Puppies, Plants, Painting, and Popcorn: Evaluation of an Integrated Outreach Program

ABSTRACT

As significant numbers of university students report high levels of stress, post-secondary institutions are seeking accessible mental health and wellness supports. The outreach program presented integrates therapy dogs, therapeutic horticulture, and art making interventions. Over 170 participants completed questionnaires surveying demographic variables, frequency of attendance and engagement, and self-reported reductions in stress and anxiety. Open-ended questions explored students’ program experience, their explanations for stress reductions, and recommendations for the program. The vast majority of participants reported a considerable decrease in stress and indicated that the program helped them destress, feel calmer and more relaxed, reduced their anxiety, and helped them feel more in control of their emotions. Participant recommendations included investing in expansion, further development and adequate resourcing of the program. Findings highlight the potential of integrated wellness initiatives to support large and diverse groups of students while decreasing support stigma and contributing to healthy campus goals.

KEYWORDS:

• Stress
• outreach
• therapy dogs
• therapeutic horticulture
• art making

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the St. John Ambulance therapy dog volunteers (canine and human), the Memorial University Chaplains, Student Life, the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre, and the program volunteers. Special thanks to Kelly Neville who developed the program and Chantel Armstrong who was instrumental in running it during this evaluation.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could appear to influence the work reported in this paper.