Animal therapy –especially with dogs and horses (which in this case is known as equine therapy)– has shown its usefulness in improving the physical and psychological well-being of children with disorders such as autism or cerebral palsy, and has also been successfully tested in adults with depression or mental problems. In general, interacting with these animals is beneficial for humans, and the ‘Compludog’ program of Assisted Therapy with Companion Animals promoted by the Affinity Foundation together with the Complutense University has shown that contact with dogs and cats also helps students to reduce the blockage they experience during exam time.
The objective of this initiative, which has been carried out in Spain for the first time, was to positively influence the quality of life of students and the results reveal that this therapy significantly reduces the level of stress in students and its effects are maintained. weeks later, even during the academic testing period when levels rise slightly. In addition, it improves the confidence, relationships and communication of young people.
Every year more than 200,000 students take the selectivity tests and data from various investigations carried out by the CEU San Pablo University show that between 15% and 25% of Spanish university students suffer high levels of stress and anxiety throughout their lives. of the academic year, which intensify during the exam period and affect their cognitive, behavioral and physiological development, in addition to having a negative impact on their emotional state, relationships with others, and even on their academic performance.
Interacting with pets reduces anxiety and nervousness
The program has shown that doing activities with cats and dogs and interacting with these animals makes students arrive more relaxed and calm to the exam season. Living with a pet is very satisfying and in this case one of the many benefits for these young people is the reduction in levels of anguish and nervousness that will allow them to better face exams.
“The fact that the young person can carry out a playful activity with his dog or cat helps him to disconnect from the study and later be more open to continue working and increase his ability to concentrate again”
The effort that students have to make to prepare for academic tests often causes them to lose concentration and even feel like they are suffering from a mental block. If this happens, it is best to change your routine to disconnect. And an ideal alternative to achieve this is to spend time enjoying playful activities with your dog or cat. In fact, interaction with animals has been shown to positively influence their emotional state.
“Dogs and cats help to overcome difficult moments such as exam time, where levels of stress, anxiety and even frustration increase among students. The fact that the young person can carry out a playful activity with his dog or cat helps him to disconnect from the study, be it walking, playing or simply enjoying a while by his side, which will make him later more open to continue working and increase your ability to concentrate again”, explained Isabel Buil, director of the Affinity Foundation.
While psychological and educational interventions are aimed at eradicating symptoms or are based on developing self-control strategies, interaction and contact with these animals modify endocrine responses that are generated in stressful situations. Another type of activities that can be carried out with dogs and cats to help young people to arrive more relaxed and calm to the exam season are relaxation exercises or methods based on positive training.
Source: Affinity Foundation
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