Personalized Strategy for Animal-Assisted Therapy for Individuals Based on the Emotions Induced by the Images of Different Animal Species and Breeds

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this study, we hypothesized that the personalized strategies for the animal-assisted therapy (AAT) could be improved by selecting animal species and breeds for individuals (persons) according to the emotions induced in the persons by different animal species and breeds. To our knowledge, this study is the first in the area in which the FaceReader technique has been applied to improve the methodology of AAT, which could be the first step to avoiding and/or minimizing stressful situations during a person’s contact with an animal. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, and horses) and various breeds of those species were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ emotions as well as valence. In addition, animal breed is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotion ‘happy’ and valence. Finally, in this study, we obtained results that could be used as a personalized strategy for improvement of the AAT and to help the individuals select a pet. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to apply the FaceReader technique to select the animal species and breed for a personalized AAT based on the emotions (‘neutral’, ‘happy’, ‘sad’, ‘angry’, ‘surprised’, ‘scared’, ‘disgusted’, and ‘contempt’) induced in the persons (18–64 years old) by the images of different animal species and breeds. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (Canis familiaris, Felis silvestris catus, Sus scrofa domesticus, Ovis aries, and Equus caballus) and their breeds (dogs: Australian shepherd, pug, Labrador retriever, Doberman, miniature schnauzer, beagle, three mixed-breed types, Yorkshire terrier, Cane Corso, Samoyed, and Chihuahua; cats: British shorthair, Himalayan cat, three mixed breed types, Siamese cat, Sphynx, and Bengal cat; horses: Norwegian Fjord, Exmoor pony, Andalusian, and Friesian; pigs: Vietnamese pot-bellied and Kunekune; sheep: Herdwick sheep and Suffolk sheep) were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotions ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ as well as valence, and the animal breed is a significant factor for the emotion ‘happy’ intensity and valence. The obtained results could be used as a personalized strategy for improving AAT and helping the individuals to select a pet.