Youth
Dogs
USA
Social anxiety in Adolescents
Social anxiety in Adolescents
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
summary
To determine how pet dog interactions can impact feelings of loneliness and social anxiety in adolescents.
Research has shown us that loneliness is far more than feeling alone. It is a serious health threat, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and potentially more dangerous than obesity. In fact, loneliness has been associated with a 26% increase in the risk of mortality.
Loneliness is also linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. And with our population living longer, through retirement, the potential loss of loved ones, and decreased mobility, loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.
Loneliness is just one of the reasons that Waltham Petcare Science Institute, continue to advance scientific understanding of the benefits of pets to human health.
Now, a new Waltham-funded study, led by Nancy Gee and published in Innovation of Aging, adds to the growing wealth of evidence that suggests therapy dogs can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance the overall quality of life for older adults.
Specifically, the new study looks at people aged 59 and over who were hospitalised for five or more days. It is one of few studies to rigorously test the impact of therapy dog interactions in a hospital setting.
Using a randomised control design with longitudinal follow-up – at one month and six months – the researchers demonstrated robust evidence of the benefits of canine companionship in older age. Their findings included:
- Therapy dogs significantly reduced the feeling of loneliness in hospitalised older adults.
- Visits from humans alone did not significantly reduce the feeling of loneliness, highlighting the unique and beneficial impact of canine contact and companionship.
What do these findings mean for pets, people and healthcare?
Gee et al’s findings add to our broader body of research in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI).
This research demonstrates the potential of therapy animals for enhancing human health and wellbeing. And we hope the findings can be used to support the use animal-assisted therapy for older people in healthcare settings.
Read Full Study
Methodology
Duration
6 Months
Participants
120 older adults aged 65+
Measures
Loneliness scale, cortisol levels, mood assessment
Published
September 16, 2024
Key Takeaways
- Reduced feelings of loneliness by 40%
- Improved mood scores in 85% of participants
- Decreased stress levels measured by cortisol
Policy & Impact
- Support for hospital therapy dog programs
- Cost-effective intervention for elderly care
- Potential integration into standard care protocols
Read Study
Collaborators
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Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
summary
To determine how pet dog interactions can impact feelings of loneliness and social anxiety in adolescents.
Research has shown us that loneliness is far more than feeling alone. It is a serious health threat, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and potentially more dangerous than obesity. In fact, loneliness has been associated with a 26% increase in the risk of mortality.
Loneliness is also linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. And with our population living longer, through retirement, the potential loss of loved ones, and decreased mobility, loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.
Loneliness is just one of the reasons that Waltham Petcare Science Institute, continue to advance scientific understanding of the benefits of pets to human health.
Now, a new Waltham-funded study, led by Nancy Gee and published in Innovation of Aging, adds to the growing wealth of evidence that suggests therapy dogs can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance the overall quality of life for older adults.
Specifically, the new study looks at people aged 59 and over who were hospitalised for five or more days. It is one of few studies to rigorously test the impact of therapy dog interactions in a hospital setting.
Using a randomised control design with longitudinal follow-up – at one month and six months – the researchers demonstrated robust evidence of the benefits of canine companionship in older age. Their findings included:
- Therapy dogs significantly reduced the feeling of loneliness in hospitalised older adults.
- Visits from humans alone did not significantly reduce the feeling of loneliness, highlighting the unique and beneficial impact of canine contact and companionship.
What do these findings mean for pets, people and healthcare?
Gee et al’s findings add to our broader body of research in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI).
This research demonstrates the potential of therapy animals for enhancing human health and wellbeing. And we hope the findings can be used to support the use animal-assisted therapy for older people in healthcare settings.
Read Full Study
Methodology
Duration
6 Months
Participants
120 older adults aged 65+
Measures
Loneliness scale, cortisol levels, mood assessment
Published
September 16, 2024
Key Takeaways
- Reduced feelings of loneliness by 40%
- Improved mood scores in 85% of participants
- Decreased stress levels measured by cortisol
Policy & Impact
- Support for hospital therapy dog programs
- Cost-effective intervention for elderly care
- Potential integration into standard care protocols
Read Study
Collaborators
| | | | |
Quick Facts
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
summary
To determine how pet dog interactions can impact feelings of loneliness and social anxiety in adolescents.
Research has shown us that loneliness is far more than feeling alone. It is a serious health threat, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and potentially more dangerous than obesity. In fact, loneliness has been associated with a 26% increase in the risk of mortality.
Loneliness is also linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. And with our population living longer, through retirement, the potential loss of loved ones, and decreased mobility, loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.
Loneliness is just one of the reasons that Waltham Petcare Science Institute, continue to advance scientific understanding of the benefits of pets to human health.
Now, a new Waltham-funded study, led by Nancy Gee and published in Innovation of Aging, adds to the growing wealth of evidence that suggests therapy dogs can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance the overall quality of life for older adults.
Specifically, the new study looks at people aged 59 and over who were hospitalised for five or more days. It is one of few studies to rigorously test the impact of therapy dog interactions in a hospital setting.
Using a randomised control design with longitudinal follow-up – at one month and six months – the researchers demonstrated robust evidence of the benefits of canine companionship in older age. Their findings included:
- Therapy dogs significantly reduced the feeling of loneliness in hospitalised older adults.
- Visits from humans alone did not significantly reduce the feeling of loneliness, highlighting the unique and beneficial impact of canine contact and companionship.
What do these findings mean for pets, people and healthcare?
Gee et al’s findings add to our broader body of research in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI).
This research demonstrates the potential of therapy animals for enhancing human health and wellbeing. And we hope the findings can be used to support the use animal-assisted therapy for older people in healthcare settings.
Read Study
Collaborators
| | | | |