Dog Presence and Oxytocin on Trust Towards Therapists

Last updated: November 1, 2024
Sponsor: Dr. Karin Hediger
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

2/3

Condition

Depression

Treatment

Placebo

Oxytocin nasal spray

Animal-Assisted Intervention

Clinical Study ID

NCT06248710
2023-00523
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study 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 Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥ 18 years

  • Signed informed consent

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pregnancy

  • Being scared of dogs or dog hair allergy by self-report

  • Any acute or chronic disease (e.g., chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, renaldisease, liver disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, skin pathologies etc.)

  • Current medications (psychoactive medication, narcotics, intake of analgesics) orbeing currently in psychological or psychiatric treatment

  • Drug consumption (THC, cocaine, heroin, etc.) within the past 24h before studyappointment

  • 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

Study Design

Total Participants: 176
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Placebo
Phase: 2/3
Study Start date:
January 29, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2024

Connect with a study center

  • University of Basel

    Basel, Basel Stadt 4055
    Switzerland

    Active - Recruiting

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