Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) is a broad term that describes relationships and interactions between animals and humans. At its centre, the concept of the Human-Animal Bond, is defined as potentially mutually beneficial relationships between animals and humans that can influence the health and wellbeing of both. Together with our partners, we aim to be a driving force for developing excellent collaborative research on HAI and mental health.
We are interested in various human-animal interactions such as:
- Animal- assisted interactions (including robotic animals): using animal-assisted and robotic animal assisted interventions to support treatment and care in clinical populations across the lifespan.
- Relationship with companion animals: impact of animal ownership on physical and mental health, and the underlying mechanisms that may lead to these outcomes.
- Assistance animals: the impact of assistance animals on mental health and behavioural outcomes in a range of populations.
- Engagement with wildlife: non-companion animals, for example farm animals or wildlife, for human health and wellbeing. This constitutes an area of emerging research in this field.
