The Human-Animal Bond and Mental Health: A Social Science Perspective on Animal-Assisted Interventions

Prashant Rai; Dillip Murmu; Dilip; Sanjay Kumar Verma; Jai Prakash Singh; Ashish Singh

doi:10.69980/redvet.v23i4.2518

Prashant Rai Research Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India)
Dillip Murmu Research Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India)
Dilip Research Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India)
Sanjay Kumar Verma Research Scholar, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya (Bihar)
Jai Prakash Singh Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India)
Ashish Singh Research Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v23i4.2518

Keywords: Human-Animal Bond, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Veterinary Social Work, One Health, Animal Welfare

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the intersection of the human-animal bond (HAB) and mental health through a psychosocial and social work lens. To establish a pre-pandemic baseline, this paper evaluates literature published exclusively prior to 2021. The manuscript explores the theoretical foundations of companion animals and structured Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) across various populations, demonstrating their efficacy in mitigating psychological distress and fostering social inclusion. Crucially, this review addresses the ethical imperatives of animal welfare within therapeutic settings and highlights the emerging interdisciplinary field of Veterinary Social Work (VSW). By utilizing a "One Health" framework, this manuscript outlines how integrating social workers into veterinary environments improves clinical workflows, manages client anxiety, and mutually benefits human and animal well-being.

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