Handling A Dog By Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Calming Or Exciting?

Authors

John W. Somervill, University of Northern IowaFollow
Ashley M. Swanson, University of Northern Iowa
Renee L. Robertson, University of Northern IowaFollow
Marissa A. Arnett, University of Northern Iowa
Otto H. MacLin, University of Northern IowaFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

North American Journal of Psychology

Volume

11

Issue

1

First Page

111

Last Page

120

Abstract

Physiological reactions to handling a dog were recorded for 17 children (13 males & 4 females ranging in age from 7 to 12 years), 16 with a primary diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The major finding was a significant increase in blood pressure and pulse rate five minutes after holding a dog. It was concluded that a dog used for pet therapy with children diagnosed as ADHD was more likely to have an excitatory effect than a calming one. © NAJP.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

3-1-2009

Recommended Citation

Somervill, John W.; Swanson, Ashley M.; Robertson, Renee L.; Arnett, Marissa A.; and MacLin, Otto H., "Handling A Dog By Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Calming Or Exciting?" (2009). Faculty Publications. 2286.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/2286