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Co-Producing Paws on Campus: A Psychoeducational Dog-Facilitated Programme for University Students Experiencing Mental Health Difficulties

Author

Listed:
  • Joanne M. Williams

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK)

  • Jillian Bradfield

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK)

  • Andrew Gardiner

    (The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK)

  • Patricia Pendry

    (Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

  • Laura Wauthier

    (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK)

Abstract

Declining student mental health is a global public health issue. Campus-based animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are popular and effective interventions to prevent and alleviate symptoms. How to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based, student-centred interventions that enjoy sustained stakeholder buy-in and support is less known. This paper presents the procedures and results of a three-stage co-production method and the resulting curriculum of a novel AAI aimed at university students experiencing serious mental health problems. Stage 1 shaped the focus and structure of the intervention based on online student surveying (N = 204) and consultations with stakeholders (N = 10), including representatives of Student Well-being Services leadership, veterinarians, animal welfare charities and Therapets volunteers. In Stage 2, we conducted co-production workshops with post-graduate students (N = 6), developing the curriculum based on Stage 1 insights. In Stage 3, through iterative prototyping and student feedback (N = 22) the Paws on Campus programme was finalised, resulting in a series of four, one-hour themed sessions: (1) Thoughts and Feelings, (2) Well-being and Welfare, (3) Care and Compassion and (4) Problem Solving and Help Seeking. We describe the co-production method and resulting programme characteristics and provide considerations for others interested in developing effective and sustainable AAIs for their respective populations and contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanne M. Williams & Jillian Bradfield & Andrew Gardiner & Patricia Pendry & Laura Wauthier, 2024. "Co-Producing Paws on Campus: A Psychoeducational Dog-Facilitated Programme for University Students Experiencing Mental Health Difficulties," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:1066-:d:1456336
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patricia Pendry & Alexa M. Carr & Nancy R. Gee & Jaymie L. Vandagriff, 2020. "Randomized Trial Examining Effects of Animal Assisted Intervention and Stress Related Symptoms on College Students’ Learning and Study Skills," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Patricia Pendry & Stephanie Kuzara & Nancy R. Gee, 2019. "Evaluation of Undergraduate Students’ Responsiveness to a 4-Week University-Based Animal-Assisted Stress Prevention Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-16, September.
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    4. Nickie Charles & Carol Wolkowitz, 2019. "Bringing dogs onto campus: Inclusions and exclusions of animal bodies in organizations," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(3), pages 303-321, April.
    5. Charlotte Parbery-Clark & Marvellas Lubamba & Louise Tanner & Elaine McColl, 2021. "Animal-Assisted Interventions for the Improvement of Mental Health Outcomes in Higher Education Students: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-43, October.
    6. Dasha Grajfoner & Emma Harte & Lauren M. Potter & Nicola McGuigan, 2017. "The Effect of Dog-Assisted Intervention on Student Well-Being, Mood, and Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-9, May.
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