Oxytocin Pathways and the Health Effects of Human-Animal Interaction

HAI Clinical Trial

Official title: Oxytocin Pathways and the Health Effects of Human-Animal Interaction

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study investigates the roles of oxytocin and vasopressin in human-animal interaction. Children will participate in three conditions involving friendly interactions with dogs, or play with toys at a university laboratory.

Clinical Trial Description

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are neuropeptides that play critical roles in social behavior, cognition, stress physiology, and physical health. OT is released in adult humans and dogs during affiliative forms of human-animal interaction (HAI), and HAI attenuates AVP release in dogs. Thus, HAI may provide a safe and effective approach for stimulating endogenous OT release, and inhibiting endogenous AVP activity. The investigators will recruit a sample of typically developing 8-10 year old children who will engage in structured HAI sessions with a familiar companion dog or unfamiliar dog, compared to a nonsocial control condition. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• HAI

• NCT number: NCT03852264
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Arizona
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: March 8, 2019
• Completion date: January 10, 2022