John-Tyler Binfet
Biographic Data
| ID | 100761 |
|---|---|
| NAME | John-Tyler Binfet |
| GIVEN NAMES | John-Tyler |
| FAMILY NAME | Binfet |
| SIGNATURE | BINFET J |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of British Columbia |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-1073-1806 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 32 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 19 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2016 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Too much to handle? Exploring perceptions of therapy dog handlers as pseudo-therapists in post-secondary canine-assisted interventions
Background : Research attests to the beneficial effects of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) for supporting post-secondary student well-being. As post-secondary is a time of great stress and anxiety, institutions implement resources, such as CAIs, to try and bolster student well-being. Among other measures, CAIs have been shown to improve student self-esteem, connectedness to campus, and decrease stress, homesickness, and loneliness. However, …
Head, middle, or tail-end? A pilot examination of the differential effects of interacting with different parts of a therapy dog on college student well-being
Background : Despite a plethora of research attesting to the benefits of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) on participants’ well-being, little is empirically understood about the mechanisms within CAI interactions that elicit these outcomes. This study is a follow-up to research that examined the effects of touch during a CAI – establishing that direct touch was optimal in eliciting well-being benefits for student participants. Methods : The a…
Keeping loneliness on a short leash: Reducing university student stress and loneliness through a canine-assisted intervention
Despite often crowded campuses and the corresponding opportunities to meet new people, undergraduate students often experience high rates of loneliness as they adjust to life away from home and establish new social networks while adapting to the demands of university coursework. One low-cost intervention that has proven beneficial in reducing stress and overall well-being has seen therapy dog-handler teams brought to campus affording students an …
Beyond the campus context: Reducing stress among students and community members through virtual canine comfort modules
Research continues to demonstrate the stress-reducing benefits of in-person interactions with therapy dogs, especially among students engaged within educational contexts. However, less is known about the potential of virtual interactions with therapy dogs to reduce stress among post-secondary students and if such benefits might extend to members of the general community. Accordingly, the aim of this study was twofold. First, we explored how a vir…
Authentic and Non-authentic Benevolence: Self-Determination Theory as a Framework to Establish Links to Well-Being
For the love of acronyms: An analysis of terminology and acronyms used in AAI research 2013–2023
The involvement of animals to assist or facilitate activities, education, or therapy has become increasingly popular. As we recognize animals’ roles in ameliorating well-being and educational outcomes, researchers and programmers are developing a variety of animal-assisted programs. This diversification has seen the adoption of a plethora of terms and acronyms. Many researchers have pointed out this over-abundance of terms and their inconsistent …
Supporting animals and veterans through enrichment: An exploratory study on a brief canine socializing intervention
Veterans pursuing post-secondary education may experience reintegration challenges and academic-related stress. To support student well-being, colleges and universities have begun to offer animal-assisted interventions (AAI); however, the influence of AAI programs on student veteran populations remains underexplored. Furthermore, the welfare impact of AAI programs on incorporating animals has begun to be assessed. As shelter dogs can benefit from…
A mixed-methods examination of an on-campus canine-assisted intervention by gender: Women, men, and gender-diverse individuals’ self-reports of stress-reduction and well-being
On-campus canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) provide opportunities for college students to interact with therapy dog-handler teams and are considered a low-cost and low-barrier way for students to reduce their stress and bolster their well-being. Across studies, we see participant samples comprised predominantly of women participants. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 20-min CAI on the well-being of women ( n = 80), men ( n =…
Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials
The field of human-animal interaction (HAI) has experienced prolific growth in the scope, breadth, and rigor of research conducted on animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). As knowledge regarding the preliminary efficacy of AAIs on outcomes of human health and wellbeing continues to accumulate, so has information regarding the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of AAIs. This progression, combined with an increase in funding opportunities, inst…
Beyond Cuddling Canines: Exploring Students’ Perceptions of the Importance of Touch in an On-Campus Canine-Assisted Intervention
Despite the increasing popularity of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) across a variety of contexts, there is a paucity of literature exploring participants’ perceptions of the mechanisms that contribute to the benefits reported by researchers. This study aimed to expand on the knowledge obtained by our Phase I findings and to better understand undergraduate participants’ ( N = 280) perceptions and experiences of direct, physical contact versu…
Publications Trends in Society & Animals from 2009–2019: A Bibliometric Analysis
