anthrozoology.org

Directions in Human-Animal Interaction Research:

Child Development, Health and Therapeutic Interventions

September 30 - October 2, 2008, Rockville, MD, USA

Sponsored by

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

and

The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, a Division of Mars, Incorporated

Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) is commonplace during childhood and other stages of human development. However, there is currently a shortage of robust scientific research to reinforce and deepen our understanding of the impacts of HAI. The need for additional scientific research on HAI is clear, especially in light of: (1) HAI's potential connection to moderating public health issues and (2) the already increasing use of promising but largely unproven HAI interventions by practitioners in the field.

In 2008, the cosponsors began conversations about the importance of human-animal interaction, in particular to child development and health. To further explore the possibilities, the cosponsors held two small working group meetings: the first one at the NICHD in May, and the second at the Waltham Centre in June. The idea emerged within these meetings to call together representatives from various disciplines with an interest in HAI to participate in taking stock of the science in this area and to develop an interdisciplinary research agenda. While there are various aspects of HAI that could be explored, as a first step, the cosponsors focused on the interface between HAI and child development.

The HAI research field has matured over an estimated 40 years from anecdotal studies and individual case histories to peer-reviewed science. Although scientific method is used in many of the studies, it often remains difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Small sample sizes, lack of statistical power and flawed research design has ensured that the potential of the HAI field to deliver health benefits has yet to be fully realized. With two-thirds of all U.S. households having at least one companion animal, the promise of the field is such that a focus on quality is vital to ensure that the theoretical work can be applied to greatest effect.

Within this context, the goals of this workshop are three-fold: (1) to take stock of the current science in HAI and child development; (2) to encourage cross-discipline discussion and collaboration; and, (3) to develop a research agenda.

Products of the workshop will include: (1) a summary of the meeting suitable for web posting; (2) a journal article that will summarize the meeting discussions and highlight research needs; and (3) an edited volume. These products will give greater reach and visibility to the important discussions that we anticipate will take place.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE OCTOBER 2008 PROGRAM

Peggy McCardle, Ph.D., MPH

Chief, Child Development & Behavior Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Susan Blount Ph.D.

Director, Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition - A Division of Mars, Incorporated

Catherine E. Woteki, Ph.D.

Global Director of Scientific Affairs - Mars, Incorporated