The Exploration of Alpaca Assisted Activity and Trait Emotional Intelligence on Stress: A Pilot Study
Faculty Advisor Name
Dr. Jeanne Wenos
Department
Department of Health Professions
Description
Problem: Since the start of COVID-19, graduate students have reported a significant increase in overall stress levels. Stress reduction techniques are frequently used by Occupational Therapists and include Animal Assisted Activities and resilience training, which encompasses the development of Emotional Intelligence. No studies examine the reduction of stress levels of students in graduate school using Alpaca-Assisted Activities (ALAA) in a natural setting. Therefore, our study examined how Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) in combination with ALAA in the natural setting affects an individual's ability to handle and perceive the stress of daily life and the potential of using Alpacas in Animal Assisted Activities. Methods: In this self-reflective study, we acted as both researchers and participants. A pre and post-test was conducted of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to assess stress levels. A post-test was conducted of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire - Short Form (TEIQue-SF) to measure innate Emotional Intelligence. The intervention included 45 minute therapy sessions with Alpacas weekly across four weeks. Each session revolved around a different theme; nature, sensory, observation, and play. These four topics are key areas of treatment within the Occupational Therapy framework. Reflection statements were given prior to each session and journal entry prompts were given after each session. Each journal entry began with a rating of stress and alpaca handling competency. Two questions guided this study. 1. Will ALAA reduce perception of stress following 4 sessions? 2. Will individuals with higher TEI show an increased ability to cope with stress? Results: The process of data analysis is still ongoing and early findings through individual and group coding of the journal prompts suggest an overall increase of calmness and feelings of competence in relation to handling the alpacas. Moreover, there was an overall decrease in perception of stress. Further data analysis to triangulate the effects of ALAA on how TEI affects coping with stress is underway. Conclusion: This study indicates that ALAA has a positive effect on stress levels in graduate students. Implications and potential use of ALAA, including practicality of the alpaca personality, are discussed. Further research is required to gain a deeper understanding on the effects of the alpaca-person relationship.
The Exploration of Alpaca Assisted Activity and Trait Emotional Intelligence on Stress: A Pilot Study
Problem: Since the start of COVID-19, graduate students have reported a significant increase in overall stress levels. Stress reduction techniques are frequently used by Occupational Therapists and include Animal Assisted Activities and resilience training, which encompasses the development of Emotional Intelligence. No studies examine the reduction of stress levels of students in graduate school using Alpaca-Assisted Activities (ALAA) in a natural setting. Therefore, our study examined how Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) in combination with ALAA in the natural setting affects an individual's ability to handle and perceive the stress of daily life and the potential of using Alpacas in Animal Assisted Activities. Methods: In this self-reflective study, we acted as both researchers and participants. A pre and post-test was conducted of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to assess stress levels. A post-test was conducted of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire - Short Form (TEIQue-SF) to measure innate Emotional Intelligence. The intervention included 45 minute therapy sessions with Alpacas weekly across four weeks. Each session revolved around a different theme; nature, sensory, observation, and play. These four topics are key areas of treatment within the Occupational Therapy framework. Reflection statements were given prior to each session and journal entry prompts were given after each session. Each journal entry began with a rating of stress and alpaca handling competency. Two questions guided this study. 1. Will ALAA reduce perception of stress following 4 sessions? 2. Will individuals with higher TEI show an increased ability to cope with stress? Results: The process of data analysis is still ongoing and early findings through individual and group coding of the journal prompts suggest an overall increase of calmness and feelings of competence in relation to handling the alpacas. Moreover, there was an overall decrease in perception of stress. Further data analysis to triangulate the effects of ALAA on how TEI affects coping with stress is underway. Conclusion: This study indicates that ALAA has a positive effect on stress levels in graduate students. Implications and potential use of ALAA, including practicality of the alpaca personality, are discussed. Further research is required to gain a deeper understanding on the effects of the alpaca-person relationship.