This bibliometric analysis of Society & Animals ( SOAN ) publications from 2009–2019 generated a portrait of publishing trends including prevalent authors (i.e., Who?), institutions publishing HAI research (i.e., Where?), and salient themes of research showcased (i.e., What?). Pete Porter and Randy Malamud emerged as preeminent authors and collaborators. Researchers with prevalent citations included Pavol Prokop, Christoph Randler, and Randy Mala…
Human–Animal Interactions and the Promotion of Social and Emotional Competencies: A Scoping Review
Interest in human–animal interaction (HAI) research is burgeoning. It is suggested that participation in universal programs that incorporate HAI can promote the social and emotional competencies (SECs) of children and youth. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence (i.e., outcome evaluations) attesting to the effectiveness of such programs. To address this knowledge gap and consolidate findings across studies, a scoping review was conduct…
Virtual Canine Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of a Canine-Assisted Intervention Supporting Undergraduate Wellbeing
Being a university student is known to be a stressful experience, and researchers across studies have reported elevated stress and compromised mental health for university students when compared with findings from the general population. The unexpected disruption to their studies arising from COVID-19 and its corresponding social isolation added to the stress experienced by students. This study assessed the effects of a virtual canine-assisted in…
The Importance of Client-Canine Contact in Canine-Assisted Interventions: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Researchers have claimed that canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) contribute significantly to bolstering participants' wellbeing, yet the mechanisms within interactions have received little empirical attention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of client–canine contact on wellbeing outcomes in a sample of 284 undergraduate college students (77% female; 21% male, 2% non-binary). Participants self-selected to participate and were rand…
Shifting Preservice Teachers’ Views of Animal Welfare and Advocacy through a Human-Animal Relationships Course
This mixed-methods study explored how participation in an intensive course on human-animal relationships impacted preservice teachers’ views about human-animal welfare and advocacy and animal-focused curriculum. Participants were 25 undergraduate students (24 female; 1 male) following a teacher education pathway. Participants completed the Animal Rights Scale , and their insights on assigned readings were captured through weekly journal entries a…
Canine-Assisted Interventions: A Comprehensive Guide to Credentialing Therapy Dog Teams
Dogs on Campus: Holistic Assessment of Therapy Dogs and Handlers for Research and Community Initiatives
Once used mostly in clinical settings such as hospitals and geriatric care centers, canine animal-assisted therapy programs have become increasingly commonplace on university campuses to reduce stress and support students’ social and emotional well-being. Researchers responding to the call for increased empirical rigor in studies assessing the effects of animal-assisted therapy and practitioners seeking to initiate well-being programs on campus c…
The Effects of Group-Administered Canine Therapy on University Students' Wellbeing: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University students with elevated stress levels are at risk for experiencing compromised mental health and for underperforming academically. In an effort to support student wellbeing, post-secondary campuses are increasingly offering canine therapy programs. These programs provide students opportunities to interact with dogs known for their calm public behavior, docile temperaments, and eagerness to interact with strangers. Despite the interest i…
Hounds and Homesickness: The Effects of an Animal-assisted Therapeutic Intervention for First-Year University Students
Transitioning from high school to university can prove to be a for midable challenge for many first-year students, with many experiencing home sickness. Given that students who experience homesickness are more likely than their non-homesick cohorts to drop out of university, universities have a vested interest in supporting students during their first-year transition. Programs that provide opportunities for human–animal interactions on campus are…
Hounds and Homesickness: The Effects of an Animal-assisted Therapeutic Intervention for First-Year University Students
Transitioning from high school to university can prove to be a for midable challenge for many first-year students, with many experiencing home sickness. Given that students who experience homesickness are more likely than their non-homesick cohorts to drop out of university, universities have a vested interest in supporting students during their first-year transition. Programs that provide opportunities for human–animal interactions on campus are…
The Importance of Client-Canine Contact in Canine-Assisted Interventions: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Researchers have claimed that canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) contribute significantly to bolstering participants' wellbeing, yet the mechanisms within interactions have received little empirical attention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of client–canine contact on wellbeing outcomes in a sample of 284 undergraduate college students (77% female; 21% male, 2% non-binary). Participants self-selected to participate and were rand…
The Effects of Group-Administered Canine Therapy on University Students' Wellbeing: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University students with elevated stress levels are at risk for experiencing compromised mental health and for underperforming academically. In an effort to support student wellbeing, post-secondary campuses are increasingly offering canine therapy programs. These programs provide students opportunities to interact with dogs known for their calm public behavior, docile temperaments, and eagerness to interact with strangers. Despite the interest i…
Dogs on Campus: Holistic Assessment of Therapy Dogs and Handlers for Research and Community Initiatives
Once used mostly in clinical settings such as hospitals and geriatric care centers, canine animal-assisted therapy programs have become increasingly commonplace on university campuses to reduce stress and support students’ social and emotional well-being. Researchers responding to the call for increased empirical rigor in studies assessing the effects of animal-assisted therapy and practitioners seeking to initiate well-being programs on campus c…
Authentic and Non-authentic Benevolence: Self-Determination Theory as a Framework to Establish Links to Well-Being
Virtual Canine Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of a Canine-Assisted Intervention Supporting Undergraduate Wellbeing
Being a university student is known to be a stressful experience, and researchers across studies have reported elevated stress and compromised mental health for university students when compared with findings from the general population. The unexpected disruption to their studies arising from COVID-19 and its corresponding social isolation added to the stress experienced by students. This study assessed the effects of a virtual canine-assisted in…
Hounds and Homesickness: The Effects of an Animal-assisted Therapeutic Intervention for First-Year University Students
Transitioning from high school to university can prove to be a for midable challenge for many first-year students, with many experiencing home sickness. Given that students who experience homesickness are more likely than their non-homesick cohorts to drop out of university, universities have a vested interest in supporting students during their first-year transition. Programs that provide opportunities for human–animal interactions on campus are…
The Effects of Group-Administered Canine Therapy on University Students' Wellbeing: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University students with elevated stress levels are at risk for experiencing compromised mental health and for underperforming academically. In an effort to support student wellbeing, post-secondary campuses are increasingly offering canine therapy programs. These programs provide students opportunities to interact with dogs known for their calm public behavior, docile temperaments, and eagerness to interact with strangers. Despite the interest i…
Dogs on Campus: Holistic Assessment of Therapy Dogs and Handlers for Research and Community Initiatives
Once used mostly in clinical settings such as hospitals and geriatric care centers, canine animal-assisted therapy programs have become increasingly commonplace on university campuses to reduce stress and support students’ social and emotional well-being. Researchers responding to the call for increased empirical rigor in studies assessing the effects of animal-assisted therapy and practitioners seeking to initiate well-being programs on campus c…
Shifting Preservice Teachers’ Views of Animal Welfare and Advocacy through a Human-Animal Relationships Course
This mixed-methods study explored how participation in an intensive course on human-animal relationships impacted preservice teachers’ views about human-animal welfare and advocacy and animal-focused curriculum. Participants were 25 undergraduate students (24 female; 1 male) following a teacher education pathway. Participants completed the Animal Rights Scale , and their insights on assigned readings were captured through weekly journal entries a…
Canine-Assisted Interventions: A Comprehensive Guide to Credentialing Therapy Dog Teams
Human–Animal Interactions and the Promotion of Social and Emotional Competencies: A Scoping Review
Interest in human–animal interaction (HAI) research is burgeoning. It is suggested that participation in universal programs that incorporate HAI can promote the social and emotional competencies (SECs) of children and youth. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence (i.e., outcome evaluations) attesting to the effectiveness of such programs. To address this knowledge gap and consolidate findings across studies, a scoping review was conduct…
Virtual Canine Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of a Canine-Assisted Intervention Supporting Undergraduate Wellbeing
Being a university student is known to be a stressful experience, and researchers across studies have reported elevated stress and compromised mental health for university students when compared with findings from the general population. The unexpected disruption to their studies arising from COVID-19 and its corresponding social isolation added to the stress experienced by students. This study assessed the effects of a virtual canine-assisted in…
The Importance of Client-Canine Contact in Canine-Assisted Interventions: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Researchers have claimed that canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) contribute significantly to bolstering participants' wellbeing, yet the mechanisms within interactions have received little empirical attention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of client–canine contact on wellbeing outcomes in a sample of 284 undergraduate college students (77% female; 21% male, 2% non-binary). Participants self-selected to participate and were rand…
A mixed-methods examination of an on-campus canine-assisted intervention by gender: Women, men, and gender-diverse individuals’ self-reports of stress-reduction and well-being
