Abstract The emerging field of dolphin assisted therapy is reviewed. The paradigm
is traced from its roots in cognitive behavioural techniques, in which
it enjoys success with developmentally and cognitively challenged children.
Parallels with other animal assisted therapy are considered. The recent
foray into neurophysiological evaluation, with electrochemical implications,
is discussed. Interdisciplinary knowledge is synthesized to address implications.
Ethical considerations and technological solutions to concerns about animal
captivity are considered, with directions for future research with cetaceans
and artificial alternatives included.
Introduction
"Diviner than the dolphin is nothing yet created"
The unique cetacean characteristic, echolocative
biosonar, dolphins' use of ultrasonic frequencies for echolocation (Birch,1997)
are products of an evolutionary impetus for reliance on sound for communication
as well as navigation. It may catalyse psychophysiological changes in humans
and produce observed behavioural modification (Pinney, 1998). Psychophysiological
effects of dolphin-human interaction can be considered a frequency mediated
response in biological systems, dealing with potential methods of modifying
human cerebral function through external stimuli characterised by their
frequencies (Birch,1997). The possibilities of human-dolphin interaction
have only been hinted at by research undertaken to date.
In a field with little empirical data, absence
of standard criteria of what constitutes therapeutic progress (Limond,
Bradshaw & Cormack, 1997), anecdotal results preceding organized research
and generating scepticism and cynicism (Birch,1997), researchers are endeavouring
to amalgamate interdisciplinary knowledge. By quantify the phenomenon they
are refuting associations with mystical explanations and 'New Age' sensibilities,
an impediment to clarification of the phenomenon's mechanism (Martens,
1996).
Recognising the possibility of the entire field
being dismissed as conjecture, or regarded as interchangeable with other
forms of animal assisted therapy, David Cole's introduction of neurophysiological
measures injected much needed credibility into the discipline. By collaborating
with behaviourists, but incorporating this added dimension, Cole was able
to speculate about mechanisms that may have instigated the behaviourists'
success (AquaThought, 1997). The 1989 establishment of the AquaThought
Foundation was a much needed milestone for the domain, in which isolated
researchers acquired an interdisciplinary forum to propel the field towards
objective investigation. Establishment of objective therapeutic merit was
critical in ensuring that individuals who might benefit from such intervention
were not precluded from gaining access to it (Martens, 1996).
Psychoneuroimmunological advances, and refinements
in collection and interpretation of electroencephalogram (EEG) data have
assisted researchers in investigating neurological changes that may be
occurring during dolphin-human encounters. Replicating potentially beneficial
effects of dolphin encounters through use of virtual reality (VR) systems
and specialised signal rendering applications (McCulloch, 1998) is imminent.
Reflecting the balance between conjecture and
empirical investigation that presently exists, the current review traces
the emergence of the field, drawing from multi-disciplinary examples, in
an attempt to clarify and synthesize possible underlying mechanisms. The
chronology is not intended to imply a hierarchy of empirical importance,
but illustrate the field's development, and demonstrate how the phenomenon
operates on a variety of interdependent levels. Scroll to the bottom of this page to go to the next page To touch a wild dolphin: A journey of discovery with the sea's most
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olphin assisted therapy (DAT) originally emerged
from the animal assisted therapy arena. However, unique psycho-physiological
changes reported in humans following interaction with dolphins seems to
set cetacean encounters apart therapeutically. Initially used and explained
as a behaviour modification phenomenon, with principals imported from other
successfully employed interventions functioning on a reward system, the
strong desire to interact with dolphins prompted attention span increases
in cognitively challenged individuals. Although still maturing, the research
paradigm grew from the need to objectively investigate anecdotal reports
of therapeutic gains instigated by dolphin interaction.