The DOI matches its Crossref record.
The Pet as an Anxiolytic Intervention
Abstract
The effect of a pet on psychological consequences of stress (i.e., state and trait anxiety levels) of college students was examined under three test conditions (i.e., reading aloud, reading quietly, and interacting with a friendly but unknown dog). A repeated-measures analysis of variance with three covariates was used to examine the effect of the treatment on each dependent variable (state and trait anxiety). Reading aloud differed from baseline measure under all treatment conditions (p less than .001). Reading quietly and interacting with the dog were slightly below baseline for variables, with more effect seen by reading quietly than by interacting with the dog. Examination of interactions among variables showed no significant differences. Effects upon state anxiety were significant, while trait anxiety levels remained fairly constant throughout the treatments. Baseline differences in trait anxiety scores indicate a potentially greater benefit for pet owners than nonowners. Selected social network and relationship data related to the role of the pet during anxiety-producing times were also analyzed. While interaction with the pet produced a decrease in anxiety level, pet owners did not report the use of their own pet as a social support (i.e., as confidant) significantly more than did previous owners. Results indicated that interacting with a pet for some individuals does affect both physiological and psychological responses by lowering response levels. However, a parallel effect was also seen by reading quietly. Given the effect of pet interaction upon selected social support indicators of health in well college students, these data suggest the importance of examining this treatment with an "at-risk" group in which it is possible to control for ownership characteristics.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“those who own a pet have been shown to display reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, require less medical care, and it has also been reported that there is an improvement of life quality and quick recovery after heartbreaking events [209-213]”
From Pet roundworms and hookworms: A continuing need for global worming (2012) · cites this paper as [210]
Citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 101–179 of 179
APIC State-of-the-Art Report: The implications of service animals in health care settings
Duncan, S. L. (2000) · American Journal of Infection Control · doi:10.1016/s0196-6553(00)90025-7 · Cited by 12
Schwartz, A., & Patronek, G. J. (2002) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279302786992432 · Cited by 12
“In contrast to our pilot study, a number of other studies examining the role of animals in reducing anxiety have included participants’ attitudes towards animals in their data analyses (Grossberg and Alf 1985; Wilson 1991).”
ResultAnimals in Educational Settings Research and Practice
Gee, N. R., Fine, A. H., & Kaufmann, M. (2024) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-22346-4.15009-7 · Cited by 15
Ng, K. Y., Ho, C. L., & Koh, K. P. (2022) · Frontiers in Veterinary Science · doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.857914 · Cited by 12
Turner, D. C., Wilson, C. C., Fine, A. H., & Mio, J. S. (2010) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-381453-1.10026-1 · Cited by 11
Self-citationPets as Adjunct Therapists in a Residence For Former Psychiatric Patients
Nielsen, J. A., & Delude, L. A. (1994) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279394787001907 · Cited by 11
ENTERIC PATHOGENS OF DOGS AND CATS WITH PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Καντερέ, Μ. (2014) · American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences · doi:10.3844/ajavsp.2014.84.94 · Cited by 10
“…from the psychological advantages, pet ownership has physiological benefits for many members of the society, such as a reduction in blood pressu (Wilson, 1991), reduced medication (Headey and Krause, 1999) and increased one year survival after an acute myocardial infarction (Friedmann and…”
BackgroundMetazoa Ludens: Mixed Reality Environment for Playing Computer Games with Pets
Tan, R., Cheok, A. D., & Teh, J. K. S. (2006) · International Journal of Virtual Reality · doi:10.20870/ijvr.2006.5.3.2699 · Cited by 10
“In addition pets do provide companionship and help reduce level of loneliness among their owners who interact frequently with them [15] while another study shows that interaction with pets help reduce stress and anxiety level among their owners [16].”
BackgroundCrossman, M. K., & Kazdin, A. E. (2015) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2542-2 · Cited by 19
Metazoa Ludens: Mixed Reality Environment for Playing Computer Games with Pets
Tan, R. K. C., Cheok, A. D., & Teh, J. K. S. (2015) · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Cited by 9
Data-Based Considerations for Electronic Family Health History Applications
Peace, J., Valdez, R. S., & Lutz, K. F. (2011) · CIN Computers Informatics Nursing · doi:10.1097/ncn.0b013e31822b865b · Cited by 8
“Pets are associated with positive benefits such as encouraging activity, alleviating lone-liness, and decreasing anxiety, as well as certain negative effects such as pet-related injuries (see, for example, References 37–40 ).”
