Walker (2022) examined whether therapy dogs could alleviate test anxiety among nursing students, a common issue that negatively affects academic performance and program outcomes. The study used a pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design with 91 junior-level baccalaureate students across multiple sites.
Students participated in therapy dog interactions prior to exams, and researchers measured stress levels using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), along with physiological markers including heart rate and salivary cortisol. These repeated measures provided both subjective and objective indicators of stress response.
The findings revealed that therapy dog exposure led to a statistically significant reduction in anxiety. Students showed decreased STAI scores, lower heart rates, and reduced cortisol levels (p = .00), highlighting a consistent impact across psychological and physiological measures. This confirms the stress-buffering role of human–animal interactions in academic contexts.
The study suggests that integrating therapy dog programs into educational environments could enhance student well-being, improve focus, and support resilience in high-stakes learning situations.
Source: Walker, C. (2022). The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Prelicensure Baccalaureate Nursing Student Test Anxiety. Nursing Education Perspectives, 44, 98–104. Author: C. Walker. Journal: Nursing Education Perspectives.
