1. Effects of Animal-Assisted Activity on Mood States and Feelings in a Psychiatric Setting.
- Author
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Brown S, Snelders J, Godbold J, Moran-Peters J, Driscoll D, Donoghue D, Mathew L, and Eckardt S
- Subjects
- Academic Medical Centers, Adolescent, Adult, Animals, Dogs, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, Affect physiology, Animal Assisted Therapy, Happiness, Inpatients statistics & numerical data, Psychiatric Department, Hospital statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research has shown that animal-assisted activity (AAA) effectively improves physiological, psychological, emotional, and social well-being in various environments. AIMS: To identify how AAA affects mood states and feelings among both patients and staff on inpatient psychiatric units. METHODS: This study used a quasi-experimental, pre-/posttest design with nonequivalent comparison groups. Quantitative data were collected using the Visual Analog Mood Scale. Demographic data, with an open-ended question, were obtained postsessions. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed pre- and postexposure to AAA sessions with a therapy dog. Negative moods decreased, and positive moods increased as measured by the Visual Analog Mood Scale. Content analysis identified themes of feeling happy, feeling relaxed, and feeling calm. CONCLUSIONS: This research expands scientific evidence associated with AAA by identifying changes in mood states and feelings among individuals in a psychiatric setting.
- Published
- 2020
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