Emily Shoesmith, Research Fellow, Department of Health Sciences

Emily is a Research Fellow in the Mental Health and Addiction Research Group at the Department of Health Sciences. Emily specialises in health research using mixed-methods, with a particular interest in the development and evaluation of complex interventions.

Email: emily.shoesmith@york.ac.uk

Our 60-second interview with Emily:

Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?

My research in mental health focuses on the therapeutic and social benefits of human-animal interaction (HAI) in a range of contexts (e.g., animal-assisted services, assistance animals, companion animals) for diverse populations. My work addresses the design, implementation, and evaluation of human-animal interaction interventions that aim to enhance psychological wellbeing and quality of life.

What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?

The most rewarding aspect of this work is witnessing the profound impact that human-animal interactions can have on individuals’ mental wellbeing. Observing how human-animal interactions and relationships can improve social engagement and foster emotional connections is deeply inspiring. This work allows me to contribute to the development of compassionate, evidence-based practices that prioritise both human and animal welfare. The fact that human-animal interactions can create positive changes in the lives of many diverse populations motivates me to advance this important field.

What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?

Despite the rapid and prolific expansion of animal-assisted services in the UK, these are not based on robust evidence. Evidence synthesis has unanimously highlighted common methodological problems and a lack of rigour in study design. Key issues include small sample sizes and consequently a lack of statistical power, and an absence of manualised intervention protocols and well-designed control conditions. Design issues are further compounded by limited intervention reporting, restricting the opportunity for reproducibility and comparability. The complex nature of these services in mental health-related contexts also requires consideration of welfare and safety for the participant, dog and handler that exceeds current design and reporting practice in the field. However, it is both rewarding and exciting to be involved in improving the evidence base and reporting standards.

What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?

I hope my work will contribute to improving the evidence base and reporting standards of human-animal interaction research. Ultimately, I hope this work will increase acceptance of animal-assisted services as an evidence-based practice, broaden access to these benefits, and foster a greater understanding of how human-animal interactions can play a transformative role in mental health for a range of populations.

Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?

One piece of advice I follow for my own mental health is to take regular breaks doing something I love (going for a walk, spending time with animals). I find that this helps me return to work with a clearer mind. Also, prioritising those moments reminds me that mental health is sustained not just through what we accomplish, but through the balance we maintain in our daily lives.