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
Dr. Karin Hediger
176 participants
Jan 29, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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
Inclusion Criteria2
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria9
- Pregnancy
- Being scared of dogs or dog hair allergy by self-report
- Any acute or chronic disease (e.g., chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, skin pathologies etc.)
- Current medications (psychoactive medication, narcotics, intake of analgesics) or being currently in psychological or psychiatric treatment
- Drug consumption (THC, cocaine, heroin, etc.) within the past 24h before study appointment
- Ongoing psychotherapy treatment
- Sexual Intercourse within the past 24h before study appointment
- Current disease involving respiratory system (e.g., influence, asthma etc.)
- Insufficient German language skills to understand the instructions
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Interventions
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
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.
The placebo nose spray contains a saltwater solution and will be applied like the Syntocinon nose spray containing oxytocin.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06248710