Study shows spending time with dogs reduces stress

A recent study by researchers at South Korea’s Konkuk University sheds new light on the benefits of spending quality time with dogs.
A study published March 13, 2024 in the open access journal PLOS ONE shows that interacting with dogs can reduce stress levels and increase brain wave activity associated with relaxation and concentration.
The study, led by Onyo and colleagues, aims to explore how different interactions with dogs affect people’s mood and physiological responses.
Unlike previous research, which has often focused on comprehensive assessments of mood or hormone levels, this study tries to analyze the effects of different activities, such as play, grooming, and eating, on the participants’ well-being.
For this study, 30 adult participants engaged in eight different tasks with well-trained dogs, including playing with toys, serving food, and posing for pictures.
Electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes are used to measure the brain wave activity of the participants during this interaction, while the subjective emotional state is immediately recorded.
The findings revealed significant positive effects on participants’ mood and brain waves. Playing and walking the dog causes an increase in alpha-band oscillations in the brain, indicating a relaxed state of wakefulness.
Meanwhile, activities such as grooming, massage, and play lead to an increase in the power of beta-band oscillations associated with an increase in concentration. Overall, participants reported feeling more tired, depressed, and focused after dog-related activities.
Although some participants do not have pets, their love of animals may have influenced their willingness to participate, potentially biasing the results.
However, the study points to the possibility of future animal-directed interventions based on the specific physiological effects of different interventions.
This study adds to our understanding of the benefits of interaction therapy with dogs and highlights the importance of including such interventions in healthcare and educational settings.
As animal-assisted interventions continue to be recognized, research like this provides valuable insight into designing effective and tailored programs aimed at promoting well-being and reducing stress.