RecruitingPhase 2Phase 3NCT06248710

Dog Presence and Oxytocin on Trust Towards Therapists

Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Trust Towards Therapists and Dogs: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Adults

Sponsor

Dr. Karin Hediger

Enrollment

176 participants

Start Date

Jan 29, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depressive Symptoms Human-Animal Interaction

Summary

Oxytocin has been proposed as a neuroendocrine mechanism that may mediate the relationship between dog ownership and positive health outcomes and be linked to human-dog interactions and is thought to be a mechanism of interspecies bonding. While the role of oxytocin in human bonding behaviours and social behaviour, in general, is becoming well-established the role of oxytocin in human-animal interaction and Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) remains unclear. This research gap calls for more high-quality research investigating this possible neuroendocrine underlying mechanism to advance knowledge about AAI. If oxytocin indeed might be involved in interspecies bonding, intranasally administered oxytocin should not only enhance trust toward a human but also towards a dog.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study explores whether having a dog present during a therapy session, combined with a nasal spray of oxytocin (a hormone involved in bonding and trust), increases how much people trust their therapist. Understanding this could help improve the therapeutic relationship. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You are generally healthy with no chronic medical conditions - You are not currently in any psychological or psychiatric treatment - You have adequate German language skills **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are pregnant - You are scared of dogs or have a dog hair allergy - You have any chronic illness (such as diabetes, heart disease, or pain conditions) - You take any medications, including psychiatric or pain medications - You have used recreational drugs in the past 24 hours - You have had sexual intercourse in the past 24 hours before the appointment Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DRUGOxytocin nasal spray

Syntocinon nose spray is usually applied in the context of labour and breast feeding. In this study, however, it will be used to induce an oxytocin (OT) release. Participants will apply three sprays in each nostril which will result in a dose of 24 I.U of oxytocin per participant

OTHERAnimal-Assisted Intervention

The dogs involved in the study are trained and used to work with different people in animal-assisted interventions. The dog will be familiarized with the room and the material as well as the staff of the study. The dog will be specifically trained for this study. The dog will be involved for a maximum of 3 sessions per day (approx. 20 minutes in total) and 2 days per week.

DRUGPlacebo

The placebo nose spray contains a saltwater solution and will be applied like the Syntocinon nose spray containing oxytocin.

Locations(1)

University of Basel

Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland

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NCT06248710

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