Animal-assisted Interventions Play Growing Role in Mental Health Care

Views From The Couch

- Lee Cheng JP and Christine Chiew

In recent years, animal-assisted interventions have gained recognition in Singapore as effective tools for therapy, offering emotional and psychological benefits.

Whether through the calming presence of a dog, horse or rabbit, animals have long been a part of many people's lives. But it is only recently that their potential in structured mental health care settings has been fully explored.

THERAPY ANIMALS' IMPACT ON EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING Therapy animals create a calm, judgment-free space, offering comfort to those struggling with feelings of guilt, worthlessness or social anxiety.

With 17 per cent of Singapore residents reporting poor mental health, according to the National Population Health Survey 2022, structured animal-assisted interventions offer a promising approach for better mental well-being.

Research shows that interacting with therapy animals releases oxytocin—nature's bonding hormone—while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. This balance helps foster emotional stability, lowers blood pressure and eases tension.

Beyond short-term comfort, structured interactions with therapy animals help individuals regulate emotions and calm their nerves. Studies consistently highlight the benefits of these interventions, showing effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and improving social engagement among the elderly.

A 2015 pilot study in Singapore found animal-assisted therapy significantly reduced depression symptoms in individuals with moderate to severe conditions. Similar research suggests these interactions lower cortisol and increase dopamine, which enhances mood and emotional stability.

DIFFERENT APPROACHES There are different approaches within the field of animal-assisted interventions. While all aim to improve well-being, each has a distinct purpose.