Farm-animal-assisted interventions: a systematic scoping review, realist synthesis, and realist evaluation

This intervention has been understudied, therefore this thesis reports three studies contributing novel insights about FAAIs.<br><br>Methods: <br>A systematic scoping review investigated the reported uses and impacts of FAAIs on human health. To develop understanding of the mechanisms by which FAAIs improve human health, and for whom; a realist synthesis was conducted.

A realist evaluation explored in which circumstances FAAIS are adopted by the NHS in Northern Ireland.<br><br>Results: <br>Thirty-six publications were identified via the scoping review. Positive results associated with physical and mental health were reported amongst nine participant groups. Sixty-five sources were synthesized within the realist synthesis to develop theory which suggests that FAAIs improve mental health by facilitating disorientation from stigmatizing social identities.