Research: The Effect of Brief Animal-Assisted Therapy Sessions on Stress Levels in Teenagers
Awards: Participant in Somer’s Science Fair (2022), WESEF 2023 - Honorable Mention Award, Participant in Regeneron Science Talent Search (2023), WESEF 2024 - American Psychological Association Award for Psychological Research, JSHS 2024 - 1st Place Award in Behavioral Science
Abstract:
The American Psychological Association reports that 43% of teens, from ages thirteen to seventeen, have experienced intense stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress can manifest itself both emotionally and physically. One positive form of stress prevention is animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is the use of animal interaction to help patients reduce stress. Currently, there are limited studies on the effect of AAT on teenagers. To our knowledge, this was the first study to measure the effect of AAT on adolescent stress in a post-covid environment. Data was collected from 76 teenage participants and one AAT team. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling, sorted into pairs, and brought into an isolated space with two rooms. The 1st room had the AAT with an open space to interact with the dog, sphygmomanometers, and pulse oximeters. The 2nd room was the control room where there was no interaction with the dog but the same materials remained. There was a pre-test and a post-test survey which administered the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and the brief mood introspection scale (BMIS). The STAI and BMIS are self-reporting questionnaires that measure one’s anxiety levels (Spielberger et al., 1983). After the interaction with the therapy dog, HR decreased, STAI/BMIS results decreased, and overall oxygen levels increased (All markers that stress decreased more within the experimental group). These results were statistically significant (p<.05). This research has the potential to decrease the stress epidemic teenagers are facing in a post-COVID-19 world.
About this Scientist:
Amelia McKenna is a senior at Yonkers High School. She is the captain of the district’s swim team and she co-founded YHS’ book and crochet clubs. In college she plans to major in behavioral neuroscience or biology. She wants to continue working on research and AAT can affect young adults/children.
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