Prof. Karin Hediger, PhD
Full Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychology
T +41 41 229 58 22
karin.hediger@unilu.ch
Werftestrasse 4, Office 108
CV
Prof. Dr Karin Hediger is full professor of Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Lucerne. After studying psychology at the University of Zurich, she completed her doctorate at the University of Rostock (Germany) in 2012 and habilitated at the University of Basel in 2021, where she was an assistant professor from 2021 to 2024. In 2020, Karin Hediger was appointed professor by the Open University in Heerlen (Netherlands) and has been affiliated with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute since 2017. She has also worked as a psychotherapist since 2011. Karin Hediger's research focuses on clinical psychology and intervention research with a clear focus on animal-assisted intervention.
Research
Main Research Areas
- Mental health
- Psychotherapy research
- Therapy motivation and alliance
- Animal-assisted interventions
- Human-animal relationship
- One Health
Publications
- Hediger, K. (2025). Dr. Katze. Therapie auf samtenen Pfoten. Tiere als Co-Therapeuten: Wenn Katzen bei der Heilung unterstützen. Elsbethen: Ecowing.
- Hediger, K. (2022). Moving forward: how animal-assisted interventions can enrich healthcare. Netherlands: Open Universiteit.
- Hediger, K., & Zink, R. (2020). Pferdegestützte Traumatherapie (2nd ed.). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K. (2017). Pferdegestützte Traumatherapie (1st ed.). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K. (2012). Hunde und die Stressreaktion unsicher und desorganisiert gebundener Kinder. Göttingen: Cuvillier.
- Hediger, K. (2025). Neuromechanisms and subjective experiences during human-dog interactions: Assessing motivation and mental state in a randomized, controlled trial. PLoS ONE, 20 (6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325325
- Hediger, K. (2025). Wenn Reden nicht genügt: Was wir von Tieren in der Therapie lernen können. Laudato, (2), 6–7.
- Hediger, K. (2025). De PET@home Toolkit: Wanneer het baasje zorg nodig heeft. Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie, 56 (1), 44–45. https://doi.org/10.54195/tgg22556
- Hediger, K., Marti, R., Petignat, M., Marcar, V. L., Hattendorf, J., Wolf, M., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2025). Effects of contact with a dog on prefrontal brain activation in patients in a minimally conscious state: A controlled crossover trial. Neuroscience, 577, 175–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.05.014
- Hediger, K., Naber, A., Kreuzer, L., Glenk, L. M., Zink, R., Millesi, E., & Palme, R. (2025). Heart rate and salivary cortisol as indicators of arousal and synchrony in clients, therapy horses and therapist in equine-assisted therapy. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101937
- Hediger, K., Lunzenfichter, M., Markzoll, E., Arnskötter, W., Schaudek, M., & Kluger, G. (2025). Psychological aspects of hippotherapy for children with severe neurological impairment: An exploratory study. PLoS ONE, 20. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320238
- Hediger, K., Schaupp, J., Schäffer, B., Wunderli, J.-M., Tobias, S., Heimer, J., & Bauer, N. (2025). Psychophysiological effects of walking in forests and urban built environments with disparate road traffic noise exposure: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 105, 102662 ff. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102662
- Hediger, K., Carbone, F., Silva, M., Leemann, B., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2025). Registered Report Stage I: Neurological and physiological effects of animal-assisted treatments for patients in a minimally conscious state: a randomized, controlled cross-over study. Neuroscience, 582, 164-171 ff. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.07.023
- Hediger, K., Declerq, I., Leontjevas, R., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Molog, M., & Gerritsen, D. (2024). Developing a research agenda on NATure-based and Animal-assisted Intervention Strategies (NATAIS) in people with neurodegenerative diseases with a specific focus on social isolation and loneliness: a group concept mapping procedure. BMC Geriatrics, 24 (795). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05387-2
- Hediger, K., Arnskötter, W., Martin, S., & Walitza, S. (2024). Effects of including a dog on treatment motivation and the therapeutic alliance in child and adolescent psychotherapy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 25 (26). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07854-4
- Hediger, K., Schaupp, J., Wunderli, J.-M., Schäffer, B., Tobias, S., Kolecka, N., & Bauer, N. (2024). Psychophysiological effects of walking in forests and urban built environments with disparate road traffic noise exposure: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychology, 12 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01720-x
- Hediger, K., Kreuzer, L., Naber, A., Zink, R., Millesi, E., Palme, R., & Glenk, L. M. (2024). Horses’ Cardiovascular and Glucocorticoid Responses to Equine-Assisted Therapy with Women with Intellectual Disability: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2024.2396968
- Hediger, K., DeWinkel, T., van der Steen, S., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Griffioen, R., Haverbeke, A., & Groenewoud, D. (2024). Observational behaviors and emotions to assess welfare of dogs: A systematic review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 72, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2023.12.007
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Leontjevas, R., Declerq, I., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Gerritsen, D. (2024). The development of the PET@home toolkit: An experience-based co-design method study. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100189
- Hediger, K., & Arnskötter, K. (2024). Tiergestützte Therapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen – Chancen und Herausforderungen. Psychologie & Erziehung, 12–16.
