A healing journey with animals

Guyang Lin, Mimi Li, Bo Li, Yingfang Meng

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Researchers have recognized animals' psychotherapeutic roles in mental health, emphasizing the importance of human–animal interaction and relationships. However, empirical evidence supporting the mental health benefits of animals in a tourism context is lacking. To address this gap, a mixed-method approach featuring a triangulation design was used to determine how human–animal interaction can enhance mental health–related indictors during animal-based tourism. Quantitative data revealed that human–animal interaction during such tourism experiences indirectly relates to tourists’ self-efficacy, self-esteem, and feelings of depression, mediated by the human–animal relationship. Meanwhile, qualitative findings showed that different types of human–animal interactive activities uniquely affect mental health–related outcomes in the tourism context. Our research affirms the significance of human–animal interaction and relationships in tourism: they can provide participants with emotional and cognitive benefits. The findings of the study inform relevant policies, and guide tourism product design.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)252-263
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Volume60
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Keywords

  • Animal-based tourism
  • Human–animal interaction
  • Human–animal relationship
  • Mental health benefits

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

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