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Evaluation of the Effects of Human-Animal Interaction on Anxiety in Graduate Students
Sponsor: Wichita State University
Summary
The study's purpose is to evaluate the effects of human-animal interaction on physiological and psychological markers in graduate students. Graduate students face significant anxiety due to demanding coursework, long hours of studying, intense academic challenges, and the pressure to excel. Chronic stress in this population can contribute to elevated anxiety levels and measurable physiological changes, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Human-animal interaction (HAI) and its effect on student stress, test anxiety, and physiological markers have been studied on college campuses, largely focusing on undergraduate students. However, research investigating the impact of HAI on graduate student stress, test anxiety, and physiological markers in high-stakes programs is limited. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of repeated HAI on graduate students' physiological markers and anxiety. The results of this study will assist participants, students outside this study, and the program administrators to appreciate the immense value of a full-time therapy dog on campus, facilitating the human-animal bond in higher education.
Official title: Evaluation of the Effects of Human-Animal Interaction on Physiological and Psychological Anxiety Markers in Graduate Students
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-10-06
Completion Date
2027-04-30
Last Updated
2025-10-29
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Human-Animal Interaction
HAI - participants spend a specific amount of time with a therapy dog in a controlled environment.
General Health Education
GHE - participants will be educated on strategies to assist in managing general and academic anxiety.
Locations (1)
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas, United States