 78. There were not significant differences in both, anxiety and depression scores between the survey and the control group. Subjective benefit of canis therapy for the participants was the first "feeling of pleasure", the second "feeling of calm", and the third "reducing the feeling of solitude". Conclusion: Although quantitative approach did not show significantly canis therapy affect against anxiety and depression, the results cannot be generalized because of small number of research participants. We can assume that the results could be influenced by the coexistence of clients with a partner, including their social support, which has demonstrated a protective effect in relation to depression and anxiety. Results may be affected by the fact that clients are suitable for canis therapy and there were select according to their health condition.