Stress Reduction in College Students: Can Virtual Interactions With Therapy Dogs Bolster Well-Being?

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: General Counseling Topics (San Diego)

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of a virtual canine-assisted intervention to support college student stress reduction and well-being. Participants (N = 467) were randomly assigned to synchronous (i.e., live Zoom) or asynchronous (i.e., pre-recorded Youtube videos) sessions with or without a therapy dog. Measures included 1-item measures of connectedness to campus, loneliness, and stress, the PANAS, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Paired samples t-tests revealed that participants, regardless of condition, reported significant reductions in anxiety, stress, loneliness, decreased negative affect, and stronger feelings of connectedness. Participants reported greater campus connectedness in the synchronous conditions; however, type of platform was not associated with other aspects of well-being. Participants reported feeling less stressed in interventions when a dog was present.

Authors

• John-Tyler Binfet, The University of British Columbia

• Christine Yvette Tardif-Williams, Brock University

• Zakary A. Draper, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

• Freya L. L. Green, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

• Akshat Singal, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

• Camille X. Rousseau, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

• Renata Roma, Brock University