This discusses the advantages of ‘virtual’ animal-assisted therapy for seriously ill children. Instead of direct interaction aimed at enhancing the child’s life quality, this study had sick children become pen pals with similarly ailing cats and dogs. The pets’ owners received training to craft replies to the children’s letters, optimizing the benefits for the youngsters. The infographic below provides a summary of the study’s results in simple terms, and additional details on this intriguing and beneficial study follow below.
Children with serious illness may benefit from having a cat or dog ‘pen pal’ by Michael Broad“There is something just so unconditional about the love of an animal and the listening that an animal can provide. They don’t argue, they don’t question; they just listen and validate.” – Anne Ingalls Gillespie at the University of Colorado, a former paediatric nurse.
The study titled “Influences of Animal-Assisted Intervention With Canine and Feline Pen Pals on Experiences of Living With Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children and Adolescents” focuses on how animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), particularly through a program called Youth and Pet Survivors™ (YAPS), can positively impact children and adolescents facing cancer or blood disorders. The innovative aspect of YAPS is its virtual nature, where young patients exchange letters with “pen pal” dogs and cats who also have experience with serious illness.
The research employed thematic narrative analysis of letters and interviews from participants, focusing on how these pen pal relationships influenced their quality of life (QOL) and provided emotional support. Key findings revealed that children formed strong bonds with their animal pen pals, using these connections as a mirror to better understand their own experiences. The pen pal interactions helped normalize the illness experience, reduce isolation, and offer emotional comfort.
This form of virtual AAI, while different from traditional in-person interactions with therapy animals, proved to be a meaningful source of emotional and psychological support for these young patients, enhancing their overall well-being during a difficult times.
Source: the study referred to.
Study citation: Gillespie AI, Jones J, Johnson-Koenke R, Gilmer MJ, Neu M. Influences of Animal-Assisted Intervention with Canine and Feline Pen Pals on Experiences of Living with Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing. 2024;41(4):252-264. doi:10.1177/27527530241246249
