NCT04116489

Wildlife and Wellbeing: An Animal-Assisted Intervention for Veterans With PTSD

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 19 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigates a novel approach to animal-assisted interventions through a series of wildlife immersion activities (wildlife observation, wildlife rehabilitation and bird feeding/watching) for veterans who have suffered trauma as part of their military duty. Findings from this study will advance scientific knowledge about the benefits of wildlife activities for veterans with PTSD including the acceptability, feasibility, safety and preliminary influence on physical and mental well-being. The findings will be instrumental in advancing a new area of health intervention research for veterans in settings that are publicly accessible and family-oriented for sustainable, low-cost interventions with potential application in other populations.

Detailed description

This study utilized a single group/ modified crossover design. The intervention included an introductory forest walk followed by 3 wildlife immersion activity experiences in different settings that offered different ways to experience wildlife. This included an introductory forest walk, a wildlife rehabilitation center, a wildlife sanctuary and a bird watching program. Each activity was conducted twice to minimize potential anxiety and novelty effects. Activities were conducted in small groups to provide peer support.

Conditions

• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Forest walk	Participants will be provided with an educational program about the forest and take a guided forest walk.
OTHER	Wildlife rehabilitation	Participants will be provided with education on wildlife rehabilitation and assist with wildlife care such as feeding baby animals.
OTHER	Wildlife sanctuary observation	Participants will be provided an educational program on wildlife care and accompany park game keepers during animal feeding and will observe iconic wildlife.
OTHER	Bird feeding and watching	Participants will learn about bird identification and safe bird feeding. Bird feeders will be provided at the Soldier On facility for home bird feeding after study conclusion.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-07-05
• Primary completion: 2022-12-31
• Completion: 2022-12-31
• First posted: 2019-10-04
• Last updated: 2024-10-16
• Results posted: 2024-10-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States