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Leontjevas, R., Declerq, I., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Gerritsen, D. (2023). The Roles of Pets in Long-Term Care at Home: A Qualitative Study. BMC Geriatrics, 23 (702). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04416-w
- Hediger, K., & Enders-Slegers, M.-J. (2023). Dieren als assistent-behandelaars? Huisarts en Wetenschap, 66 (6), 27–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/S12445-023-2256-1
- Hediger, K., Wagner, C., & Gaab, J. (2023). The Importance of the Treatment Rationale for Pain in Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Participants. The Journal of Pain, 24 (6), 1080–1093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2023.01.004
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Leontjevas, R., Declerq, I., Molog, M., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Gerritsen, D. (2023). De Betekenis van huisdieren in de langdurige thuiszorg. Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie en Geriatrie, 54 (4). https://doi.org/10.54195/TGG.18095
- Hediger, K., Janssens, M., Eshuis, J., Heilijgers, E., Jacobs, N., Lataster, J., & Peeters, S. (2023). Animal impact in real‐life: Study protocol for an ecological momentary assessment study on the role of animal characteristics in the relationship between companion animals and mental wellbeing. Mental Health Science, (2), 50–56. https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.40
- Hediger, K., Groenewoud, D., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Leontjevas, R., Van Dijke, A., & de Winkel, T. (2023). Children`s bond with companion animals and associations with psychosocial health: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14 (1120000). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1120000
- Hediger, K., Locher, C., Petignat, M., Wagner, C., Roth, B., Gaab, J., & Koechlin, H. (2023). Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy for Pediatric Chronic Pain: Case Series of an Open Pilot Study to Test Initial Feasibility and Potential Efficacy. Journal of Pain Research, 1799–1811. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S394270
- Hediger, K., Naber, A., Volk, M., & Zink, R. (2023). Can equine communication via audible exhales improve the welfare of therapy horses? - A pilot practice project. Human-Animal Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1079/HAI.2023.0039
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Declerq, I., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Gerritsen, D., & Leontjevas, R. (2022). The role of pets in the support systems of community-dwelling older adults: a qualitative systematic review. Aging & Mental Health, 27 (7). https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2022.2141196
- Hediger, K., Zinsstag, J., Maidane Osman, Y., Abukhattab, S., Crump, L., Kaiser-Grolimund, A., … Pelikan, K. (2022). The Promotion and Development of One Health at Swiss TPH and Its Greater Potential. Diseases, 10 (3). https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases10030065
- Hediger, K., & Wohlfarth, R. (2022). Tierethische Aspekte tiergestützter Therapie. TIERethik, 14 (25), 19–59. Retrieved from https://tierethik.net/data/2022-02/TE_2022_2_WohlfarthHediger.pdf
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Leontjevas, R., Declerq, I., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Gerritsen, D. (2022). The Significance of Pets for Vulnerable Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Explorative Qualitative Study. Animals, 12 (20), 2752 ff. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202752
- Hediger, K., Marti, R., Urfer, V., Schenk, A., Gutwein, V., & Dörr, C. (2022). Effects of a Dog-Assisted Social- and Emotional-Competence Training for Prisoners: A Controlled Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (17). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710553
- Hediger, K., Marti, R., Petignat, M., Marcar, V. L., Hattendorf, J., Wolf, M., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2022). Effects of contact with a dog on prefrontal brain activity: A controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 17 (10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274833
- Hediger, K., Künzi, P., Ackert, M., Grosse Holtforth, M., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2022). Effects of animal-assisted psychotherapy incorporating mindfulness and self-compassion in neurorehabilitation: a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Scientific Reports, 12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14584-1
- Hediger, K., Wagner, C., & Grob, C. (2022). Specific and Non-specific Factors of Animal-Assisted Interventions Considered in Research: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931347
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Declerq, I., Gerritsen, D., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Leontjevas, R. (2021). 216 - ECN Award: ‘The Meaning of Companion-Animal Support in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Integrative Review’. International Psychogeriatrics, 33 (S1), 17 ff. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610221001496
- Hediger, K., Arnskötter, W., Marcar, V. L., Wolf, M., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2021). Animal presence modulates frontal brain activity of patients in a minimally conscious state: A pilot study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 32 (7). https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2021.1886119
- Hediger, K., & Koechlin, H. (2021). Tiergestützte Schmerztherapie. Hilfe bei chronischen Schmerzen im Kindes- und Jugendalter? Pädiatrie, (5), 8–11. Retrieved from https://www.rosenfluh.ch/paediatrie-2021-05/tiergestuetzte-schmerztherapie-hilfreich-bei-chronischen-schmerzen-im-kindes-und-jugendalter
- Hediger, K., & Marti, R. (2021). Tiergestützte Therapie bei schweren Bewusstseinsstörungen. Schweizer Zeitschrift für Psychiatrie und Neurologie, (5), 36–38. Retrieved from https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/public.s3b.spectra.io/docinside/prod/rosenfluh/media/psychiatrie-neurologie/2021/05/Tiergestuetzte-Therapie-bei-schweren-Bewusstseinsstoerungen.pdf
- Hediger, K., Schaub, K., Ulrich, M., Zuber, D., Munch, L., Marcar, V. L., … Huber, M. (2021). Making daily life perceptible: Impacts of therapy according to the Affolter Modell® on the consciousness and ability recovery in a patient in the Minimally Conscious State (MCS) minus. Ergoscience, 15 (2), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.2443/skv-s-2020-54020200203
- Hediger, K., & Koechlin, H. (2021). Das Potential tiergestützter Therapie zur Behandlung chronischer Schmerzen im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Verhaltenstherapie und Psychosoziale Praxis, 53 (1).
