Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Kelly Dornbier
Abstract
Background: Mental health plays a critical role in the lives of emerging adults (ages 18-29) including how they identify, their coping strategies, and social skills (Matud et al., 2020). Occupational therapists (OTs) can play a vital role in the management of depressive and anxiety symptoms for the promotion of an individual’s well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). OT can address depressive and anxiety symptoms through the incorporation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a therapeutic approach that uses animals to improve overall health and well-being (Pandey et al., 2024). Though still limited in evidencebased research, emerging interventions like canine comfort programs represent a non-traditional form of AAT that can benefit from the integration of OT to support participants’ mood, emotional capabilities, and coping mechanisms, ultimately enhancing mental health and occupational engagement (Behavioral Health Clinic, 2024).
Purpose: This program was created to assist OTs in incorporating AAT using canines while serving the emerging adult population with mental health conditions. Through engagement in each session with one’s canine, participants will learn and develop skills such as self-motivation, self-cares, and self-advocacy to increase their occupational performance and well-being.
Methodology: A thorough literature review was completed to better understand emerging adults with mental health conditions and how AAT can impact their occupational performance and well-being. A needs assessment was completed to guide the development of an eight-week program to assist OTs in implementing skills-based groups in conjunction with a canine training program. The product was developed using the guidance of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO; O’Brien, 2017).
Summary: The program “Integrating a Canine Comfort Program with Occupational Therapy Services for Emerging Adults with Mental Health Diagnoses” was developed to assist OTs in serving the emerging adult population with mental health conditions through promoting engagement with their canines. Each session focuses on participants developing the appropriate coping strategies, advocacy tools, and dog-handling skills to promote their occupational performance and well-being. At the end of the eight-week program, participants will utilize the skills they learned in various environments to continue promoting their mental health and quality of life.
Recommended Citation
Vieth, Emily, "Integrating a Canine Comfort Program with Occupational Therapy Services for Emerging Adults with Mental Health Diagnoses" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 654.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/654