Puppy Therapy” To Help Reduce Stress Among Students According To A USA Today
Puppy therapy has become a popular way for college students to reduce stress. The treatment generally involves bringing in several puppies for students to play with and interact with. The puppies provide a sense of calm and relaxation for the students, who are often under tremendous stress from their studies.
There’s nothing quite like a wagging tail and a wet nose to help reduce stress and anxiety. That’s why some colleges and universities are now using “puppy therapy” to help students cope with the pressures of college life. Puppy therapy sessions typically last for about 15-20 minutes; during that time, students are encouraged to pet and play with the puppies.
The goal is to help them relax and de-stress. So far, puppy therapy is an effective stress-buster for college students. In one study, students who participated in puppy therapy reported feeling less stressed and more positive after their session.
And in another study, students who took part in puppy therapy had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t participate. If you’re feeling stressed out from studying or exams, consider spending some time with some furry friends. Puppy therapy might be the key to reducing stress and helping you enjoy your college experience more!
What is Puppy Therapy?
Puppy therapy is a type of animal-assisted therapy that involves bringing puppies into therapeutic settings to provide comfort, distraction, and support to people experiencing physical or mental health challenges. The idea behind puppy therapy is that the presence of soft, cuddly, and unconditional love can help people feel calmer and more relaxed. Puppy therapy benefits various populations, including children with autism, elders in nursing homes, and soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
One study found that children with autism who participated in puppy therapy sessions had significantly lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) compared to those who did not attend puppy therapy. Puppy therapy has also been shown to reduce anxiety and loneliness in nursing home residents and improve PTSD symptoms in soldiers. If you are interested in participating in puppy therapy, you should keep a few things in mind.
First, ensure you are comfortable around dogs since you will spend time with them during your sessions. Second, be prepared to follow the rules set by the facility where you will be participating in puppy therapy – this may include things like washing your hands before and after interacting with the puppies. Finally, remember that puppy therapy is meant to be enjoyable, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it!
How Do Puppies Help Reduce Stress?
Puppies are known for their ability to reduce stress and anxiety in people. They provide companionship, love, and support when we need it most. Dogs have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and increase oxytocin levels (the “love” hormone).
Puppies help us feel less alone, anxious and stressed. They give us someone to cuddle with, lean on, and confide in. Dogs offer us an outlet for physical affection and touch, which can be calming and comforting.
Research has shown that dog owners have lower blood pressure and longer lifespans than those who don’t own dogs. So if you’re feeling stressed out, consider spending some time with a furry friend!
Who Benefits Most from Puppy Therapy?
Puppy therapy is a type of pet therapy that involves bringing puppies into settings like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to provide emotional support and improve morale. The benefits of puppy therapy are well-documented, and research suggests that it can be beneficial for various populations. One population that may benefit from puppy therapy is people recovering from substance abuse.
A study published in the journal BMC Psychiatry found that participants who underwent puppy therapy had lower levels of stress and anxiety and reported feeling more connected to others than those who did not participate in puppy therapy. Puppy therapy may help people recover by providing companionship, reducing their stress levels, and increasing their sense of connection to others. Another population that may benefit from puppy therapy is elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing found that participants who underwent weekly sessions of puppy therapy had reduced loneliness scores compared to those who did not participate in any animal-assisted intervention. The study also found that participants who underwent weekly sessions of puppy therapy had improved cognitive functioning compared to those who only received monthly visits from a dog or no animal-assisted intervention at all. These findings suggest that elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities may benefit from regular exposure to puppies through programs such as puppy therapy.
Puppy therapy has also benefited children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A small pilot study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that children with ASD who participated in weekly sessions of canine-assisted intervention (which included activities like grooming and walking the dog) showed reductions in ASD symptoms, including social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and aggression. The children also showed improvements in communication skills and social interactions with humans and dogs.
How Often Can Students Participate in Puppy Therapy Sessions?
Puppy therapy sessions are an excellent way for students to relax and de-stress. However, a few things to remember when participating in these sessions. First, it is essential to ensure that the puppies are up to date on their vaccinations.
Second, students should wash their hands before and after playing with the puppies. Lastly, puppy therapy sessions should not last more than 30 minutes.
Do All College Campuses Offer Puppy Therapy?
Not all college campuses offer puppy therapy, but many schools are beginning to provide this therapy to help students cope with stress and anxiety. Puppy therapy is an effective form of stress relief, and it can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the student and the puppy. If you are interested in finding out if your school offers puppy therapy, you can contact your campus counseling center or health services office.
Simbio Q 1.4 And 15 in the Puppy Therapy Experiment
Puppy therapy is a type of animal-assisted therapy involving puppies to help people needing emotional support. The idea behind puppy therapy is that petting and playing with a cute, furry animal can help boost moods and reduce stress levels. There is some scientific evidence to back up the claims made about puppy therapy.
One study found that patients who underwent surgery were less anxious and had lower heart rates when a therapy dog visited them before their procedure. Other research has shown that interacting with dogs can increase the “feel good” hormone oxytocin levels, promoting relaxation and positive social interactions. So if you’re feeling down or stressed out, consider spending some time with a furry friend – it just might be good for your mental health!
Q1.5. in Your Puppy Therapy Experiment, How Many Replicates are in the Experimental Group?
You will have three replicates in the experimental group in your puppy therapy experiment. You will have three different puppies to work with within your study. Each puppy will be exposed to the same environment and stimuli, and you will track their reactions over time.
By having multiple replicates, you can be sure that any differences in the puppies’ behavior are due to the treatment itself and not other factors.
Conclusion
According to a USA Today article, some college campuses have started using “puppy therapy” to help reduce stress among students. The report cites a study from the University of California, Los Angeles, that found that students who interacted with therapy dogs for just 10 minutes had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t. The article says that many colleges are now offering therapy dog sessions during finals week to help students relax and de-stress.
