Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

8-2022

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Kelly Sosa

Second Committee Member

Michelle Howell

Third Committee Member

Shireen Rajaram

Abstract

Trained service dogs can be used for many tasks, but the growing literature focuses on the benefits of the psychosocial health and well-being of individuals experiencing depression or anxiety. This study analyzes the effects of service dogs on the mental well-being of individuals with a diagnosed disability who have depression or anxiety. This quasi-experimental design assesses the mental well-being of individuals who have a service dog compared to those who do not have a service dog. Mental well-being was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) and focused on individuals with a service dog and diagnosed depression or anxiety compared to individuals without a service dog who had diagnosed depression or anxiety and a disability. This study's key findings showed no statistically significant difference in the mental well-being of individuals with a service dog with diagnosed depression or anxiety compared to those without a service dog who had a disability and diagnosed depression or anxiety. The results showed that both groups had a below-average well-being score.

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