Rabbit-assisted interventions in a Greek kindergarten


K. LOUKAKI (Κ. ΛΟΥΚΑΚΗ)
P. KOUKOUTSAKIS (Π. ΚΟΥΚΟΥΤΣΑΚΗΣ)
Abstract

Objective of the study was to confirm efficacy of intervention by means of a rabbit. We studied and recorded reactions of pupils and personnel in the presence of a rabbit in a comprehensive-type kindergarten. We selected a group of 39 clinically healthy pupils, 2.5- to 4-year-old, who were attending the kindergarten and used relevant weighted questionnaires for pupils and teachers. In the presence of the animal, pupils’ ability of socializing, communicating and expressing emotions increased significantly. Teachers also found the results of the intervention particularly positive. It is concluded that rabbit intervention in a public kindergarten is feasible, low cost and does not require specialized personnel. The rabbit is a popular animal, familiar to children, hence the intervention was successful and effective as similar interventions with dogs, providing the chance to children to learn and become accustomed to animals.

Article Details
  • Sezione
  • Research Articles
Downloads
I dati di download non sono ancora disponibili.
Riferimenti bibliografici
Adbill M.N, Juppe D. (2000) Pets in Therapy. Ravensdale, Idyll Arbor.
Arken M (1984) There is a real dog in the classroom. Children Environ Q 1:23-26.
Arkow P (1981) Pet therapy: a study and resource guide for the use of companion animals in selected therapies. In: Standards of Practice for Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapies, 2nd edn. Delta Society, Renton, pp. 146-174.
Bekker BR (1986) Adolescent Pet Owners vs. Non-Owners: Friendship and Loneliness. Doctoral Dissertation University of Pennsylvania.
Brandley Bays T, Lighthoot T, Mayer J (2006) Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles and Small Mammals. Saunders, Philadelphia.
Brown-Harcourt F (2001) Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. .Academic Press, London.
Condoret A (1983) Speech and companion animals: experiments with normal and disturbed nursery school children, cited. In: A. Katcher and A. Beck (eds) New Perspectives in our Lives with Companion Animals. Pennsylvania University Press, Philadelphia, pp. 110-150.
Corsons SA, Corson ED, Gynne P (1977) Pet dogs as nonverbal communication links in hospital psychiatry. Compreh Psych 18:61-72.
Delta Society (2005) Animals in the classroom. Delta Society, Renton.
Dimitrijevic I (2009) Animal assisted therapy a new trend in the treatment of children and adults. Psych Dnubina 21:236-241.
Kaminski M, Pellino T, Wish J (2002) Play and pets: the physical and emotional impact of child-life and pet and pet therapy on hospitalized children. Child Health Care 31:321-335
Katcher & A.Beck (2005) New Perspectives in our Lives with Companion Animals. Pennsylvania University Press, Philadelphia.
Kaye DM (1984) Animal affection and student behavior. In (ed: Hart LA) The Pets Connection. Hawthorne Press, Minneapolis, pp. 67-97.
Melson GF (2003) Child development and human companion animal bond. Am Behav Sci 47:31-39.
Nimer J, Lundahl (2006) Animal assisted therapy: a meta-analysis. Anthrozoos 20:225-238.
Rud AG, Beck AM ( 2003) Companion animals in Indiana elementary schools. Anthrozoos 16:241-253.
Shalev A, Ben-Mondehai D (1996) Snakes: interactions with children with disabilities and the elderly. Some psychological consideration. Anthrozoos 9:182-187.
Puoi leggere altri articoli dello stesso autore/i