- Hediger, K., Wagner, J., Künzi, P., Haefeli, A., Theis, F., Grob, C., … Gerger, H. (2021). Effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysisffectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1879713
- Hediger, K., Wagner, C., Gaab, J., & Locher, C. (2021). Lack of Effects of the Presence of a Dog on Pain Perception in Healthy Participants—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Pain Research, 2, 87 ff. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2021.714469
- Hediger, K., Leontjevas, R., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Reniers, P., Declerq, I., & Gerritsen, D. (2021). PET@home: Research protocol for a toolkit to improve care for non-residential long term care clients owning pets. International Psychogeriatrics, 68. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610221002143
- Hediger, K., Boek, F., Sachers, J., Blankenburg, U., Antonius-Kluger, E., Rist, B., … Kluger, G. (2020). Dog-Assisted Therapy in Neurorehabilitation of Children with Severe Neurological Impairment: An Explorative Study. Neuropediatrics, 51 (4). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1708545
- Hediger, K., Theis, F., Luck, F., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2020). Influences of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Episodic Memory in Patients with Acquired Brain Injuries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (22), 8466 ff. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228466
- Hediger, K., Rodriguez, K. E., LaFollette, M. R., Ogata, N., & O, M. E. (2020). Defining the PTSD Service Dog Intervention: Perceived Importance, Usage, and Symptom Specificity of Psychiatric Service Dogs for Military Veterans. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1638 ff. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2020.01638
- Hediger, K., Boitier, J. P., Huber, M., Saleh, C., Kerry, M. J., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2020). Is Animal-Assisted Therapy for Minimally Conscious State Beneficial? A Case Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 491 ff. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00491
- Hediger, K., Wirth, S., Gebhardt-Henrich, S. G., Riemer, S., Hattendorf, J., & Zinsstag, J. (2020). The influence of human interaction on guinea pigs: Behavioral and thermographic changes during animal-assisted therapy. Physiology & Behavior, 225, 113076 ff. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYSBEH.2020.113076
- Hediger, K., Naber, A., Kreuzer, L., Zink, R., Millesi, E., Palme, R., & Glenk, L. M. (2019). Heart rate, heart rate variability and salivary cortisol as indicators of arousal and synchrony in clients with intellectual disability, horses and therapist during equine-assisted interventions. Pet Behaviour Science, (7), 17–23. https://doi.org/10.21071/pbs.v0i7.11801
- Hediger, K., & Wirth, S. (2019). Meerschweinchen in tiergestützten Interventionen: Was wir aus der Forschung über den Umgang mit diesen Tieren lernen können. Meerschweinchen - Bunte Reihe, (7).
- Hediger, K., Meisser, A., & Zinsstag, J. (2019). A One Health Research Framework for Animal-Assisted Interventions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (4), 640 ff. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040640
- Hediger, K. (2019). Tiergestützte Therapie bei Kinder und Jugendlichen [Animal-Assisted Therapy in Children and Adolescents]. Pädiatrische Praxis, 91 (3), 373–379. Retrieved from https://edoc.unibas.ch/80120/
- Hediger, K. (2019). Tiergestützte Therapie bei Kinder und Jugendlichen [Animal-Assisted Therapy in Children and Adolescents]. Internistische Praxis, 61 (3), 489–495. Retrieved from https://edoc.unibas.ch/91098/
- Hediger, K., & Dörr, C. (2019). Tiergestütztes Training emotionaler und sozialer Kompetenzen mit Hunden im Strafvollzug. Standardisierung eines niederschwelligen Behandlungsangebots. Forum Strafvollzug – Zeitschrift für Strafvollzug und Straffälligenhilfe, 69 (3), 206–210.
