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Research Article

Effects of animal-assisted therapy on social functioning and emotional stability in children living in welfare facilities
So-Jeong Shin12
,
Sang-Hwan Kim12*
1School of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
2Institute of Applied Humanimal Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
*Corresponding Author
31 December 2025. pp. 158-168
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Abstract

Childhood is a critically important developmental period. According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the school-age stage (6–12 years) corresponds to the “industry versus inferiority” phase, in which successful experiences play a decisive role in the formation of self-esteem. Recent reports, however, indicate increasing emotional difficulties among children, including depression and suicidal ideation, with those living in child welfare facilities being particularly vulnerable. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been reported to reduce anxiety and stress in children and to enhance their social and emotional functioning. This study therefore aimed to examine the effects of an AAT program on children’s emotional and social development, while maintaining strict adherence to established safety and ethical standards. The program was implemented over 13 weeks, once per week for 60 minutes, targeting children attending a community child center in Anseong. Each group comprised 6–8 children, and assessments were conducted three times—pre-, mid-, and post-intervention—using a repeated-measures design. The program was specifically structured to improve self-esteem and sociality, taking into account the developmental characteristics and living environments of children residing in child welfare facilities. The intervention team consisted of two lead facilitators, one animal handler, three assistant facilitators, and two therapy dogs. The primary outcome variables, self-esteem and sociality, were evaluated using self-report questionnaires administered before and after the intervention. Secondary indicators were assessed using a multifaceted approach that combined third-party observer ratings with art-based analyses. Participation in the AAT program resulted in a statistically significant improvement in children’s self-esteem and a general upward trend in sociality over time. In addition, consistent behavioral improvements were observed in domains such as confidence, emotional stability, concentration, engagement, and interpersonal interaction.

Keywords
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT)
Child
Development
Self-esteem
Sociality
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Information
  • Publisher :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Publisher(Ko) :한경국립대학교 휴머니멀응용과학연구소
  • Journal Title :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Journal Title(Ko) :휴머니멀과학학술지
  • Volume : 1
  • No :4
  • Pages :158-168
  • Received Date : 2025-12-02
  • Revised Date : 2025-12-15
  • Accepted Date : 2025-12-16
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.23341/jhas.2025.1.4.158
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