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Animal Assisted Therapy

All articles tagged with #animal assisted therapy

Emotionality Traits Drive Interest in Campus Cat Therapy, Study Shows
science18 days ago

Emotionality Traits Drive Interest in Campus Cat Therapy, Study Shows

A study of over 1,400 university students and staff across 20 institutions found that individuals with high emotionality—a Big Five trait describing intense feelings—are more interested in cat-based stress-relief programs than dogs. Cat interactions lowered cortisol after about ten minutes, offering fast emotional regulation, and the results held across roles (student or staff) and demographics, suggesting campuses should consider including cats in animal-assisted interventions to reach those who respond best to feline contact.

"Dog Interaction Boosts Mood, Sharpens Mind: Study"
health-and-science2 years ago

"Dog Interaction Boosts Mood, Sharpens Mind: Study"

A study from South Korea using EEG devices found that activities like playing, walking, massaging, and grooming dogs can significantly impact relaxation, attention, and positive mood in the human brain. Interacting with dogs increased alpha brainwave activity, promoting relaxation and emotional stability, while also boosting beta brainwaves, indicating an alert, focused state of mind. These effects were attributed to the release of oxytocin and the ability of dogs to respond to human emotional states, suggesting that dogs may be ideally suited to soothe our souls and enrich our minds through their companionship.

"Canine Companions: How Interacting with Dogs Impacts the Human Brain"
health-and-science2 years ago

"Canine Companions: How Interacting with Dogs Impacts the Human Brain"

A small study published in the journal PLOS One found that interacting with dogs can strengthen brain waves associated with rest and relaxation, as well as heightened attention and concentration. The study involved 30 healthy adults who engaged in various activities with a well-trained dog, and their brain waves were measured using electroencephalogram tests. Participants reported feeling less depressed, stressed, and fatigued after interacting with the dog. While more research is needed, the study suggests that interactions with dogs may have emotional, physiological, and cognitive benefits, supporting the use of animal-assisted health interventions in diverse fields.