Oxytocin Pathways and the Health Effects of Human-Animal Interaction

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Human-Animal Bond; Human-Animal Interaction

• Registration Number: NCT03852264
• Lead Sponsor: University of Arizona

Brief Summary

This study investigates the roles of oxytocin pathways in human-animal interaction.

Detailed Description

This study investigates the roles of oxytocin pathways in human-animal interaction. Children will participate in three conditions involving friendly interactions with dogs, or play with toys at a university laboratory. Child and dog saliva and urine will be assayed for oxytocin concentrations. We will assess variation in oxytocin concentrations in relation to different experimental conditions, and in relation to specific behaviors and psychological constructs.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2019-02-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2019-02-21
• Study First Posted: 2019-02-25
• Study Start: 2019-03-08
• Primary Completion: 2022-01-10
• Study Completion: 2022-01-10
• Results First Submitted: 2023-01-04
• Status Verified: 2024-03
• Results First Submitted QC: 2024-09-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-09-06
• Results First Posted: 2024-11-11
• Last Update Posted: 2024-11-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 55

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants in this study will include typically-developing children between 8-10 years who have lived with a companion dog in the household for at least 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

• known medical diseases or injuries involving the central nervous or endocrine systems, major physical abnormalities, seizures, and significant sensory, cognitive, or motor impairments, current use of psychoactive medications

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Salivary Oxytocin, Area Under the Curve	baseline, 15 minutes	Change from baseline measured as the area under the curve with respect to the initial value (AUCi).
Urinary Oxytocin, Area Under the Curve	baseline, 50 minutes	Change from baseline measured as the area under the curve with respect to the initial value (AUCi).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Salivary Cortisol, Area Under the Curve	baseline, 50 minutes	Change from baseline measured as the area under the curve with respect to the initial value (AUCi).
Urinary Vasopressin, Area Under the Curve	baseline, 50 minutes	Change from baseline measured as the area under the curve with respect to the initial value (AUCi).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Arizona; 🇺🇸 Tucson, Arizona, United States