Summary: 30 individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate depression participated in a study which looked at the effects of activities with dolphins and the effectiveness of those activities to alleviate the symptoms of depression. 15 people were in the control group and participated in water only activities one hour a day for two weeks. The other 15 people were in the experimental group which meant they participated in water activities with dolphins one hour a day for two weeks. Antidepressants and psychotherapy for all subjects were not used for one month prior to the beginning of the experiment or during the experiment, then researchers assessed their symptoms of depression prior to beginning therapy and two weeks after the experiment. Researchers discovered that there was a decrease in depressive symptoms reported in the experimental group.
Impact: This study is consistent with the current research of the health benefits of interaction of humans with animals. For example, the use of dogs and horses in therapeutic programs.
Critique: We don't know what testing they used to screen their subjects, who the examiners were, and the age and lifestyles of each subject.
References: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2005/11/24/swimming_with_dolphins_can_alleviate_depression.html#comments
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