RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05788783

Feasibility of a Dog Training Therapy Program in UC Outpatient Youth Receiving Psychiatric Services

Evaluating the Impact of a Canine-assisted Therapy Program in Youth Enrolled in Outpatient Treatment for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems.

Sponsor

University of Chicago

Enrollment

48 participants

Start Date

Feb 26, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Emotion Regulation Self Esteem Behavioral Disorder

Summary

The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and implemented in Lawrence Hall, a Chicago-based residential treatment center for maltreated youth. In this study, the investigators test the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of expanding the program to a group of youth currently in outpatient treatment for social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Results from this project will provide preliminary evidence of whether a structured, goal-oriented intervention program focused on dog training activities has direct impact on increasing youth emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy, which are important targets for intervention among youth with mental health problems. If successful, this project could lead to a larger, randomized control clinical trials study that tests the longitudinal impact of the program that could further lead to national dissemination of the Recovery \& Care curriculum as an alternative therapeutic approach.

Eligibility

Min Age: 8 YearsMax Age: 17 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This pilot study tests whether a structured dog training therapy program — where youth work one-on-one with certified dog-handler teams over 6 weekly sessions — can improve emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-confidence in young people receiving outpatient mental health services. The program, called Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy, was originally developed for residential treatment settings, and this study explores whether it works in an outpatient setting as well. Children and teens currently receiving or recently receiving outpatient mental health services who are available for the full 6-week program and have no severe animal allergies or fear of animals may be eligible. Participation involves weekly sessions at a canine therapy facility, brief mood questionnaires before and after each session, and baseline and follow-up assessments of emotional and behavioral regulation. This summary was generated by AI to help patients understand the study in plain language.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALRecovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy

Active intervention. An 6-week session of structured, goal-oriented activities where youth focus on mastering dog obedience and dog training skills. Each session is 1 hour and 15 minutes in length and includes education, review of prior sessions, and specific skill-building activities. Skill-building activities progress in complexity during the course of the 6-week curriculum.

OTHERCanine Education & Bonding

Active control intervention. An 6-week session of semi-structured activities. Sessions are 45 minutes in length. Youth in this condition engage in an educational component, passive observation of dog-training skills, and an active free-play session with the dog-handler teams.