PHC6534: Canine-Assisted Therapy to Improve Symptoms of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders in School-Aged Students in Central and Southwest Virginia.

Abstract

Mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children present numerous complications that can extend into adulthood. The current standard of care uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and/or medication (Ogundele, 2018).  Research suggests that utilization of canine-assisted therapy (CAT) may have profound effects on behavior (Schuck, 2015). The current study uses a trauma-informed approach to compare the effectiveness of CBT alone, or in combination with CAT, in school-aged children in SW and central Virginia. All students (n=30) will undergo CBT, and 15 students will work with therapy dogs to complete reading exercises and teach the dog a trick. After 15 sessions, participants will be evaluated using surveys and interviews.  The study uses a secondary-level prevention technique, with the hypothesis that the CBT + CAT group will have improved outcomes compared to the control. The study will emphasize the empowerment principle of the trauma-informed approach as described by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2014).  Although, it is expected that the intervention could have effects that permeate into the additional principles of a trauma-informed approach. The intervention will predominately impact the individual, interpersonal and community-levels of the social ecological model; although could extend the other levels as well. 

This was not part of my paper, but I have included a picture of my certified therapy dog.