\u201cWhat we intuitively think to be the case is actually the case,\u201d said Tardif-Williams, a Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies. \u201cSpending just five minutes watching one of these videos helps ease stress in the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Christine](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ChristineTardifWilliams-888x1050.jpg\")
Professor of Child and Youth Studies Christine Tardif-Williams<\/p><\/div>\n
The research was conducted in partnership with John-Tyler Binfet, a Professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and Director of the Building Academic Retention Through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program, which provides in-person and virtual animal-assisted interventions to support mental health.<\/p>\n
While previous research has focused on students in post-secondary settings, the new study is the first to examine the effects of virtual canine-assisted interventions on the broader community. Participants in the study included university students and non-student adults from a variety of countries.<\/p>\n
Both groups reported significant reductions in stress after watching brief pre-recorded video modules, which were carefully designed to mirror in-person therapy dog sessions.<\/p>\n
Each video included a land acknowledgment, an introduction to the therapy dog and handler, and guided reflection prompts. Viewers were encouraged to imagine petting the dog while listening to the handler describe the dog\u2019s temperament and behaviour.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople who find human interaction stressful told us they preferred the virtual format,\u201d Tardif-Williams said. \u201cThey liked that they didn\u2019t have to leave their home or navigate a social setting. For some, it was the first step in thinking differently about mental health.\u201d<\/p>\n
The researchers chose to make the videos five minutes long because the \u201cshort duration is critical for reaching people who may not otherwise seek support,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The researchers describe the videos as a \u201cfoot-in-the-door\u201d approach, particularly for individuals who might avoid traditional therapy due to stigma, cost or anxiety. The flexibility of asynchronous delivery also means the sessions are accessible at any time, from anywhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese modules can support people at 3 a.m. when no one is around,\u201d Tardif-Williams said. \u201cIt\u2019s about making mental health care accessible in the moments people need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tardif-Williams also emphasized the importance of animal welfare in the design of the study. The virtual format eliminates stressors that therapy dogs may experience during live sessions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s something I care about deeply,\u201d she said. \u201cThis model helps protect the well-being of the therapy dogs while still providing comfort to people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The research team sees further potential in using virtual canine modules in educational settings or with children. Tardif-Williams said future applications could include \u201cmind breaks\u201d during challenging lessons or emotional learning activities, for example.<\/p>\n
She also highlighted the growing potential for the use of AI-generated therapy animals.<\/p>\n
Overall, virtual canines may assist in delivering customized content for specific audiences, including those with animal allergies, phobias or social anxieties.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s huge potential to create inclusive and trauma-informed content,\u201d she said. \u201cEspecially for groups who don\u2019t feel represented or safe in traditional mental health services.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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