Project PAATTS: The Healing Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Can dogs help decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress?
This central question inspired Project PAATTS, a groundbreaking (first in the country!) research project exploring how animals can support mental health recovery for young survivors.
What is Project PAATTS?
PAATTS stands for Pioneering Animal-Assisted Therapy for Female Adolescent Trauma Survivors in the Philippines.
Led by the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in partnership with Communitails, this pilot mixed-methods feasibility study evaluated the impact of incorporating therapy animals into group interventions for young adolescent survivors aged 12 to 17. The two-year initiative, funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), focused on whether animal-assisted services could measurably improve key mental health indicators.
Project Objectives
The project sought to examine the effectiveness of an animal-assisted group therapy (AAT) program in decreasing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety among female adolescent survivors of abuse. It also aimed to describe the real-world barriers and facilitators to implementing an effective AAT program within the Philippine context.
Why Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Scientific evidence shows that structured interactions with therapy animals can:
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Boost self-esteem and emotional resilience.
- Provide profound comfort through safe, non-judgmental companionship.
Throughout this project, dedicated therapy animals played a vital role in creating a secure, supportive environment where participants felt safe expressing themselves, building trust, and navigating their healing journeys.
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