College students experiencing enhanced psychological well-being due to regular visits with therapy dogs, reveals recent research.
Therapy dogs play a significant role in alleviating mental stress among various demographics, including hospital patients, schoolchildren, senior residents, and college students. A recent study, titled PAWs4US, published in the journal Pets, has indicated that regular interaction with therapy dogs helps reduce stress, depression, and promote self-compassion among first-year college students.
The study, led by Dr. Patricia Pendry, a professor of human development at Washington State University, explored the effects of an unstructured animal-assisted drop-in program on first-year students. The study found that students who spent time with therapy dogs, known for being among the best breeds for anxiety, reported improved mental health.
Conducted over several months, the study involved 145 first-year students, all of whom had left their family pets behind and were randomly assigned to either a control group, a waitlist, or a seven-session drop-in therapy dog program. Students were free to interact with the therapy dogs during unstructured sessions, which lasted up to two hours.
According to Dr. Pendry, the study aimed to determine if giving students complete autonomy in their interactions with the dogs could have similar benefits to more structured programs. The results suggested that giving students autonomy might be just as beneficial.
The researchers attributed the mental health benefits to a combination of factors such as quiet sitting, petting the dog, engaging with other students, and interacting with the handlers. They also noted that ongoing initiatives may be more effective than one-off events.
While the study predominantly focused on the role of therapy dogs, the researchers also noted that the overall environment might play an integral part in promoting student well-being.
The study did not specify any particular breed of therapy dogs but emphasized traits like a calm demeanor, sociability, trainability, and emotional sensitivity as essential for therapy roles that require soothing anxious students, fostering connection, and promoting mental well-being on college campuses.
For those considering adopting a pet for mental health support, research suggests that breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles (Standard and Miniature), and Beagles could be suitable options due to their calm, social, and trainable nature. These traits make them effective in alleviating anxiety and fostering mental well-being.
- Therapy dogs, known for their calm demeanor, sociability, trainability, and emotional sensitivity, have shown to considerably improve the mental health of first-year college students.
- The study found that students who spent time with therapy dogs, regardless of breed, reported improved mental health, suggesting that the benefits may not be restricted to specific breeds.
- Engaging in activities like quiet sitting, petting the dog, interacting with the handlers, and engaging with other students during therapy dog sessions can significantly contribute to stress reduction and mental health promotion.
- Ongoing therapy dog initiatives, such as regular drop-in programs or weekly sessions, may prove to be more effective at fostering mental well-being than one-off events.
- While the study predominantly focused on the role of therapy dogs, it also noted the importance of a supportive and nurturing campus environment in promoting overall student well-being and mental health.
