Marian Banks
Papers
1
Total Citations
548
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1
About
Dr. Marian Banks is a pioneering researcher in the intersection of human-animal interaction and geriatric mental health, with a particular focus on animal-assisted therapy and its impact on loneliness in institutional settings. Her landmark 2008 study, "Animal-Assisted Therapy and Loneliness in Nursing Homes: Use of Robotic versus Living Dogs," which has garnered over 548 citations, fundamentally reshaped our understanding of how technology-mediated companionship can address emotional isolation among elderly populations. By rigorously comparing the therapeutic effects of living dogs with robotic alternatives, Banks demonstrated that both forms of interaction significantly reduce loneliness, though living animals produced more pronounced and sustained benefits. This work not only advanced theoretical frameworks in human-animal studies but also provided practical guidance for facilities with limited resources or allergy concerns. Her research has been instrumental in legitimizing animal-assisted interventions within evidence-based geriatric care, influencing policy decisions and program implementations across nursing homes worldwide. Banks’ contributions have established her as a leading voice in the field, bridging gaps between psychology, gerontology, and veterinary science while offering compassionate, data-driven solutions to one of aging’s most pervasive challenges.
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Top Papers
- 1