Research investigates the impact of therapy dogs on students’ psychological wellbeing.

In the aftermath of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, the community searched for ways to come together and heal. One intervention, which used therapy dogs to support students’ psychological wellbeing, has been the focus of a recent study.

Using therapy dogs to support people’s wellbeing during distressing situations is not a new concept. Previous research has highlighted the socioemotional benefits of interacting with therapy dogs in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and after natural disasters. For this reason, the study investigated the impact of therapy dogs on students’ mental wellbeing after witnessing the school shooting.

The healing power of pets

The study included 21 former students who witnessed the school shooting and interacted with the therapy dogs. Using a questionnaire, the study asked participants about their willingness to return to school after the shooting, and their stress and anxiety levels whilst on site.

The results found that therapy dogs positively contributed to reducing students’ levels of anxiety and stress. Participants reported a greater willingness to return to school and overall improvement in mood when the dogs were present. One way that dogs were able to do this was by providing a sense of normalcy and a positive distraction in a stressful environment. They also provided students with emotional support, without having to talk about the tragic events.

Although, one participant clarified that whilst the therapy dogs provided temporary relief, their anxiety returned to the same level as before once the interaction ended. It should also be acknowledged that since the study was retrospective, participants’ memories may not be 100% accurate anymore.

Using therapy dogs in the future

The study investigating the psychological impact of using therapy dogs at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School highlights the important role that these dogs can play in supporting students after a school shooting, which is unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence in the United States.

The positive findings from this research underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to supporting individual’s mental health and helping communities heal in the wake of such tragedies. Whilst not a panacea, the study shows how the presence of therapy dogs can help ease the burden of loss and offers a compassionate model for other schools in times of crisis.

Key study findings:

• Therapy dogs improved students’ mood, anxiety and stress
• Participants reported a greater willingness to return to school
• Therapy dogs created a positive distraction and offered emotional support