- Hediger, K., & Enders-Slegers, M.-J. (2019). Pet Ownership and Human–Animal Interaction in an Aging Population: Rewards and Challenges. Anthrozoös, 32 (2), 255–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2019.1569907
- Hediger, K., Wagner, C., & Lang, U. E. (2019). “There Is a Cat on Our Ward”: Inpatient and Staff Member Attitudes toward and Experiences with Cats in a Psychiatric Ward. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (17), 3108 ff. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173108
- Hediger, K., Petignat, M., Marti, R., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2019). Animal-assisted therapy for patients in a minimally conscious state: A randomized two treatment multi-period crossover trial. PLoS ONE, 14 (10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222846
- Hediger, K., Thommen, S., Wagner, C., Gaab, J., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2019). Effects of animal-assisted therapy on social behaviour in patients with acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42280-0
- Hediger, K., & Zink, R. (2019). Pferdegestützte Traumatherapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Zeitschrift für die psychosoziale Praxis, 15 (1), 7–19.
- Hediger, K., Templin, J. C., Wagner, C., & Lang, U. E. (2018). Relationship Between Patient Satisfaction and the Presence of Cats in Psychiatric Wards. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24 (12), 1219–1220. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0263
- Hediger, K., Hund-Georgiadis, M., & Gocheva, V. (2018). Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Concentration and Attention Span in Patients with Acquired Brain Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Neuropsychology, 32 (1), 54 ff. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42280-0
- Hediger, K., Gocheva, V., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2018). Effects of animal-assisted therapy on concentration and attention span in patients with acquired brain injury: A randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychology, 32 (1), 54-64 ff. https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000398
- Hediger, K., & Hund-Georgiadis, M. (2017). Animal-assisted therapy in the view of staff members before and after implementation in a rehabilitation clinic. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 5 (2), 61–73. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2017.0009
- Hediger, K., Beetz, A. M., & Turner, D. C. (2016). IAHAIO Weissbuch 2014: Definition der IAHAIO für tiergestützte Interventionen und Richtlinien für das Wohlbefinden der beteiligten Tiere. Tiergestützte, (1), 32–35.
- Hediger, K., Schramm, E., & Lang, U. E. (2015). From Animal Behavior to Human Health. Zeitschrift für Psychologie, 223 (3), 192–200. https://doi.org/10.1027/2151-2604/a000220
- Hediger, K. (2015). Tiergestützte Interventionen bei psychisch erkrankten Menschen. Pro Mente Sana Aktuell, (2), 11–13.
- Hediger, K., & Turner, D. C. (2014). Can dogs increase children’s attention and concentration performance? A randomised controlled trial. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 2 (2), 21–39. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2014.0010
- Hediger, K. (2014). Tiergestützte Therapie am REHAB Basel. Einblicke in Aufbau, Umsetzung und wissenschaftliche Begleitung. Tiergestützte, (2), 22–24.
- Hediger, K. (2013). Vierbeiner öffnen Türen für die Therapie. Psychologie und Erziehung, 39 (1), 68–70.
- Hediger, K., Beetz, A. M., Kotrschal, K., Turner, D. C., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., & Julius, H. (2011). The Effect of a Real Dog, Toy Dog and Friendly Person on Insecurely Attached Children During a Stressful Task: An Exploratory Study. Anthrozoös, 24 (4), 349-368 ff. https://doi.org/10.2752/175303711X13159027359746
- Hediger, K., Rimmele, U., Heinrichs, M., & Klaver, P. (2009). Oxytocin Makes a Face in Memory Familiar. Journal of Neuroscience, 29 (1), 38–42. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4260-08.2009
- Hediger, K. (2025). Global Best Practices in Applying AAIs: Snapshots of Unique Programs: Guidelines and Suggestions for Therapists. In Fine, Aubrey H., Mueller, Megan, Ng, Zenithson, Chastain, Griffin Taylor & Tedeschi, Philip (Eds.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (pp. 449–488). London: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22346-4.00028-7
- Hediger, K. (2025). Heilende Beziehung: Das Pferd. In Ammann, Christoph, Haerter, Berthold, Schneider Kayasseh, Eveline & Studer, Reto (Eds.), Arme Schweine, listige Schlangen: Tiere im Spiegel der Bibel (pp. 47–50). Zürich: Theologischer Verlag Zürich.
