Date Presented 03/21/24
This mixed-methods study researched the relationship between human–animal interactions and stress levels of college students from an OT perspective. Dog and horse interactions were compared and implications for OT practice and wellness were considered.
Primary Author and Speaker: Donna Latella
Additional Authors and Speakers: Nicole Berluti, Lisa DiGuilio, Lauren Doyle, Emma Goodrich, Caitlin Healy, Megan Lane, Samantha Nedza, Summer Postiglione
PURPOSE: The research project sought to compare how different human-animal interactions (HAIs) impact stress levels of college students at Quinnipiac University (QU).
DESIGN: The mixed method study used a convenience sample with 17 female college students, aged 22-24, at QU. Exclusion criteria was: acute medical conditions, safety concerns, fear/allergies to animals. Participants, in groups, had 15-minutes of unstructured time with the canines at QU. Then, the participants were in small groups for one-hour at a farm with the equines: three miniature & one large equine. Participants completed mindfulness exercises, grooming, leading, & trotting with equines. The participants reflected on the experience.
METHOD: Pre/post surveys were completed & vitals were collected away from the animals. The pre/post stress level was recorded on a Likert scale. The participants completed the canine and equine intervention respectively. The same arm was used for vitals and recorded results electronically. A semi-structured interview was administered after both interventions and were coded for qualitative themes.
RESULTS: Overall, the reported stress level decreased during each intervention. The BP and HR did not show a theme. The qualitative themes: change in emotions, distraction from stress, and bonding explained the lack of theme in BP and HR.
CONCLUSION: Decreased stress levels among college students was found. Both HAIs’ produced similar results with the biggest change in stress level being four on the Likert scale. On average, the interaction with the canines decreased stress more than the equines did. OT has a role in stress management. The use of HAIs can help support the health & wellbeing of college students for increased occupational participation (Shoesmith et a., 2021). By the use of animals, the delivery of services supports the client’s social-emotional needs (Chakales et al., 2020).
References
Chakales, P. A., Locklear, J., & Wharton, T. (2020). Medicine and horsemanship: The effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies on stress and depression in medical students. Cureus, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6896
Shoesmith, E., Shahab, L., Kale, D., Mills, D. S., Reeve, C., Toner, P., Santos de Assis, L., & Ratschen, E. (2021). The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(3), 976. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030976
