| dc.description.abstract | Children and the families of children with advanced cancer are at an increased risk of experiencing stress and anxiety, and this can be especially heightened during hospital visits. While there is extensive literature on the positive effects that animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have on the stress levels and quality of life of humans, there is little data indicating the effects that AAIs have specifically on children with advanced cancer and their families. Using a randomized control design, this study examines the effects that AAI sessions have on children with advanced cancer through a number of qualitative and quantitative methods. This research paper specifically explores the impact that AAIs had on the participants by analyzing end of study interviews. The results reveal that participants experienced a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels, an increased willingness to go to the hospital, and an improvement in communication between the child and caregiver. Furthermore, the results showed that the effects of the AAIs were not impacted by whether or not the participant had a pet at home. | en_US |
