Climate, Ecology, War & More - Dr Glen Barry BigEarthData.ai (@bigearthdata.ai)

Science Shows: Study Says Petting Therapy Dogs for 10 Minutes Helps Reduce Stress A study of 198 university students showed that interacting with therapy dogs for just 10 minutes can significantly reduce perceived stress. This brief contact demonstrated the impact of the human-animal bond. In this regard, the study analyzed different interaction methods. Participants petted the head, back, or tail and maintained control conditions during each session. However, the results were clear: the contact area did not matter. Therefore, the positive effects came from the interaction itself. Controlled Experiments in a University Setting The study was conducted by University of British Columbia Okanagan, organizing structured sessions with therapy dogs. Each student was assigned to a specific group based on the petting area. Additionally, variables such as location, distance, and animal behavior were controlled. This ensured consistency in all experiences. After each session, participants assessed their emotional state. Therefore, all groups recorded improvement, with no significant differences. The Power of Physical Contact and Emotional Regulation Physical contact with dogs plays a key role in stress reduction. On one hand, it activates physiological responses related to relaxation. Similarly, this interaction can lower cortisol levels. At the same time, it helps release oxytocin, which is associated with emotional health. Moreover, dogs provide a presence free of... https://noticiasambientales.com/environment-en/science-shows-study-says-petting-therapy-dogs-for-10-minutes-helps-reduce-stress/