BackgroundCe que les noms des chiens des sans-abris révèlent de leurs maîtres
Blanchard, C. (2015) · Anthropozoologica · doi:10.5252/az2015n2a3 · Cited by 8
“Alors que de nombreuses études ont montré l’impact bénéfique de la présence d’un animal de compagnie sur la gestion du stress ou de l’anxiété des individus (Wilson 1991), plusieurs de mes informateurs m’ont indiqué, plus prosaïquement, que le chien leur donnait un but et une raison de vivre.”
BackgroundLaws and Ethics Related to Emotional Support Animals.
Carroll, J. D., Mohlenhoff, B. S., Kersten, C. M., et al. (2020) · PubMed · doi:10.29158/jaapl.200047-20 · Cited by 8
The Therapeutic Effects Upon Dog Owners Who Interact With Their Dogs in a Mindful Way
Jackson-Grossblat, A., Carbonell, N. J., & Waite, D. (2014) · Journal of Humanistic Psychology · doi:10.1177/0022167814559390 · Cited by 8
The Potential Influence of a Companion-Animal's Presence on Aspects of the Therapeutic Alliance
Goldmann, K. M., Hatfield, D. R., & Terepka, A. (2015) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.1080/08927936.2015.1070009 · Cited by 8
Animal Assisted Intervention for Rehabilitation Therapy and Psychotherapy
Kim, O., Hong, S., Lee, H.-A., Chung, Y.-H., & Lee, S.-J. (2015) · InTech eBooks · doi:10.5772/61117 · Cited by 7
Manville, K., Coulson, M., & Reynolds, G. (2022) · Society and Animals · doi:10.1163/15685306-bja10101 · Cited by 5
Wright, H. F., Hall, S. S., & Mills, D. S. (2015) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2548-9 · Cited by 6
The health benefits of horse riding in the UK
Church, A., Taylor, B., Maxwell, N., Gibson, O. R., & Twomey, R. (2010) · University of Brighton Repository (University of Brighton) · Cited by 8
COMUNICACI"N ENTRE PERROS DOM…STICOS (CANIS FAMILIARIS) Y HOMBRES 1
Entosela, M. B., & Mustaca, A. E. (2007) · Cited by 5
Animal-assisted therapy for people with serious mental illness
Downes, M., Dean, R. S., & Bath-Hextall, F. J. (2013) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd010818 · Cited by 6
The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in End-of-Life Care
Dorfman, J., Denduluri, S., Walseman, K., & Bregman, B. L. (2012) · Psychiatric Annals · doi:10.3928/00485713-20120323-09 · Cited by 6
O'Haire, M. (2013) · OA Autism · doi:10.13172/2052-7810-5-1-445 · Cited by 5
Complementary Therapies for the Body, Mind and Soul
Saad, M. (2015) · InTech eBooks · doi:10.5772/59418 · Cited by 5
The Human-Canine Bond: A Heart's Best Friend
O’Keefe, J. H., O’Keefe, E. L., & Lavie, C. J. (2019) · Mayo Clinic Proceedings Innovations Quality & Outcomes · doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.07.009 · Cited by 5
“In addition to increasing their owners’ dose of outdoor exercise, dogs reduce PSS levels, aid in the treatment of depression, and act effectively as an anxiolytic intervention.(10,11) There exists a dangerous reciprocal relationship between CVD and mental health whereby PSS is associated with elevated rates of CVD, bu…”
BackgroundJakovcevic, A., & Bentosela, M. (2009) · Americanae (AECID Library) · Cited by 4
Animals in Educational Settings
Gee, N. R., & Fine, A. H. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815395-6.00017-1 · Cited by 5
Dog–Resident Interactions in a Japanese Retirement Home
Koda, N., & Yanai, J. (2011) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/175303711x12998632257701 · Cited by 4
“In addition, it is known that friendly physical contact with dogs has a relaxing effect on both humans (Vormbrock and Grossberg 1988; Wilson 1991) and dogs (Gantt et al.”
BackgroundAthy, A. L. (2005) · doi:10.12794/metadc4793 · Cited by 4
“Wilson (1991) conducted a study with 92 college students.”
BackgroundMethodDog allergy: understanding our 'best friend'?