- Hediger, K. (2025). Incorporating Animals into Psychotherapy: Guidelines and Suggestions for Therapists. In Fine, Aubrey H., Mueller, Megan, Ng, Zenithson, Chastain, Griffin Taylor & Tedeschi, Philip (Eds.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (pp. 111–126). London: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22346-4.00008-1
- Hediger, K., Pręgowski, M. P., & Enders-Slegers, M.-J. (2022). The Two Sides of the Non-Human-Animal Bond: Reflections on Using and Abusing Companion Animals. In Vitale, Augusto and Pollo, Simone (Ed.), Human/Animal Relationships in Transformation: Scientific, Moral and Legal Perspectives (pp. 193-216 ff.). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85277-1_10
- Hediger, K., & Beetz, A. M. (2021). Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions for Mental Health and Well-being. In Zinsstag, Jakob, Schelling, Esther, Crump, Lisa, Whittaker, Maxine & Tanner, Marcel (Eds.), One Health: The Theory and Practice of Integrated Health Approaches (pp. 344–355). Wallingford: CAB International.
- Hediger, K., Grimm, H., & Aigner, A. (2021). Ethics of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy. In Trachsel, Manuel, Gaab, Jens, Biller-Andorno, Nikola, Tekin, Şerife & Sadler, John Z. (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Psychotherapy Ethics (pp. 904-916 ff.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198817338.013.75
- Hediger, K. (2021). Freie Interaktionen zwischen Klient und Pferd in der pferdegestützten Psychotherapie. In Gäng, Marianne & Schürch-Gäng, Sibylle (Eds.), Therapeutisches Reiten (pp. 105–124). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K., & Beetz, A. M. (2021). Lernen und Konzentration. In Beetz, Andrea, Riedel, Meike & Wohlfahrth, Rainer (Eds.), Tiergestützte Interventionen: Handbuch für die Aus- und Weiterbildung (pp. 261–270). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K., & Debuse, D. (2021). Schädel-Hirn Trauma. In Beetz, Andrea, Riedel, Meike & Wohlfahrth, Rainer (Eds.), Tiergestützte Interventionen: Handbuch für die Aus- und Weiterbildung (pp. 372–382). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag. Retrieved from https://www.reinhardt-verlag.de/55392_beetz_tiergestuetzte_interventionen/
- Hediger, K., & Turner, D. C. (2021). The role of companion animals in supporting human patients with non-communicable diseases. In Zinsstag, Jakob, Schelling, Esther, Crump, Lisa, Whittaker, Maxine, Tanner, Marcel & Stephen, Craig (Eds.), One Health: the theory and practice of integrated health approaches (pp. 298-309 ff.). Wallingford: CAB International. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781789242577.0298
- Hediger, K., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Beetz, A. M., Jegatheeson, B., & Turner, D. C. (2019). AAI in an international perspective: trends, research and practices. In Fine, Aubrey H (Ed.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy, Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (pp. 465–478). San Diego: Academic Press.
- Hediger, K. (2019). Global Best Practices in Applying AAI. Snapshot Four: Integrating Animals Into Neurorehabilitation. In Fine, Aubrey H (Ed.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy, Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (5th ed., pp. 435–437). San Diego: Academic Press.
- Hediger, K., Beetz, A. M., & Wohlfarth, R. (2019). Praxis der tiergestützten Verhaltenstherapie. In Pfeifer, Eric (Ed.), Natur in Psychotherapie und Künstlerischer Therapie. Theoretische, methodische und praktische Grundlagen (Vol. 2, pp. 451–468). Giessen: Psychosozial-Verlag.
- Hediger, K., Beetz, A. M., & Wohlfarth, R. (2019). Tiergestützte Verhaltenstherapie. In Pfeifer, Eric (Ed.), Natur in Psychotherapie und Künstlerischer Therapie. Theoretische, methodische und praktische Grundlagen (Vol. 2, pp. 431–450). Giessen: Psychosozial-Verlag.
- Hediger, K., & Beetz, A. M. (2018). Lernen und Konzentration. In Beetz, Andrea, Riedel, Meike & Wohlfahrth, Rainer (Eds.), Handbuch tiergestützter Interventionen (pp. 261–270). -: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K., & Debuse, D. (2018). Schädel-Hirn Trauma. In Beetz, Andrea, Riedel, Meike & Wohlfahrth, Rainer (Eds.), Handbuch tiergestützter Interventionen (pp. 372–382). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K., Gee, N. R., & Griffin, J. A. (2017). Do Animals in the Classroom Improve Learning, Attention, or other Aspects of Cognition? In Gee, Nancy R., Fine, Aubrey H. & McCardle, Peggy (Eds.), How Animals Help Students Learn: Research and Practice for Educators and Mental-Health Professionals (pp. 21–39). New York: Routledge, Taylor Francis Group.
