Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy

The aim of the article is to analyze the role and significance of the presence of animals in supporting children’s development in the context of selected psychological, social, and educational aspects. To gather empirical material, the method of literature analysis was used, aiming to identify the m...

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Main Author: Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Akademia Bialska im. Jana Pawła II 2025-03-01
Series:Rozprawy Społeczne
Subjects:
Online Access:https://rozprawyspoleczne.edu.pl/Interakcja-czlowieka-ze-zwierzetami-w-kontekscie-wspierania-rozwoju-Przeglad-wybranych,202102,0,2.html
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author Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska
author_facet Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska
author_sort Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska
collection DOAJ
description The aim of the article is to analyze the role and significance of the presence of animals in supporting children’s development in the context of selected psychological, social, and educational aspects. To gather empirical material, the method of literature analysis was used, aiming to identify the main mechanisms and benefits of interactions between children and animals, as well as to present key conclusions based on available scientific sources. Based on the materials used it explores the numerous benefits of animal-assisted therapy, such as fostering empathy, cultivating a sense of responsibility, and enhancing interpersonal skills. Moreover, interaction with animals contributes to stress reduction, improved mental well-being, and the facilitation of socialization processes. Engagement with four-legged companions is shown to play a pivotal role in children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. The article emphasizes the therapeutic value of animal interaction, particularly in supporting children with developmental challenges. It reflects on how caring for and engaging with animals can serve as a vital component of a developmental support system, promoting social integration, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing social competencies.
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publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher Akademia Bialska im. Jana Pawła II
record_format Article
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spelling doaj-art-de836a5bf2b64056847b20f7d2cd30a62025-08-20T02:27:42ZengAkademia Bialska im. Jana Pawła IIRozprawy Społeczne2657-93322025-03-011919710710.29316/rs/202102202102Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapyKatarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6435-1545Instytut Nauk Pedagogicznych, Wydział Nauk Społecznych, Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie, PolskaThe aim of the article is to analyze the role and significance of the presence of animals in supporting children’s development in the context of selected psychological, social, and educational aspects. To gather empirical material, the method of literature analysis was used, aiming to identify the main mechanisms and benefits of interactions between children and animals, as well as to present key conclusions based on available scientific sources. Based on the materials used it explores the numerous benefits of animal-assisted therapy, such as fostering empathy, cultivating a sense of responsibility, and enhancing interpersonal skills. Moreover, interaction with animals contributes to stress reduction, improved mental well-being, and the facilitation of socialization processes. Engagement with four-legged companions is shown to play a pivotal role in children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. The article emphasizes the therapeutic value of animal interaction, particularly in supporting children with developmental challenges. It reflects on how caring for and engaging with animals can serve as a vital component of a developmental support system, promoting social integration, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing social competencies.https://rozprawyspoleczne.edu.pl/Interakcja-czlowieka-ze-zwierzetami-w-kontekscie-wspierania-rozwoju-Przeglad-wybranych,202102,0,2.htmlsupporting developmenttherapyanimalsanimalotherapychildren
spellingShingle Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska
Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy
Rozprawy Społeczne
supporting development
therapy
animals
animalotherapy
children
title Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy
title_full Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy
title_fullStr Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy
title_full_unstemmed Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy
title_short Human-animal interaction in the context of supporting development. A review of selected animal species used in children's therapy
title_sort human animal interaction in the context of supporting development a review of selected animal species used in children s therapy
topic supporting development
therapy
animals
animalotherapy
children
url https://rozprawyspoleczne.edu.pl/Interakcja-czlowieka-ze-zwierzetami-w-kontekscie-wspierania-rozwoju-Przeglad-wybranych,202102,0,2.html
work_keys_str_mv AT katarzynanosekkozłowska humananimalinteractioninthecontextofsupportingdevelopmentareviewofselectedanimalspeciesusedinchildrenstherapy