Tubiolo, V. C., & Beall, G. N. (1997) · Clinical & Experimental Allergy · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.1997.tb00718.x · Cited by 4
Metazoa Ludens: Mixed Reality Interaction and Play Between Humans and Animals
Cheok, A. D. (2010) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-84996-137-0_4 · Cited by 3
Association between Dog Guardianship and HIV Clinical Outcomes
Saberi, P., Neilands, T. B., & Johnson, M. O. (2013) · Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC) · doi:10.1177/2325957413488832 · Cited by 3
Touch in the Helping Professions
(2018) · University of Ottawa Press eBooks · doi:10.2307/j.ctv5vdcvd · Cited by 3
Mordedura de cães e sua interconexão com a saúde única
Fernandes, R. R., de Sá, T. C., Pereira, K. R. D. J. D., Ribeiro, D. C., Andre, G. C. S., Belettini, S. T., Merlini, N. B., & Quessada, A. M. (2023) · Brazilian Journal of Health Review · doi:10.34119/bjhrv6n1-044 · Cited by 3
Campus Tails: An On-Campus Therapy-Dog Pilot Program and Feasibility Study
Sanford, M. D. (2014) · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · Cited by 3
Cheok, A. D., Tan, R., Fernando, O. N. N., et al. (2011) · Cited by 3
Manville, K., Coulson, M., Mulqueen, M. A., Neller, K., Searing, C., Welland, S., & Reynolds, G. (2024) · CABI eBooks · doi:10.1079/9781800626539.0011 · Cited by 3
The Role of Animal-Assisted Intervention in Supporting the Preschool-to-School Transition
Iváncsik, R., Podráczky, J., Molnár, M., Stromájer, G. P., & Csima, M. (2025) · International Journal of Early Childhood · doi:10.1007/s13158-024-00414-0 · Cited by 3
“…focusing on the differences between the periods with and without animal-assisted intervention, confirming and supplementing previous research (Wilson, 1991), and considering the age group draw attention to the fact that the presence of small animals significantly reduces the anxiety level of…”
Swobodzinski, M., Maruyama, M., & Mankowski, E. S. (2020) · Behavior Research Methods · doi:10.3758/s13428-020-01458-5 · Cited by 2
“…desirable psychological and physiological responses in humans, with positive effects reported for both live (Baun et al., 1984; Serpell, 1991; Wilson, 1991; Friedmann & Thomas, 1995; Miller et al., 2009; Abate et al., 2011; Kruger & Serpell, 2010; Berget & Grepperud, 2011; Levine et al.,…”
BackgroundUsing Dogs in a Home-Based Intervention with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Alison, C. E. (2010) · Cited by 2
Animal assisted therapy and occupational therapy
Vakrinou, P., & Tzonichaki, I. (2020) · Health & Research Journal · doi:10.12681/healthresj.25152 · Cited by 3
Fine, A. H., Tedeschi, P. J., Mackintosh, T., & Boone, J. (2018) · Human-animal interaction bulletin · doi:10.1079/hai.2018.0016 · Cited by 2
Oxytocin levels and self-reported anxiety during interactions between humans and cows
Berget, B., Vas, J., Pedersen, G., Uvnäs‐Moberg, K., & Newberry, R. C. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252463 · Cited by 2
“A reduction in state anxiety (decrease in STAI-SS scores) of similar magnitude has been reported in college students (Wilson, 1991), including nursing students (Anderson and Brown, 2021), interacting with unfamiliar but friendly dogs.”
BackgroundGoing to the office - What’s in it for the dog?
Foltin, S., & Glenk, L. M. (2023) · Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science · doi:10.1080/10888705.2023.2268540 · Cited by 3
“…measures of stress in the presence and absence of animals (Gaydos & Farnham, 1988; Grossberg, Alf, & Vormbrock, 1988; Hansen, Messinger, Baun, & Megel, 1999; Nagengast, Baun, Megel, & Leibowitz, 1997; Straatman, Hanson, Endenburg, & Mol, 1997; Vormbrock & Grossberg, 1988; Wilson, 1991).”
