The benefits of human-animal interactions has aroused the interests of many stakeholders in comparative psychology.  Research has shown that humans are the principal beneficiaries. The main benefits include improved health; increased learning; improved moods; and reduction of stress. Human-animal interaction has proven to be one of the most efficient strategies to reduce stress. Over 85% of students in institutions of higher learning report experiencing daily stress. Research findings show that a majority of institutions have adopted programs involving therapeutic animals. The level and frequency of programs, nonetheless, remain very low. One recommendation of this report is that WPI should expand the level and frequency of human-animal interactions to reduce stress on campus.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Perry, Robert Michael

Subject

• Well-Being
• Health
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042717-133828

Keyword

• Mental health
• Community development

Advisor

• Heinricher, Arthur C.

Year

• 2017

Date created

• 2017-04-27

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright