THERAPY DOGS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND STRESS MANAGEMENT AMONG ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS
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Authors
Williams, Grant R.
Subjects
Total Force
resilience and operational effectiveness
therapy dogs
stress recovery
stress management
anxiety
mental health
active-duty service members
human-animal interaction
animal-assisted intervention
animal-assisted activity
animal-assisted therapy
resilience and operational effectiveness
therapy dogs
stress recovery
stress management
anxiety
mental health
active-duty service members
human-animal interaction
animal-assisted intervention
animal-assisted activity
animal-assisted therapy
Advisors
Aten, Kathryn J.
Tick, Simona L.
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The mental health and resilience of active-duty service members are critical components of military readiness and operational effectiveness. This thesis conducts a comprehensive examination of evidence from prior investigations on the potential impacts of therapy dog programs for enhancing mental health support and stress management for active-duty service members in the United States armed forces. Employing a meta-narrative review approach, this study synthesizes evidence from a carefully sampled pool of empirical studies to evaluate the quantifiable effects of therapy dogs as a complementary, non-pharmacological intervention and to catalogue the characteristics of effective therapy dog programs. The findings suggest the potential for significant positive impacts on stress reduction, emotional well-being, and social interaction, offering support for a pilot integration of therapy dog programs into the military’s mental health strategy to enhance operational readiness and support the Total Force’s resilience.
Type
Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.