Human-canine interaction: Exploring stress indicator response patterns of salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Abstract

A repeated measures design was used to analyze the effect of a canine interaction on salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in 33 adults; 16 were pet owners and 17 were non-pet owners. Cortisol and IgA levels before and after a canine interaction (experimental) or viewing a canine movie (control) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spectrophotometer. Data show a significant interaction effect for salivary cortisol in non-pet owners (p 5 0.003). Changes in IgA levels were not significant. The findings suggested that interaction with canines may help reduce the biological effects of stress that influences human health. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to support these results. © 2012 Springer Publishing Company.

Publication Title

Research and Theory for Nursing Practice

First Page Number

25

Last Page Number

40

DOI

10.1891/1541-6577.26.1.25

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