Previous Research Projects

Do you think animals help to reduce stress? So do we!

Most people agree that an animal can help alleviate anxiety. However, few studies have been able to demonstrate the role of this relationship. The aim of the current project examines how interacting with animals can reduce anxiety and improve cognition.

This work will initially focus on investigating cognitive and emotional changes in individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD are uniquely suited for this research given that PTSD is characterized by severe emotional and cognitive impairments.

The current project uses a variety of standardized psychological tasks with an animal present, and without an animal present, to evaluate the role an animal has on improving aspects of attention and memory. The task also uses neurophysiological responses to evaluate stress level and task engagement.

If you or someone you know would be interested in participating please contact us by clicking on the brain here:

Can an animal really help someone with anxiety?

About Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology is the scientific and scholarly investigation of human-animal interactions. Important components investigate the role animals play in enhancing human lives.

Carroll College is the first college in the world to offer a bachelor degree in this specific field of study (For more information: Check it out HERE). The research in the Anthrozoology department will provide a better understanding to how humans and animals interact in each others lives.

For more information click on the paw below: