The Healing Power of Dogs
According to a New York Times article, a new study suggests that spending time with therapy dogs may be even more effective than relaxation exercises in lowering kids’ stress levels.
The study was conducted at the University of Lincoln in England. “Our study shows, for the first time, that dog-assisted interventions can indeed lead to lower stress in children, with and without special educational needs, over a typical school term,” said Kerstin Meints, a professor in developmental psychology among those conducting the research.
In a randomized, controlled trial, 149 neurotypical and non-neurotypical 8- and 9-year-olds were sorted into three groups. In one group, children were allowed access to a trained dog and its handler for 20 minutes twice a week, over the course of a month. They could pet and play with the dog. In the second group, children worked on relaxation exercises (e.g. lying on yoga mats to listen to guided meditations). The third group served as a control.
By measuring the amount of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, in saliva samples, researchers discovered that the twice-weekly sessions with the dog significantly lowered cortisol levels in children, more so than relaxation exercises. The findings held whether or not children had any particular educational needs.
Those who work with pets in clinical settings were not surprised but were heartened by the results. Ali Spikestein, who coordinates the Paws and Play program at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in New York City, brings three therapy goldendoodles to assist children in severe pain. She found it “exciting and promising” to see new research specifically looking at the potential role dogs could play in calming otherwise healthy children in schools.”
And although pets at home are not the same as trained therapy animals, research suggests ownig a pet can provide positive developmental benefits in children. Dr. Arun Handa, an attending psychiatrist with the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, notes, “Animals provide this unconditional love, and come from a place of nonjudgmental support.”
Read the full article here.
Pearson, Catherine. “Why Dogs Can Be So Healing for Kids.” The New York Times, 15 June 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/15/well/family/therapy-dogs-kids-stress.html.