Can Man's best friend be a therapist? study tests dog therapy for mental health

This study tested whether a therapy program involving dogs could help improve well-being and promote positive behaviors in people with severe mental illness. Sixty adults participated in a 10-week program of weekly sessions with therapy dogs at a community rehabilitation service. Researchers measured changes in participants' sense of satisfaction, self-control, and social skills before and after the program to see if interacting with dogs provided therapeutic benefits.