Welcome to the Human-Animal Partnerships and Interactions (HAPI) Lab research summaries. Here, you’ll find accessible overviews of our work exploring the powerful connections between humans and animals.
Our studies focus on human-canine and human-equine partnerships, examining their biopsychosocial impacts through a mixed-methods approach. From understanding how animal-assisted interventions can support individuals and families facing trauma to exploring the mutual benefits of these interactions for both people and animals, our research seeks to enhance the effectiveness and well-being of these partnerships.
Discover how equine-assisted services like those at The HERD Institute are transforming mental health and education through inclusive, relationship-centered practices that emphasize diversity, equity, and belonging.
Read more
Discover how equine-assisted mental health uses the unique nonverbal communication of horses to transform trauma healing, offering powerful breakthroughs for PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Read more
Discover the transformative power of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), blending traditional therapy with horse-guided healing to help adolescents overcome trauma, build resilience, and foster emotional growth.
Read more
Learn how PTSD service dogs influence the emotional well-being of veterans' partners, fostering positive emotions like calmness and confidence while highlighting their broader impact on family dynamics.
Read more
Learn how PTSD service dogs transform military family life by alleviating stress, building emotional resilience, and fostering togetherness, despite challenges like caregiving responsibilities.
Read more
Discover how mobility and medical alert service dogs impact caregivers, offering emotional support and stress relief but also introducing challenges like maintenance and travel, as revealed in this insightful study.
Read more
Learn how service dogs may improve the stress response in veterans with PTSD by enhancing the cortisol awakening response, offering both emotional and physiological benefits.
Read more
Discover how service dogs transform the lives of families with autistic children by fostering social connections, offering emotional support, and enhancing family dynamics, as highlighted in recent research.
Read more
Discover how equine-assisted services practitioners navigate the emotional and practical challenges of losing a program horse, with insights on grief, memorials, and community support.
Read more
