Pets and People: Whose Leisure? Whose Health?

Canine Support Program: Student perceptions and preferences at a regional university and implications for health, well‐being, and student support enhancements

“…For example, a RCT study conducted by Binfet 10 found that college students who were exposed to interactions with a visiting dog reported significant decreases in stress and enhanced connectedness to peers compared with the control group which were not exposed. Similar results were found in another RCT study by Crossman et al 41 The unconditional love shown by pets including dogs is shown to inspire motivation and emotional resilience which may be one reason 42 . The final category comprising of students who love dogs, is reflected by the fact majority of the respondents and supporters of a CSP in this study owned dogs and indicated dogs were integral to their lives.…”

“…Similar results were found in another RCT study by Crossman et al 41 The unconditional love shown by pets including dogs is shown to inspire motivation and emotional resilience which may be one reason. 42 The final category comprising of students who love dogs, is reflected by the fact majority of the respondents and supporters of a CSP in this study owned dogs and indicated dogs were integral to their lives. The majority of 'dog loving' participant characteristics reported in numerous similar studies elsewhere 10,24,25,30,31,37 strengthens this inference.…”

“…44,45 As such, it reveals CSPs potential to enable 'healthy leisure' which is feeling well mentally, physically, and socially, while at the same time experiencing the emotions of pleasure, relaxation, and entertainment. 42 Health wise, research shows that dog ownership can increase physical activity and reduce risk of mortality, and more leisure equates to additional health benefits. CSPs reflect the intersections among health, well-being, and leisure domains for both humans and, potentially with the correct program parameters and breed selection, animal participants.…”

“…CSPs reflect the intersections among health, well-being, and leisure domains for both humans and, potentially with the correct program parameters and breed selection, animal participants. 42 The responses on how much students will benefit from each of the eight potential benefits of a CSP adapted from C-DAS 35 complements the three categories of beneficiaries mentioned above. There was mostly very strong agreement that a CSP would reduce the feeling of homesickness, provide support and comfort, enable connectivity to peers and the wider world, reduce stress, and benefit academic performance.…”

“…Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of dogs in enabling social interactions and being a social catalyst in settings or through activities where social norms may typically prohibit such interaction. 42 This is especially important given the disruptions to social interaction the COVID-19 pandemic has caused and the need to restore and enhance social interaction and connectivity post-pandemic on campuses. 46 Preferences about the characteristics and design of a CSP demonstrate the importance of user (student) informed program design that will ensure optimal utility and benefits.…”