Leighton, Mackellar2024-05-142024-05-142023https://hdl.handle.net/2440/140795This item is only available electronically.Depression and suicidality are mental health concerns commonly experienced amongst military personnel. Canine-assisted interventions (CAls) represent an increasing treatment approach to military mental health care; however, the impacts are still unclear. A meta- analysis and meta-synthesis were conducted to evaluate the impact of CAIs on depression and suicidality in this population. A comprehensive search of 10 databases was undertaken, and all studies were screened against detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data from 18 studies were analysed. For quantitative data, Hedge's g, and odds ratio effect sizes (along with associated 95% CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. To assess the potential for publication bias, Orwin's Failsafe N statistics were calculated across all quantitative analyses. Qualitative data was synthesised using a meta-aggregative approach. Data was grouped into categories based on their similarity in meaning and refined into synthesised findings related to their similarity (Hannes & Lockwood, 2011; Pearson et al., 2011). This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRSIMA) guidelines. Meta-analysis found statistically significant improvements in depression and suicidality for military personnel receiving a CAI. Effect sizes were large and moderate, respectively. When compared to military personnel waitlisted to receive a CAI, only impacts on depression displayed statistically significant differences. A moderate effect size was found, suggesting greater improvements in CAI groups. Analysis of suicidality prevalence found no statistically significant impacts. Meta-synthesis found three themes relative to CAI impacts: impacts on the individual, impacts beyond the individual, and consideration of different impacts. Our findings support short-term benefits of CAIs for depression and potential benefits for suicidality, which should guide future practice. Key words: systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, canine-assisted interventions, depression, suicidality, military personnelHonours; PsychologyThesis