The benefits of animals on human health have been known for centuries. In ancient times, the Greeks already used animals to help the rehabilitation of people with disabilities, while the Romans used horses to treat a variety of conditions. In the Middle Ages, European monasteries often owned domestic animals to appease and entertain the sick.
However, it was not until the 20th century that animal mediation began to be recognized and studied scientifically. In the 1960s, the American Boris Levinson, a child psychologist, was the first to demonstrate the benefits of the presence of animals in the treatment of his patients. Since then, animal mediation has continued to develop and gain credibility.
Animal mediation is based on the interaction between an individual, an animal and a professional mediator. The animal, usually a dog, cat, horse, or rabbit, is specially trained to participate in therapeutic and educational sessions. The mediator, on the other hand, is a health or education professional who uses the animal as an intervention tool adapted to the specific needs of each person.
Animal mediation sessions can take place in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, retirement homes or even prisons. The activities offered vary according to the objectives and may include caresses, games, walks or even animal care.
Benefits of animal mediation
Scientific research conducted over the last few decades has highlighted the numerous benefits of animal mediation on human health.
Improving emotional health: animals provide unconditional emotional support and help with loneliness, anxiety, and depression. They also facilitate the expression of emotions and promote self-esteem.
The development of social skills: interactions with animals encourage communication, empathy, and cooperation. For people with relationship difficulties, such as children with autism, animal mediation can be an effective way to develop social skills.
Cognitive stimulation: Activities involving animals stimulate memory, concentration, and problem solving. For people with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, animal mediation may help slow cognitive decline.
Education and rehabilitation: the presence of animals can facilitate learning by making the environment more relaxed and motivating. In addition, animals can be used to support the rehabilitation of people with motor difficulties or behavioral disorders.
Challenges and perspectives of animal mediation
Despite its numerous benefits, animal mediation faces several challenges. First of all, it is essential to ensure the well-being of the animals involved in this type of intervention. They must be regularly monitored by a veterinarian and benefit from breaks and moments of relaxation adapted to their needs.
In addition, the training of mediators is a major challenge to guarantee the quality of interventions. Professionals must be trained both in the specific techniques of animal mediation and in the needs of the populations they support.
Finally, research must continue to study the mechanisms and effects of animal mediation in order to improve practices and adapt interventions to the specific needs of individuals.
Animal mediation is a promising intervention method that offers numerous benefits on the physical, emotional and social health of individuals. Despite the challenges it faces, the practice of animal mediation is in full expansion and is a therapeutic and educational tool that is increasingly recognized and used in various fields. Continued research and the training of mediators and animal welfare are essential to ensure the success and sustainability of this innovative and caring approach.
