Reference: Olivia Plett, Vera Flasbeck, & Martin Brüne. (2023). Effects of human and animal-assisted skills training on oxytocin und cortisol levels in patients with borderline personality disorder, Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 162,156-160, ISSN 0022-3956, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.004 Can animals play a role in therapy for people with Borderline Personality Disorder? These clients experience emotional turmoil and challenges in connecting with significant others. German psychology researchers evaluated 40 Borderline Personality Disorder clients in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy program. Half participated in animal-assisted emotional regulation skills training; the others had only therapist-guided skills training. Questionnaires assessed symptom severity, impulsivity, ability to describe one’s emotions, and fears of compassion. The scientists collected saliva samples before and after three weekly therapy sessions. Results? Both interventions led to reduced cortisol levels, an indicator of lower stress levels. However, animal-assisted therapy did not have a greater positive impact. Oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and stress reduction, increased in both groups but not significantly. Both groups showed improvement in borderline symptom severity, impulsivity, describing their emotions, and treating themselves with compassion and empathy. While both Dialectical Behavior Therapy regular and animal-assisted skill training were helpful, using animals did not lead to greater enhancement of interpersonal skill training in therapy for clients with Borderline Personality Disorders. Yet, let’s cherish and gain comfort from our animal friends: lessons in supporting and getting along with others.

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.