Birthe Houbak

Papers

Total Citations

165

H-Index

About

Birthe Houbak is a leading researcher in human-animal interaction and geriatric care, whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of how animal-assisted interventions benefit elderly populations in nursing homes. Her research focuses on the therapeutic mechanisms and behavioral impacts of animal visits, particularly dogs, on the psychological and physiological well-being of older adults. Houbak’s landmark studies, including her highly cited 2016 paper on behavioral responses to visits from a dog, robot seal, or toy cat (84 citations), and her 2015 investigation into the therapeutic effects of dog visits on sleep and psychiatric health (81 citations), have provided critical evidence for the causal pathways linking animal contact to improved quality of life. By demonstrating that biweekly dog visits can enhance sleep patterns and reduce psychiatric distress among residents with a median age of 85.5, Houbak has laid the groundwork for implementing animal-assisted programs in long-term care settings. Her work is widely cited for its rigorous methodology and practical implications, making her a pivotal figure in advancing both animal-assisted therapy and geriatric nursing home care.