- Hediger, K. (2016). Freie Interaktionen zwischen Patient und Pferd in der pferdegestützten Psychotherapie. In Gäng, Marianne (Ed.), Therapeutisches Reiten (pp. 105–124). München: Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
- Hediger, K., & Beetz, A. M. (2015). The Role of Human-Animal Interaction in Education. In Zinsstag, Jakob, Schelling, Esther, Waltner-Toews, David, Whittaker, Maxine & Tanner, Marcel (Eds.), One Health: The Theory and Practice of Integrated Health Approaches (pp. 73–84). Wallingford: CAB International.
- Hediger, K., & Marti, R. (2023). Are attachment, animal species, and animal contact duration associated with the health of pet owners and people having regular contact with animals? In International Society for Anthrozoology (Ed.), 32nd International Society for Anthrozoology Conference: Anthrozoology: The Spectrum of Human-Animal Interactions and Relationships (pp. 141–142). Edinburgh: International Society for Anthrozoology.
- Hediger, K., Groenewoud, D., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Leontjevas, R., de Winkel, T., & Van Dijke, A. (2023). Children’s bond with companion animals and associations with psychosocial health: a systematic review. In International Society for Anthrozoology (Ed.), 32nd International Society for Anthrozoology Conference: Anthrozoology: The Spectrum of Human-Animal Interactions and Relationships (pp. 131–132). Edinburgh: International Society for Anthrozoology.
- Hediger, K., Reniers, P., Leontjevas, R., Declerq, I., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Gerritsen, D. (2023). Protocol for the process-evaluation of the development of the innovative PET@home Toolkit using the comprehensive EBCD+ method for frail client pet guardians. In International Society for Anthrozoology (Ed.), 32nd International Society for Anthrozoology Conference: Anthrozoology: The Spectrum of Human-Animal Interactions and Relationships (pp. 135–136). Edinburgh: International Society for Anthrozoology. Retrieved from https://isaz.net/news-events/past-conferences.html
- Hediger, K. (2 November 2024). Psychologie in Luzern: ein neues Kapitel für die Universität. Zebi Magazin. Retrieved from https://www.zebi.ch/de/c/psychologie-in-luzern-ein-neues-kapitel-fuer-die-universitaet.56720
- Hediger, K. (17 October 2024). Neuberufen: Karin Hediger im Gespräch. Universität Luzern News. Retrieved from https://www.unilu.ch/news/neuberufen-karin-hediger-im-gespraech-8858/
- Hediger, K. (27 July 2025). Lykke Reichert Therapydogs Funen.
- Hediger, K. (7 November 2024). Vierbeiner als Psychologen: Wie Tiere uns beim Heilen helfen können: Podcastfolge: ‘Durchblick’. Retrieved from https://www.blick.ch/life/wissen/podcast/vierbeiner-als-psychologen-wie-tiere-uns-beim-heilen-helfen-koennen-id20299016.html
- Hediger, K. (31 August 2024). Wie wirken sich Tiere positiv auf Menschen mit Behinderungen aus? SRF Sendung - Stiftung Denk an mich. Retrieved from https://www.srf.ch/audio/stiftung-denk-an-mich/wie-wirken-sich-tiere-positiv-auf-menschen-mit-behinderungen-aus?id=17c2840e-0251-43d0-85fa-8e4a2c6b84cc
Achievements
- Impacts of an Animal-Assisted Trauma-Focused Therapy Group Program for Children and Adolescents: A Practical Approach. Lecture, The power of human-animal interaction in times of crisis, International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations, Cluj-Napoca, 2024
- Minimum standards for research in the field of Animal Assisted Services (AAS), Human Animal Interaction (HAI), and/or the Human Animal Bond (HAB). Workshop, The power of human-animal interaction in times of crisis, International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations, Cluj-Napoca, 2024
- Effects of dogs on perceived trustworthiness of people. Lecture, The power of human-animal interactions in times of crisis, IAHAIO, Cluj-Napoca, 2024
- An experience sampling study into the role of animal species and behaviour in the pet-effect: it is not who we appraise, but what we appraise. Lecture, 32nd International Society for Anthrozoology Conference, International Society for Anthropology, Edinburgh, 2023
- Animal-assisted therapy for behavioural problems. Key Note, behavioural problems in children and adolescents, Pharmaceutical Society Basel, Basel, 2023
- When talking is not enough: New approaches in animal-assisted therapy. Lecture, 17th Conference of the Swiss Psychological Society, SPS, Zürich, 2022
- Psychological effects of hippotherapy in neuropediatric patients. Lecture, 31st Conference of the International Society for Anthrozoology, ISAZ, online, 2022
- Human-Animal-Relationship Revisited: Viewpoints on positive, negative and exploitative aspects. Lecture, The 32nd International Congress of Psychology Prague 2021, ICP, Prag, 2021
