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.

中文翻译：

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与动物一起的治愈之旅


研究人员已经认识到动物在心理健康中的心理治疗作用，强调人与动物互动和关系的重要性。然而，缺乏支持旅游背景下动物对心理健康有益的经验证据。为了解决这一差距，采用了三角测量设计的混合方法来确定人与动物的互动如何在以动物为基础的旅游过程中增强心理健康相关指标。定量数据显示，此类旅游体验中的人与动物互动间接与游客的自我效能、自尊和抑郁情绪相关，而这些是由人与动物关系调节的。同时，定性研究结果表明，不同类型的人与动物互动活动对旅游背景下的心理健康相关结果产生独特的影响。我们的研究肯定了人与动物的互动和关系在旅游业中的重要性：它们可以为参与者提供情感和认知上的好处。研究结果为相关政策提供参考，并指导旅游产品设计。