Research on Assistance Dogs for PTSD
Research at Veterans With Dogs
At Veterans With Dogs, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding of how assistance dogs can support veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other invisible injuries. Our commitment to evidence-based research combines practical experience with expert input from psychologists, dog behaviourists, and trainers.
Impact of Assistance Dogs
Research has consistently shown that dogs contribute significantly to their owners' overall well-being. For veterans with PTSD, Animal Assisted Interventions have demonstrated promising results:
- Reduction in suicide rates amongst veterans
- Decrease in hospitalisations
- Lower costs associated with medications and human care
Our Research Approach
We employ a comprehensive methodology to assess the impact of assistance dog partnerships:
- PTSD Symptom Assessment: Utilising the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder checklist (PCL) to measure symptom severity and track progress over time.
- Holistic Evaluation: Examining changes in:
- Clinical depression
- Negative cognitions
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Perceived social support
- Overall quality of life
Collaborative Efforts
To enhance our research capabilities, we maintain ongoing collaborations with esteemed UK universities. These partnerships foster innovation and contribute to our pursuit of knowledge in the field of mental health support for veterans.
Research Participation
We welcome research requests from post-graduate students who have obtained existing ethical approval for their studies. This ensures that all research conducted in association with Veterans With Dogs adheres to the highest ethical standards and contributes meaningfully to the field.
Dissemination of Findings
As our research progresses, we are committed to sharing our findings through appropriate academic channels. This dissemination of knowledge aims to contribute to the broader field of mental health support for veterans and individuals with invisible injuries.
Future Directions
Our ongoing research endeavours seek to:
- Refine assistance dog training techniques
- Identify optimal matching criteria for veterans and assistance dogs
- Explore the long-term benefits of assistance dog partnerships
By continuing to invest in rigorous research, Veterans With Dogs strives to improve the lives of veterans and advance the understanding of assistance dog interventions in mental health support.