I love when science confirms what we already know to be true. In this case, a recent study found that watching cute dog videos is actually good for you. At last, I can finally stop feeling guilty for scrolling through TikTok for an hour watching 100 adorable dog videos! Because. You know. Mental health!
Anyway, the results of the study are actually so interesting, too. Conducted by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet from UBC Okanagan and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams from Brock University, the researchers sought to understand the impact of virtual dog videos on both students and non-students.
Over one thousand people participated in the study and the results showed clear stress relief across both groups of participants.
Related: Sweet Shelter Dog Helps Stranger By Detecting Oncoming Seizure, Refusing To Leave His Side
The videos used in the study were only five minutes long, and viewers could simply watch them on YouTube wherever they wanted, whenever they pleased. The calming videos featured therapy dogs and handlers from the B.A.R.K. program, a student well-being initiative. In the modules, viewers were instructed to imagine petting the dog and were asked to reflect on their emotions as they did.
The videos intended to imitate real-life dog therapy sessions without requiring in-person attendance, which can be a barrier to some people receiving care.
The results of the study showed a clear reduction in stress across the board. For the student participants, average stress levels fell from 3.33 to 2.53 on a five-point scale. For community member participants, stress levels went from 3.07 down to 2.43.
The reason this study matters is that is could open the door for mental health care to busy adults, students or people hesitant to reach out for help due to the mental health stigma.
Related: Adorable Miniature Dachshund Lost in Australian Wilderness Finally Found After 529 Days