- The potential of dog-assisted therapy in neurorehabilitation of children with severe neurological impairment: an explorative study. Lecture, ISAZ Conference 2020, ISAZ, online, 2020
- The practice of animal assisted psychotherapy. Lecture, Psychology's Contribution to Society, SPS, Bern, 2019
- Effects of animal-assisted therapy in patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS): a randomised-controlled trial. Lecture, Animals in Our Lives: Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Human–Animal Interactions, ISAZ, Sydney, 2018
- Horse-assisted trauma therapy: Only those who learn to move the light can conquer the shadow. Lecture, 16th International Congress of Equine Facilitated Programmes, The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI), Dublin, 2018
- Effects of animal-assisted therapy on socioemotional behaviour in brain-injured patients. Lecture, Unveiling a new paradigm: HAI in the main stream, IAHAIO, Paris, 2016
- Development of attitudes towards animal-assisted therapy in a Swiss rehabilitation clinic. Lecture, Topics in Human-Animal Interactions: Significance in History and for the Future, ISAZ, Saratoga Springs, 2015
- Attitudes towards animal-assisted therapy in a Swiss rehabilitation clinic. Lecture, Being, Doing, Participating, The Society for Rehabilitation Research and Development, European Forum for Research in Rehabilitation (EFRR, Helsinki, 2015
- Attitudes towards the implementation of animal-assisted therapy in a Swiss rehabilitation clinic. Lecture, Animals and Humans together: Integration in Society, ISAZ, Wien, 2014
- Psychophysiological effects of a dog‘s presence on children‘s concentration and attention performance as well as learning. Lecture, Humans and Animals: The Inevitable Bond, IAHAIO & AVMA, Chicago, 2013
- Stress reduction in children in the presence of a real dog, a stuffed toy dog, or a friendly adult. (Panel) contribution, People & Animals: For Life, IAHAIO, Stockholm, 2010
- Oxytocin improves social memory in humans. Poster, 39th Annual Conference of the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology (ISPNE), ISPNE, Dresden, 2008
- Tiere im pädagogischen und therapeutischen Einsatz. Lecture, Herbstveranstaltung 2025, Seniorenbildung Männedorf & Ökumenische Altersbildung, Reformierten Kirchgemeinde und katholischen Pfarrei Männedorf, «Seniorenbildung Männedorf» und «Fachstelle Alter» Männedorf, Männedorf, 2025
- Tiergestützte Interventionen: Aktuelles aus der Forschung. Lecture, GTTA Webinar, GTTA, online, 2025
- Choice and control. Lecture, Wahlmöglichkeiten in Krisen – Tiergestützte Selbstbestimmung, Kinderhospitz Lichtblickhof, Wien, 2025
- Wenn Reden nicht genügt: Innovative Ansätze in der Kinder- und Jugendpsychotherapie. Lecture, Weiterbildung an Mitgliederversammlung, SGTR, Basel, 2025
- More than ‘Jöö’: Effects and mechanisms of animal-assisted therapy. Lecture, Scientific afternoon at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), CHUV (Dr. Ulrike Rimmele), Lausanne, 2025
- Evidenz tiergestützter Psychotherapie: Aktuelle Erkenntnisse und bewährte Ansätze. Lecture, Co-Creation Anlass, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Zürich, 2025
- Hunde und andere Tiere in der Therapie: Wissenschaftliche Grundlagen und Aktuelles aus der Praxis. Der Hund als Freund und Helfer, Aachen, 2025
- Bridging the gap: How can collaboration between research and practice advance animal-assisted services? Well-being for all: Innovations and insights in human-animal interactions, Amsterdam, 2025
- "One Health" in Animal Assisted Interventions. Zaak op Poten dag Aeres Hogeschool Dronten, Dronten, 2023
- The Power of Guinea Pigs in Animal-Assisted Services: Bigger isn’t Always Better. IAHAIO webinar, online, 2023
- When animals participate in animal-assisted therapy: what does it mean for the animals? Seminar for animal caregivers in Switzerland, Basel, 2023
- Animal-Assisted Therapy. Symposium “Animals in Medicine” of the Alfried Krupp Science College, Greifswald, 2023
- More than Jöö: animal-assisted therapy for children and youth. Guest Colloquium Health Psychology for Children and Adolescents, Zürich, 2022
- Psychobiologische Effekte von Tieren auf den Menschen. University Hospital Basel, further education «psychosomatic medicine», Basel, 2022
- Tiergestützte Therapie: Aktuelles aus Forschung und Praxis. University Psychiatric Services Bern, Bern, 2022
- Animal Assisted Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders and Pain. Annual Meeting of the Swiss Academy for Psychosomatic and Psychosocial Medicine & Swiss Pain Society, Bern, 2022
- Is the animal important? Specific and Non-specific Factors of Animal-Assisted Interventions. IAHAIO Conference 2022, online, 2022
- Looking Behind the Academic Curtain. IAHAIO Conference 2022, online, 2022