Human-directed dog aggression; a systematic review
Newman, J. (2013) · University of Liverpool · doi:10.17638/00007753 · Cited by 2
(2015) · Ural University Press eBooks · doi:10.15826/978-5-7996-1640-3 · Cited by 2
Touch in the Helping Professions
Rovers, M., Malette, J., & Guirguis‐Younger, M. (2018) · University of Ottawa Press eBooks · doi:10.1515/9780776627564 · Cited by 2
Rigotti, E., Luca, G. D., & Boner, A. L. (2009) · Clinical & Experimental Allergy · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03183.x · Cited by 2
Maruyama, M. (2005) · doi:10.15760/etd.5134 · Cited by 2
A pet-friendly workplace policy to enhance the outcomes of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Johnson, Y. (2006) · UpSpace Institutional Repository (University of Pretoria) · Cited by 2
Armour, E. N. (2012) · Journal of Bioresource Management · Cited by 1
Thodberg, K., & Christensen, J. W. (2015) · Psyke & Logos · doi:10.7146/pl.v35i2.22360 · Cited by 1
MacNamara, M. (2013) · Digital Commons - DU (University of Denver) · Cited by 1
Association of dog ownership with health-related QOL in young and middle-aged adult
Hayakawa, Y., & Arao, T. (2017) · International Journal of Human Culture Studies · doi:10.9748/hcs.2017.47 · Cited by 1
Touch in the Helping Professions
(2018) · University of Ottawa Press eBooks · doi:10.1353/book.63208 · Cited by 1
Prison-based animal programs: A critical review of the literature and future recommendations
Wheaton, L. (2013) · CommonKnowledge Research Repository (Pacific University Oregon) · Cited by 1
Cumes-Rayner, D. P. (1995) · International Journal of Immunopharmacology · doi:10.1016/0192-0561(95)00053-5 · Cited by 1
Sokoloff, P. (2019) · Digital Collections - Ithaca College Library (Ithaca College) · Cited by 1
Management of Agitation in Individuals with Dementia: an Animal-assisted Therapy Approach
Tanner, K. L. (2003) · Digital Commons - PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Companion animals and mental health. A cross-sectional study
Gunnarsdóttir, H. B. (2012) · Skemman
EN HUNDS BETYDNING FOR MENNESKER MED EN ERHVERVET HJERNESKADE. TO CASES
Glintborg, C. (2015) · Psyke & Logos · doi:10.7146/pl.v35i2.22364
“Der findes endog studier, der decideret har vist negative effekter af DAI, som for eksempel et studie af Wilson (1991), der fandt, at det var mere stressende at interagere med dyr end at læse i fred og ro.”
BackgroundNYERE OPDAGELSER OM VORES FORHOLD TIL NATUREN
Bustad, L. K. (2015) · Psyke & Logos · doi:10.7146/pl.v35i2.22376
Honkanen, T. (2013) · Tampere University Institutional Repository (Tampere University)
The effect of pet ownership/attachment on the stress level of multiple sclerosis patients
Loven, A. M. (2005) · OakTrust (Texas A&M University Libraries)
Benefits of Animal Contact and Assistance Dogs for Individuals with Disabilities
Merbitz, N. H., & Sachs‐Ericsson, N. (2009) · CRC Press eBooks · doi:10.1201/9781420079920.ch15
Chaudat, P., & Grima, F. (2017) · Revue internationale de Psychosociologie · doi:10.3917/rips1.056.0283
Childhood experiences with family pets and psychosocial functioning in early adulthood
Girardi, A. (2013) · Carleton University's Institutional Repository (MacOdrum Library, Carleton University) · doi:10.22215/etd/2013-08581
민동원 (2011) · Journal of Product Research · doi:10.36345/kacst.2011.29.4.010
Hamilton, L. H. A. (2018) · ERA: Education and Research Archive (University of Alberta) · doi:10.7939/r3n29pp3j
Dog bite and its interconnection with one health
Fernandes, R. R., de Sá, T. C., Pereira, K. R. D. J. D., Ribeiro, D. C., Andre, G. C. S., Belettini, S. T., Merlini, N. B., Maia, L. V. T., Leitzke, A. V. S., & Quessada, A. M. (2023) · Seven Editora eBooks · doi:10.56238/devopinterscie-095
The Therapeutic Effects Upon Dog Owners Who Interact With Their Dogs in a Mindful Way
Jackson-Grossblat, A. (2011) · doi:10.32597/dissertations/466/
CHAPTER VI A Puppy’s Touch: Destressing with Dogs in a University Environment
Lund, K. (2018) · University of Ottawa Press eBooks · doi:10.1515/9780776627564-008
Frontal Cortical Activity during Care Farming Activities of Adults Using Electroencephalogram
Kim, S.-O., Wu, Y., Lee, K., & Park, S.-A. (2024) · HortScience · doi:10.21273/hortsci17890-24
Khalid, A., & Dildar, S. (2024) · CABI eBooks · doi:10.1079/9781800626539.0009
Moradi, S., Baharluoei, M., Ruhani, A., Lari, B. A., Sarbisheh, S. S., & Karami, M. (2025) · OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying · doi:10.1177/00302228251410306
Metadata
- Authors
- WILSON, C. C.
- Affiliations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (US)
- Corresponding author
- WILSON, CINDY C.
- Venue
- The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
- Published
- 1991-08
- Volume
- 179
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 482-489
- ISSN
- 0022-3018 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2053259654
- Cited by
- 177
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 8
- FWCI
- 0.64
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- animal-assisted interventions, dogs, state anxiety, trait anxiety, stress, university students, reading aloud, social support, pet ownership, social networks
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Animals, Animals, Domestic, Anxiety, Human-Animal Bond, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Personality, Personality Inventory, Reading, Social Support, Stress, Psychological
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
