Animal-Assisted Psychoeducational Intervention in Paediatric Oncohaematology

Evidence from a Single-Centre Observational Study

Bibliographic Data

ID15720085
AuthorsChiara Battaglini (0009-0000-5488-4612, Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino), Valentina Isaja (0000-0002-1043-2849, LINKS Foundation), Gaia Riscossa (LINKS Foundation), Mario Giordano (0000-0003-4224-636X, Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino), Paola Quarello (0000-0002-1940-7375, Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino), Giulia Zucchetti (0000-0003-1437-3572, Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, corresponding author), Franca Fagioli (0000-0002-9257-900X, Department of Paediatric Onco-Haematology, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy)
Year2026
Volume13
Issue1
Pages136-136
Publication date2026-01-16
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children13010136
PMID41597144
OpenAlexW7124443780
LanguageEN
References cited15

Background : Hospitalisation for paediatric oncohaematological diseases entails significant physical and psychological stress, often compromising children's emotional regulation and daily functioning. In this context, complementary interventions can provide additional support to the clinical work conducted with children and adolescents undergoing treatment, fostering emotional awareness and well-being. This study evaluates the feasibility and perceived benefits of an animal-assisted psychoeducational intervention to enhance emotional coping during hospitalisation. Methods : A single-centre observational study was conducted at Regina Margherita Children's Hospital in Italy in collaboration with the ZOOM Foundation (Turin, Italy), between September 2023 and May 2025. Sixty patients aged 6-15 years participated in an intervention combining observation of an in-ward aquarium, virtual animal encounters, and completion of a psychoeducational booklet promoting emotional reflection through symbolic identification with animal behaviours. Results : The intervention showed high feasibility and acceptability: 90% of participants (54/60) reported positive emotions and enjoyment, 80% (48/60) found the booklet engaging, and all participants (100%) perceived care and attention from facilitators. The activities fostered engagement, curiosity, and well-being, though their impact on deeper emotional processing appeared limited. Conclusions : Animal-assisted psychoeducational interventions are feasible and well-received in paediatric oncohaematology, offering complementary support to clinical care by promoting emotional resilience and enriching the hospital experience

Anxiety · Coping (psychology · Feeling · Intervention (counseling · Observational learning · Observational study · Psychological intervention · Psychological resilience · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Pediatric Pain Management Techniques

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