- How pets accompanied us through the pandemic. Animalicum, Animals & Us Congress, Greifswald, 2022
- Warum liegt tiergestütztes Arbeiten so im Trend? DVG Vet-Congress 2021, Berlin, 2021
- Mechanisms underlying Animal-Assisted Interventions. IAHAIO Conference 2021, online, 2021
- Animal welfare standards in Animal-Assisted Interventions. IAHAIO Conference 2021, online, 2021
- One Health als Grundlage für tiergestützte Interventionen. Fachtagung Berlin «Mensch-Tier-Beziehungen und tiergestützte Interventionen, Berlin, 2021
- From bench to barn to bed: Can understanding human animal interactions help us design better treatments? ISAZ 2021, Buffalo, 2021
- One Health as framework for animal-assisted interventions. International Congress of Equine Facilitated Programmes, Seoul, 2021
- Animal-assisted therapy. Research conference University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), online, 2020
- New results from science about human-animal relationship. International online conference “Green care – animal assisted interventions in education, coaching and therapy”, Wien, 2020
- Animal assisted therapy in neurorehabilitation. Antropozoa Conference “Contributions of AAI on education, research and activities”, Florence, 2019
- An update on research in animal-assisted interventions. ISAAT/ESAAT Conference, Sasbachwalden, 2019
- How to start an HAI program. 15th triannual IAHAIO conference, Green Chimneys, Brewster, 2019
- Quality standards in animal-assisted interventions. IAHAIO Symposium, Amsterdam, 2018
- Animal-assisted therapy for patients with severe disorders of consciousness. 4th Symposium for severe disorders of consciousness (Symposium “Wachkoma”), Köln, 2018
- Dog-assisted traumatherapy. Conference “Dog and Psychology”, Aachen, 2018
- Animal-assisted therapy for patients with severe disorders of consciousness. 4th Symposium for severe disorders of consciousness, Köln, 2018
- Animal-assisted psychotherapy: effects and mechanisms. Conference on animal-assisted interventions, Warschau, 2017
- Therapy dogs. “One Health” talk, Basel, 2017
- Nur wer das Licht bewegen lernt, kann den Schatten gebieten (horse-assisted therapy therapy). International Conference for therapeutic Riding, Singen, 2017
- Effects and mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions. Interdisciplinary Conference «Fokus Cerebralparese», München, 2016
- Effects and mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions. Interdisciplinary Conference «Fokus Cerebralparese», München, 2016
- Animal-assisted therapy in rehabilitation. ISAAT/ESAAT Conference, Hannover, 2016
- Animals within psychotherapy: Practical principles. Ani.Motion Conference «animal-assisted psychotherapy», Sasbachwalden, 2015
- The impact of a dog's presence on children's attention and concentration performance. NIH/Waltham Symposium "Research on Human-Animal Interaction in Education Settings", Washington DC, 2015
- Psychophysiological effects of dogs on children’s attention, concentration and learning performance. ÖAKTI Conference, Wien, 2015
- Stress-reducing and attention enhancing effects of dogs on children - recent results and underlying psychobiological mechanisms. Hebrew University Conference «animal-assisted interventions», Tel Aviv, 2014
- Animal-assisted therapy: a critical review. 16th WPA World Congress of Psychiatry, Madrid, 2014
- Attachment and stress regulation with dogs. Conference «animal-assisted therapy and education», Freiburg, 2013
- Psychophysiological effects of dogs on children's attention and concentration performance. “One Health” Conference, Basel, 2011
- Neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of equine-assisted interventions. 3rd international Conference for therapeutic Riding, Radolfzell, 2011
- Stress-buffering effects of dogs on children with insecure attachment. Conference «Tiere helfen Menschen e.V.», Würzburg, 2011
Vested interests
- Board member, International Society for Animal Assisted Therapy, 2015–2022
- Präsidentin, Gesellschaft für Tiergestützte Therapie und Aktivitäten, 2022–
- Professor, Open University, Heerlen, 2020–
- Scientific Advisory Board, Research group "animal assisted interventions" at the University of Applied Sciences Alice Solomon Hochschule Berlin, Germany, 2020–
- Board member, International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organisations, 2018–
- Präsidentin, compas - Institut für natur- und tiergestützte Interventionen, 2018–
- Scientific Advisory Board, Bundesverband Tiergestützte Interventionen e.V., 2018–
- Präsidentin, Institut für interdisziplinäre Erforschung der Mensch-Tier-Beziehung, 2016–
Teaching
- Developmental Psychology 1 and 2
- Psychology in Professional Environment
Team
- Sophia Engelter MSc, Independent doctoral student
- Sonja Kälin PhD, Senior Research Assistant
- Sara Wälti MSc, Scientific Assistant
