Play and Pets: The Physical and Emotional Impact of Child-Life and Pet Therapy on Hospitalized Children

Abstract

Abstract Child-life therapy programs and pet-therapy programs are often used in pediatric hospital settings to provide emotional support and diversion; however there is little research about their efficacy. How play and pet therapy affect children was examined in this study of 70 hospitalized children. Self-reported mood, displayed affect, amount of touch, heart rate, blood pressure, and salivary cortisol were measured. Children and parents viewed both therapies as mood enhancing experiences for the child. Heart rates, parents' ratings of the child's mood, and display of positive affect were enhanced in the pet-therapy group. Pet therapy likely provides an additional supportive activity for hospitalized children.