Use of Service Dogs in Improving Occupational Engagement Among Veterans with Disabilities
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-1-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
12-1-2019 12:00 PM
Description
Purpose. Evidence supports the use of service dogs in reducing symptoms and challenges experienced by individuals with physical and psychological disabilities within the general population. However, research addressing the effects of service dogs on community reintegration of the military and veteran populations is lacking. This study aimed to identify the effects service dogs have on occupational engagement, community reintegration, and overall quality of life (QOL) for this specific population.
Methods. In this mixed methods study, a pre- and post-survey covering various aspects of occupational engagement and QOL was completed by each participant. Surveys were administered prior to receiving a service dog and then in 3 month intervals up to 6 months post receiving their service dog. Results were analyzed and compared to determine changes and themes in each of these areas.
Results. Data indicated an overall positive trend in quality of sleep, attitude of self and others, motivation, independence, and overall QOL. Most participants reported a decrease in their level of stress and anxiety, with only one participant reporting an increase in stress related to their ability to use transportation within the community after receiving their service dog. Other results were mixed.
Conclusion. These results provide preliminary data that reflect a need for improved co-training of service dog and owner, and better education of the recipient and the public on the rights of service dog owners. Use of transportation was the only additional complication/stressor evident post-service dog reception. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of marital status, level of education, and recency of a diagnosis after receiving a service dog. Additionally, there is a need for further research on how these life changes may have comorbid effects on the recipient-service dog relationship and overall occupational engagement of the veteran.
Recommended Citation
D'Amico, M., Kearns, J., Kozell, T., & Walker, K. (2019), Use of Service Dogs in Improving Occupational Engagement Among Veterans with Disabilities, Presentation, Fifth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/fifth/events/2
Use of Service Dogs in Improving Occupational Engagement Among Veterans with Disabilities
Purpose. Evidence supports the use of service dogs in reducing symptoms and challenges experienced by individuals with physical and psychological disabilities within the general population. However, research addressing the effects of service dogs on community reintegration of the military and veteran populations is lacking. This study aimed to identify the effects service dogs have on occupational engagement, community reintegration, and overall quality of life (QOL) for this specific population.
Methods. In this mixed methods study, a pre- and post-survey covering various aspects of occupational engagement and QOL was completed by each participant. Surveys were administered prior to receiving a service dog and then in 3 month intervals up to 6 months post receiving their service dog. Results were analyzed and compared to determine changes and themes in each of these areas.
Results. Data indicated an overall positive trend in quality of sleep, attitude of self and others, motivation, independence, and overall QOL. Most participants reported a decrease in their level of stress and anxiety, with only one participant reporting an increase in stress related to their ability to use transportation within the community after receiving their service dog. Other results were mixed.
Conclusion. These results provide preliminary data that reflect a need for improved co-training of service dog and owner, and better education of the recipient and the public on the rights of service dog owners. Use of transportation was the only additional complication/stressor evident post-service dog reception. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of marital status, level of education, and recency of a diagnosis after receiving a service dog. Additionally, there is a need for further research on how these life changes may have comorbid effects on the recipient-service dog relationship and overall occupational engagement of the veteran.