Semester of Graduation

Spring 2025

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Development and Family Science

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that animals can offer humans significant health benefits. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing form of therapy used in various settings to enhance the health of children, encompassing both physical and mental wellness. The challenges of hospitalization and the school environment have been shown to pose different challenges for children, such as an increase in anxiety, stress, depression, and others that have the potential to affect their mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy, specifically dog-assisted therapy, on children in hospital and school settings by conducting a systematized review that examined the outcomes of animal-assisted therapy in both settings. The methodology involved searching in Medline, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and other databases, resulting in 11 studies included in this analysis. The results showed that animal-assisted therapy can alleviate symptoms of stress and depression and improve the emotional and social behavior of children in both settings. Specifically, in hospital settings, AAT was utilized to assess the emotional and mental state. At the same time, in schools, it was used to promote engagement, emotional and social well-being, and as a motivational tool for children. There was no significant impact on anxiety; however, the findings do support the feasibility of animal-assisted therapy in both settings. Future research should examine the current study on a larger scale.

Date

4-21-2025

Committee Chair

Ainsworth, Laura

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Available for download on Thursday, May 15, 2025

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