title: The effects of the presence of a companion animal on physiological arousal and behavioral distress in children during a physical examination.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the presence of a companion animal on physiological arousal and behavioral distress exhibited by preschool children during a routine physical examination. A within-subject, time-series design was used to study 23 healthy children ages 3 years to 6 years during two physical examinations, with and without a dog. Statistically significant differences were found with greater reductions in subjects' systolic and mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and behavioral distress when the dog was present. Findings support the use of a companion animal in reducing stress experienced by children during a physical examination.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-5330, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Nagengast
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Baun
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Megel
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Leibowitz
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009329:Nebraska; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000523:psychology*; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology