“Seeing the dog will make me feel better even if I eat the cheese,” animal-assisted interventions and impact on eating disorder treatment experience

Some of the symptoms associated with eating disorders (EDs) have been previously treated through Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) in studies conducted with different populations and diseases. AAI may lead to benefits in relationships and treatment engagement. These variables are common vulnerabilities present among individuals with EDs. EDs patients have the highest dropout rates of all psychiatric disorders. To better understand the relational and treatment impact of AAI, this qualitative study explores how women diagnosed with ED experienced AAI in their ED treatment. Using the purposive sampling strategy, 38 semi-structured interviews with 20 women participated in the study that employed grounded theory methods. Findings suggest that AAI provided opportunities for relational comfort with treatment providers, and motivation within the ED treatment experience. Clinical practice recommendations for AAI and ED are offered.