Date Presented 04/04/19

Stress and anxiety have major negative implications for student quality of life (QOL). We designed a study to examine effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on stress and anxiety in graduate students. Preliminary results of physiological and psychological tests showed a decrease in heart rate and state anxiety in both AAT and PMR groups. This study provides evidence of interventions to improve QOL and health in graduate students.

Primary Author and Speaker: Brandi Hertel

Contributing Authors: Regina Abel

Keywords:
anxiety, pet therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, stress
Copyright © 2019 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
2019
You do not currently have access to this content.