Pia Haun Poulsen

Papers

Total Citations

165

H-Index

About

Pia Haun Poulsen is a leading researcher in human-animal interaction and geriatric care, whose work has fundamentally reshaped how we understand the therapeutic potential of animal-assisted interventions for the elderly. Her research focuses on the behavioral and psychological effects of animal visits in nursing homes, with a particular emphasis on comparing live animals to robotic alternatives. Poulsen’s most influential contributions include two landmark studies: her 2016 investigation into the behavioral responses of nursing home residents to visits from a dog, a robot seal (PARO), and a toy cat (84 citations), and her 2015 randomized controlled trial examining the therapeutic effects of biweekly dog visits on sleep patterns and psychiatric well-being in 100 residents (81 citations). These studies provided critical evidence that live animal interactions—particularly with dogs—can significantly improve behavioral engagement and emotional well-being in elderly populations, while also raising important questions about the comparative efficacy of robotic companions. Her work has been instrumental in establishing evidence-based guidelines for animal-assisted therapy in long-term care settings, and continues to influence both clinical practice and the development of social robotics for aging populations.