Understanding Communication in Multispecies Families
The research article "Characteristics of communication skills in children belonging to multispecies families" provides intriguing insights into how living with pets, specifically dogs, can influence the development of communication skills in children. This study, published in CoDAS, explores the dynamics within families that consider pets as integral members, focusing on the interactions between children, adults, and dogs.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved 34 children aged between 3 months and 4 years, all from multispecies families. The researchers observed and filmed interactions between these children and their family dogs. The findings revealed that dogs often act as communicative partners, influencing the child's verbal and non-verbal communication.
Key observations include:
- Dogs serve as interlocutors, enhancing dialogic activities.
- Children's communicative intentions are often directed towards dogs, with parents mediating these interactions.
- As children grow, they exhibit more independence in interacting with dogs, reducing the need for adult mediation.
Implications for Practitioners
For speech-language pathologists, these findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating pets into therapeutic settings. Here are some practical applications:
- Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI): Consider integrating dogs into therapy sessions to motivate children and enhance their communicative engagement.
- Family Involvement: Encourage families to engage in activities that involve both children and pets, fostering natural communication opportunities.
- Research and Development: Further research is encouraged to explore the nuanced roles of different pets in communication development.
Encouraging Further Research
The study opens avenues for further research into the role of pets in communication development. Understanding these dynamics can lead to more effective therapeutic strategies and improved outcomes for children with communication challenges.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Characteristics of communication skills in children belonging to multispecies families.
