Animal Therapy Helps Curb Loneliness For College Students

Interacting with animals throughout college can help curb some feelings of loneliness for many going through a difficult transition into adulthood.

For this study, researchers examined 55 undergraduate students who reported a 60 percent decrease in self-reported anxiety and loneliness following animal-assisted therapy. The dog involved in the study was under supervision of a licensed mental health practitioner.

All participants were asked to attend group sessions that were held twice a month throughout the academic quarter. Participants were then asked to stop by and interact with a therapy dog as long as they wished, giving them a chance to really interact.

Findings revealed that this time was important for many as some students were more prone to experiencing anxiety or loneliness. Researchers are hoping that animal-assisted therapy could one day be used in counseling centers at many colleges throughout the country.

"College counseling centers are also becoming more and more reflective of community mental health agencies," said co-researcher Franco Dispenza of Feorgia State University, in a news release. "That's something that's been noted in the field in probably the last 10 to 15 years. College counseling centers aren't seeing students struggling with academics, which major to pick or how to study. They're coming in with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, pervasive mood disorders and considerable contextual strains that are happening out in the world, such as poverty and experiences of homelessness, as well as a history of medical issues and family health issues."
"The presence of a therapy dog facilitates a therapeutic connection between the client and the mental health professional," concluded co-researcher Lindy Parker of Georgia State University, according to a university release. "When you're trying to do mental health work with someone, establishing that therapeutic relationship and rapport is so important. Any way to do it faster or more effectively only helps facilitate the therapeutic process."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.