On-campus canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) provide opportunities for college students to interact with therapy dog-handler teams and are considered a low-cost and low-barrier way for students to reduce their stress and bolster their well-being. Across studies, we see participant samples comprised predominantly of women participants. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 20-min CAI on the well-being of women ( n = 80), men ( n =…
Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials
The field of human-animal interaction (HAI) has experienced prolific growth in the scope, breadth, and rigor of research conducted on animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). As knowledge regarding the preliminary efficacy of AAIs on outcomes of human health and wellbeing continues to accumulate, so has information regarding the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of AAIs. This progression, combined with an increase in funding opportunities, inst…
Beyond Cuddling Canines: Exploring Students’ Perceptions of the Importance of Touch in an On-Campus Canine-Assisted Intervention
Despite the increasing popularity of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) across a variety of contexts, there is a paucity of literature exploring participants’ perceptions of the mechanisms that contribute to the benefits reported by researchers. This study aimed to expand on the knowledge obtained by our Phase I findings and to better understand undergraduate participants’ ( N = 280) perceptions and experiences of direct, physical contact versu…
Publications Trends in Society & Animals from 2009–2019: A Bibliometric Analysis
This bibliometric analysis of Society & Animals ( SOAN ) publications from 2009–2019 generated a portrait of publishing trends including prevalent authors (i.e., Who?), institutions publishing HAI research (i.e., Where?), and salient themes of research showcased (i.e., What?). Pete Porter and Randy Malamud emerged as preeminent authors and collaborators. Researchers with prevalent citations included Pavol Prokop, Christoph Randler, and Randy Mala…
For the love of acronyms: An analysis of terminology and acronyms used in AAI research 2013–2023
The involvement of animals to assist or facilitate activities, education, or therapy has become increasingly popular. As we recognize animals’ roles in ameliorating well-being and educational outcomes, researchers and programmers are developing a variety of animal-assisted programs. This diversification has seen the adoption of a plethora of terms and acronyms. Many researchers have pointed out this over-abundance of terms and their inconsistent …
Supporting animals and veterans through enrichment: An exploratory study on a brief canine socializing intervention
Veterans pursuing post-secondary education may experience reintegration challenges and academic-related stress. To support student well-being, colleges and universities have begun to offer animal-assisted interventions (AAI); however, the influence of AAI programs on student veteran populations remains underexplored. Furthermore, the welfare impact of AAI programs on incorporating animals has begun to be assessed. As shelter dogs can benefit from…
Keeping loneliness on a short leash: Reducing university student stress and loneliness through a canine-assisted intervention
Despite often crowded campuses and the corresponding opportunities to meet new people, undergraduate students often experience high rates of loneliness as they adjust to life away from home and establish new social networks while adapting to the demands of university coursework. One low-cost intervention that has proven beneficial in reducing stress and overall well-being has seen therapy dog-handler teams brought to campus affording students an …
Beyond the campus context: Reducing stress among students and community members through virtual canine comfort modules
Research continues to demonstrate the stress-reducing benefits of in-person interactions with therapy dogs, especially among students engaged within educational contexts. However, less is known about the potential of virtual interactions with therapy dogs to reduce stress among post-secondary students and if such benefits might extend to members of the general community. Accordingly, the aim of this study was twofold. First, we explored how a vir…
Authentic and Non-authentic Benevolence: Self-Determination Theory as a Framework to Establish Links to Well-Being
Too much to handle? Exploring perceptions of therapy dog handlers as pseudo-therapists in post-secondary canine-assisted interventions
Background : Research attests to the beneficial effects of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) for supporting post-secondary student well-being. As post-secondary is a time of great stress and anxiety, institutions implement resources, such as CAIs, to try and bolster student well-being. Among other measures, CAIs have been shown to improve student self-esteem, connectedness to campus, and decrease stress, homesickness, and loneliness. However, …
Head, middle, or tail-end? A pilot examination of the differential effects of interacting with different parts of a therapy dog on college student well-being
Background : Despite a plethora of research attesting to the benefits of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) on participants’ well-being, little is empirically understood about the mechanisms within CAI interactions that elicit these outcomes. This study is a follow-up to research that examined the effects of touch during a CAI – establishing that direct touch was optimal in eliciting well-being benefits for student participants. Methods : The a…
Human-Animal Interaction Studies (17 works) · Psychology (14 works) · Medicine (9 works) · Animal welfare (8 works) · Veterinary Practice and Education Studies (8 works) · Animal-assisted therapy (7 works) · Pet therapy (7 works) · Psychiatry (7 works) · Psychological intervention (7 works) · Social Psychology (6 works)