PhD Scientific Days 2026

Mental Health Sciences 2.

Psychophysiologycal Background of Animal Assisted Therapies

Name of the presenter

Bálint, Eszter

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Institute of Behavioral Sciences

Authors

Eszter Bálint¹
1: Institute of Behavioral Sciences

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Human–animal relationships play an important role in emotional regulation, stress reduction, and social well-being. Research on companion animals and animal-assisted interventions has shown that affiliative human–animal interactions can buffer stress through modulation of neuroendocrine pathways, including reduced cortisol levels and sympathetic arousal, alongside increased oxytocin release, parasympathetic activation, vagal tone, and improved heart rate variability (HRV). These psychophysiological processes may contribute to emotional co-regulation and synchronization between humans and animals. Interaction with animals also influences emotion-related cortical regions and neurochemical systems associated with bonding, reward, relaxation, and socioemotional homeostasis. Studies further suggest beneficial effects on mood, anxiety, stress reduction, resilience, and quality of life. Within animal-assisted therapies, horses are considered particularly suitable due to their exceptional social-emotional sensitivity and responsiveness to human emotional states.
Aims: The aim of this presentation is to summarize current knowledge on the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying animal-assisted therapies and to explore methods for measuring emotional transfer and synchronization, with particular focus on the client–animal–therapist triad.
Method: A pilot protocol is currently being developed using simultaneous monitoring of the horse–client–therapist triad with Polar H10 heart rate sensors during standardized equine-assisted therapeutic tasks. Preliminary equipment testing is underway to assess feasibility. Emphasis is placed on physiological indicators such as heart rate (HR), HRV, and autonomic stress responses.
Results: Existing evidence suggests that emotional transfer between humans and animals can be detected on a psychophysiological level.
Conclusion: Investigating psychophysiological synchrony may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying animal-assisted therapies. Simultaneous monitoring of the client–animal–therapist triad represents a promising approach for objectively measuring emotional transfer and co-regulation processes and may strengthen the scientific foundation of animal-assisted interventions.