Date of Submission
2019
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
First Advisor
Katy Tresco, PhD
Second Advisor
Jessica Kendorski, PhD
Third Advisor
Bryan Hendricks, PsyD
Recommended Citation
Dragani-Reagan, Jenna M., "Do Teachers Participating in a Therapy Dog Program Perceive an Impact on Students’ Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Reading?" (2019). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 495.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/495
Comments
This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of a Therapy Dog Elementary School Reading Inspiration Program. Teaching students to read is important to promote safety, aid in communication, and predict future academic success. Students who lack motivation avoid practicing reading. Reading practice helps influence reading fluency and comprehension. Research related to animal-assisted therapy indicates that animals help decrease anxiety and increase motivation for tasks. This research investigates the perceived effect of an animalassisted literacy program, as viewed from a teacher perspective. Through surveyed data respondents indicated a perceived benefit in areas of reading interest, reading skill and reading related behaviors, following the Therapy Dog Program. Respondents noted social-emotional improvements as well, including student’s decreased levels of anxiety and an increase in relaxation when reading aloud, increased mindfulness, an increase in social skills in those who were previously reluctant to speak in class, as well as improved communication skills, and improved student attitudes toward reading.