Date of Conferral
2019
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Lee M. Stadtlander
Abstract
The bond between pet and owner has been shown to decrease stress-related physical, mental, and emotional disorders by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a nonpet canine would have the same effect in reducing physical symptoms of stress as a known dog. Human-animal bond theory, Human pressor test. Data were analyzed using repeated measures, analyses of variance, and t tests. Results indicated that interaction with a strange dog lowered heart rate and blood pressure significantly faster in the experimental group than in the control group. The positive social change implications of this research include policy and procedural accommodations for the use of canines as comfort animals for individuals in stressful conditions.
Recommended Citation
Bowin, Beth Marie, "Effects of Canines on Humans' Physiological and Perceived Stress" (2019). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 7368.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7368
