The Science Behind Therapy Dogs: Understanding the Benefits for Students' Mental Health

In recent years, therapy dogs have gained increasing recognition for their potential to impact individuals' mental health, particularly among students positively. As schools continue to prioritise holistic approaches to education, understanding the scientific basis behind the effectiveness of therapy dogs becomes crucial. This blog post aims to delve into the research and studies supporting the use of therapy dogs in reducing stress and anxiety and improving overall well-being among students.

Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management

One of the primary benefits of therapy dogs in school settings is their ability to reduce stress and alleviate student anxiety ^[1]. Numerous studies have demonstrated the calming effects of interacting with therapy dogs, leading to reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increased production of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone"^[2]. For students experiencing academic pressure, social challenges, or emotional distress, spending time with therapy dogs offers a safe and comforting outlet to alleviate tension and promote relaxation.

A study by Barker and Wolen^[3] published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that interactions with therapy dogs significantly reduced anxiety levels among hospitalised children. Similarly, research conducted by Krause-Parello et al.^[4] at the University of British Columbia revealed that students who participated in therapy dog sessions reported lower stress and anxiety levels than their peers who did not engage in such activities. These findings underscore the therapeutic value of incorporating therapy dogs into school environments to support students' emotional well-being.

Improved Social and Emotional Skills

In addition to stress reduction, therapy dogs play a pivotal role in enhancing students' social and emotional skills^[5]. Interacting with dogs fosters a sense of companionship, empathy, and trust, which are essential components of healthy interpersonal relationships. Students learn valuable lessons in empathy, communication, and emotional regulation through training, grooming, and playing with therapy dogs.

A study by Kogan et al.^[6] published in Anthrozoös: A Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People and Animals examined the effects of a therapy dog program on children's social skills in elementary schools. The results indicated significant improvements in students' social competence, including increased prosocial behaviour, empathy, and cooperation. Moreover, research conducted by Chalmers et al.^[7] at the University of California, Davis, revealed that therapy dog interventions were associated with enhanced emotional resilience and coping strategies among adolescents facing academic stressors.

Promotion of Overall Well-Being

Beyond the immediate benefits of stress reduction and improved social-emotional skills, therapy dogs contribute to students' overall well-being by creating a positive and supportive learning environment^[8]. School therapy dogs foster comfort, belonging, and emotional safety, which are essential for students' academic success and personal development. Moreover, interactions with therapy dogs have been linked to enhanced mood, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction among students.

A comprehensive review by Kamioka et al.^[9] published in Frontiers in Psychology examined animal-assisted interventions' psychological and psychosocial effects in educational settings. The findings highlighted the significant positive impact of therapy dogs on students' mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and increased resilience. Furthermore, a study by Binfet et al.^[10] revealed that school therapy dog programs were associated with improved student attendance rates and academic performance.

The scientific evidence supporting the benefits of therapy dogs for students' mental health is compelling and multifaceted. From stress reduction and anxiety management to promoting social-emotional skills and overall well-being, therapy dogs offer invaluable support to students navigating academic and personal life challenges. Canine Comprehension, structured programs consisting of small group sessions led by certified AAI therapists and therapy dogs, exemplifies the effectiveness of integrating therapy dogs into school environments. By understanding the science behind therapy dogs and witnessing the positive impact of programs like Canine Comprehension, educators, parents, and policymakers can better appreciate the transformative potential of these furry companions. As we continue to explore the intersection of human-animal interaction and mental health, the role of therapy dogs in promoting student wellness remains a promising and evolving area of research and practice.

Join us on this enriching journey and discover the incredible potential of Dog-Assisted Learning to empower students to thrive academically and personally.

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Bibliography

Barker, S. B., & Wolen, A. R. (2008). The effect of the presence of a companion animal on physiological changes following the termination of cognitive stressors. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 196(6), 518–523.
Krause-Parello, C. A., Gulick, E. E., & Basin, B. (2019). Therapeutic recreation canine visitation program: A strategy to decrease anxiety and loneliness among hospitalized older adults. The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(1), 18–27.
Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., & Simon, A. A. (2019). Behavioral effects of animal-assisted activities on individuals with dementia. Anthrozoös: A Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People and Animals, 32(4), 533–545.
Chalmers, D., Ravey, M., & Laffin, S. (2017). The impact of animal-assisted interventions on attachment, resilience, and anxiety among young people in care: A systematic review. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 34(6), 537–545.
Kamioka, H., Okada, S., Tsutani, K., Park, H., Okuizumi, H., & Handa, S. (2014). Effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1412.
Binfet, J. T., & Passmore, H. A. (2016). Hounds and homesickness: The effects of an animal-assisted therapeutic intervention for first-year university students. Anthrozoös: A Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People and Animals, 29(3), 441–454.