Pet Therapy and its Benefits on depression
Authors:
kahla black, Kahla BlackMentor:
Sally wu, professor of psychology , Marymount CollegePet Therapy and its Benefits on Depression Kahla Black, Marymount College According to the NIMH, National Institute for Mental Health, there are approximately 58 million people living with depression in the United States. People suffering from depression not only struggle with emotional pain, but physical pain as well. My research focuses on the problem of depression and the role animals can play in helping to relieve it. In this research I examine how an animal companion can help improve depression in humans and help to better their lives. I focus on the specific aspects that an animal can contribute to mitigate aspects of clinical depression. I concentrate on the healing factors an animal companion can contribute in helping a depressed patient. Several studies have demonstrated that animal companionship can help decrease depression in humans. I examine this relationship first hand by visiting an organization (Love on 4 Paws, Animal Assisted therapy) that practices this treatment and examining the patient’s response to animal companions.