Three Things to Know
Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs are increasingly popular, with the possibility of incorporating therapy dogs into these programs. Researchers analyzed an SEL program conducted in a high-socioeconomic independent school in Australia to understand the children’s perceptions of the benefits of a therapy dog.
After 12 weekly sessions, children reported that they had a deeper understanding of their emotions, with the therapy dog helping in understanding and expressing their emotions, as well as reducing stress.
The children also reported that they were able to better develop relationships. The therapy dogs also helped with creating more focused participants, leading to more personal growth.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
This research supports the inclusion of therapy dogs into selected school programs, considering the specific benefits children derive from their interaction. Unlike conventional academic subjects, humane education prioritizes the cultivation of empathy, kindness, and personal growth. Consequently, humane educators should reflect these distinct objectives in their program content and assessment methodologies.
The Full Picture
Youth mental health has been a growing concern for over two decades, with the COVID-19 pandemic further intensifying the need for effective interventions. School-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programs are increasingly seen as a promising strategy to support students’ mental health and wellbeing. In addition, therapy dogs have emerged as a complementary approach to support student wellbeing. When included in SEL interventions, therapy dogs may enhance children’s learning, promote social connections, and improve emotional regulation.
However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of dog-assisted SEL interventions, especially in mainstream school settings. Importantly, children’s voices are often missing from the development of school-based wellbeing programs. This study, titled “Children’s Perceptions of a Therapy Dog-Assisted Social and Emotional Learning Intervention: Survey and Interview Findings”, aims to explore the key research question: “What are children’s perceptions of the benefits of a therapy dog assisted SEL intervention in a school setting?”
Study Methods
The study used Merrell’s Strong Kids Grades 3–5 Program, an evidence-based SEL curriculum comprising 12 weekly 60-minute lessons. The program emphasized managing emotions like anger and stress, and it was adapted to include a therapy dog, following SEL best practices.
A total of 85 Year 5 students (aged 10–11) from a high-socioeconomic independent school in Australia participated. Two classes initially received the intervention, and two additional classes participated later as a waitlist group. Data were collected from the children in two phases:
- Phase 1: Open-ended surveys to identify patterns across a broader group.
- Phase 2: Semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insight into children’s attitudes and experiences.
Study Results
The qualitative analysis of children’s experiences in the therapy dog-assisted social-emotional learning (SEL) program revealed three key themes:
- Empowerment through emotional learning
- Positive relationships
- Personal growth
Theme 1: Empowerment through Emotional Learning
Children reported a deeper understanding of their emotions and greater confidence in expressing and managing them, with the therapy dog contributing significantly to this emotional growth. In particular:
- Experiencing Emotions: The presence of the therapy dog, Bella, offered emotional comfort and joy. Children described how Bella’s actions—like licking their face or simply being present—helped lift their mood and reduce stress.
- Understanding Emotions: The program helped children recognize and understand their emotions. They learned that it was okay to feel scared or upset and became more willing to talk about their feelings.
- Regulating Emotions: Children learned techniques such as breathing exercises to manage stress and anger. The therapy dog also helped calm them. Some children even overcame their fear of dogs through the program.
- Expressing Emotions: Participants became more comfortable sharing their feelings, improving communication with family and peers. The program normalized emotional expression, which many found empowering.
Theme 2: Positive Relationships
Children’s improved emotional awareness and expression contributed to better communication and stronger relationships with peers and family.
- Communication: By understanding their own emotions and recognizing others’ feelings, children developed more empathy and patience. They were more able to respond calmly during conflicts, help upset peers, and interpret social cues.
- Conflict resolution: As children learned to manage anger and use calming strategies, they became more capable of resolving conflicts peacefully and building new friendships.
Theme 3: Personal Growth
The presence of the therapy dog significantly enhanced children’s engagement, focus, and self-reflection, leading to noticeable personal development.
- Relatability and engagement: Connecting the program content to dogs made lessons more understandable and relatable, especially for children with pets at home. This increased their interest and focus, and they were more likely to remember and apply what they learned.
- Focus and self-regulation: Interacting with the therapy dog provided a calming, fidget-like outlet that helped children stay focused during sessions. It also made school more enjoyable for some who previously felt overwhelmed or disengaged.
- Ongoing reflection and change: Children reported meaningful self-insight and behavioral change, describing how they now manage thoughts and emotions better, particularly through tools like “thinking traps” and self-management techniques. Many felt the program had a long-term positive impact on their outlook and coping skills.
Conclusion
This study explored children’s perceptions of a therapy dog-assisted Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) intervention in a school setting. Children reported that the program positively impacted their emotional regulation, relationships, and personal growth. Overall, the therapy dog enhanced each aspect of the SEL program—emotional learning, social development, and personal growth—leading to improved wellbeing. These findings suggest therapy dogs can play a valuable role in school-based SEL interventions.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2024
External Link:
Wintermantel, L., Grove, C., & Laletas, S. (2024). Children’s Perceptions of a Therapy Dog-Assisted Social and Emotional Learning Intervention: Survey and Interview Findings. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 39(1), 22–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2024.2325470