University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division

The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Children

Presenter Hometown

Elkton, Kentucky

Major

Recreation & Park Administration

Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Degree

Graduate

Mentor

Michelle Gerken

Mentor Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Abstract

What is the benefit of using animal-assisted therapy? Are animals helpful with children in recreation therapy? These questions are easily answered within the literature. There have been several studies showing a reduction in stress, and an increase in social behavior. This aspect is especially noticeable in children with behavioral issues. Children that had difficulty within social settings would emotionally open up more readily and become more aware of their surroundings when an animal was presented (Davis, Scalzo, Butler, Stauffer, Farah, Perez, Coviello, 2015). The researcher explains how animals improve clients emotionally, physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.

Presentation format

Poster

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 

The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Children

What is the benefit of using animal-assisted therapy? Are animals helpful with children in recreation therapy? These questions are easily answered within the literature. There have been several studies showing a reduction in stress, and an increase in social behavior. This aspect is especially noticeable in children with behavioral issues. Children that had difficulty within social settings would emotionally open up more readily and become more aware of their surroundings when an animal was presented (Davis, Scalzo, Butler, Stauffer, Farah, Perez, Coviello, 2015). The researcher explains how animals improve clients emotionally, physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.