Use of Animals In Stress Management
by Karen Weigle, PhD, Associate Director, National Center for START Services
August is National Dog Month and, as mentioned in previous News and Views, it is also Happiness Happens Month. We thought this was a lovely coincidence given that dogs are the #1 most commonly owned pets on the planet and are often cited as promoting happiness and wellbeing to their human families. Dogs, as well as any pet, are known to decrease stress, anxiety and depression as well as ease loneliness in their humans. In particular, for adults with autism, there is evidence that having a pet decreased suicidal behavior (Barcelos et al., 2021).
It is also known that pet owners have lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol (Levine et al., 2013) and increase physical activity. Pets meet some of our need for touch, provide companionship, help us meet new people, reduce anxiety, provide sensory stress relief, and add structure and routine to our day (Lundgren et al., 2021). There is also research suggesting improved cognitive functioning in people with severe to profound intellectual disability who attended dog-assisted treatment (Scorzato et al., 2017).
Many people we serve with IDD/MH live in congregate settings or other situations in which dog ownership is not allowed or is considered impractical. As part of the START network, and given what we all know about the benefits of pet ownership, we ask you to consider advocating for pet ownership in helping build PERMA+. Consider how having a pet impacts each component of PERMA+ and consider sharing this information with the systems you support. One dog (or pet) can make a significant impact on life and wellbeing.
References
Barcelos, A. M., Kargas, N., Packham, C., & Mills, D. S. (2021). Understanding the impact of dog ownership on autistic adults: implications for mental health and suicide prevention. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02504-8
Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., Thomas, S. A., Wells, D. L., & Lange, R. A. (2013). Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 127(23), 2353-2363.
Lundgren K., Robinson, L., & Segal, R. (2021). The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets. HelpGuide. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm.
Scorzato, I., Zaninotto, L., Romano, M., Menardi, C., Cavedon, L., Pegoraro, A., Socche, L. Zanetti, P., & Coppiello, D. (2017). Effects of dog-assisted therapy on communication and basic social skills of adults with intellectual disabilities: a pilot study. Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 55(3), 125-139. |
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Positive Emotion
The ‘P’ in PERMA is ‘Positive Emotion” which is one of the cornerstones to well-being. It seems appropriate to reflect on positive emotion as we continue to celebrate ‘Happiness Happens’ month and identify those things that bring us joy and happiness. A child’s laughter, a dog wagging their tail, the smell of fresh bread, a call from a friend - these may make happiness happen for many of us. These emotions we experience are part of PERMA. So far this month, we have focused primarily on those external ‘happiness triggers’ such as the experiences mentioned above. We should not forget that positive emotion also comes from our own internal experience. Kindness, gratitude, and hope are all positive emotions that we can practice each day to bring happiness to ourselves and others around us. We are not passive receivers of happiness, but active participants in making happiness happen!
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Peer Mentorship Opportunity
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Peer Mentor Opportunity for People with Lived Experience of Developmental or Intellectual Disability (IDD)
Mass General Brigham is providing a peer mentoring program that will occur on Zoom for 16 weeks. Young adults (16-25 years old) with IDD will be matched with a mentor with similar life experiences to discuss mental health. During mentoring, young adults will learn to identify mental health symptoms and utilize strategies to cope with these symptoms. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Ariel Schwartz at MGH Institute of Health Professions is in charge of this study.
For more information, email her at partnershiplab@mghihp.edu or call 1 (703) 795-0459.
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We want your opinion about START telehealth!
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Why: We will use what we learn to improve START telehealth services
Who:
- START service users ages 14-35 AND their family members
- Living in states North Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa, New York, and Texas
- Had at least 3 months of START telehealth
What will happen:
- We will meet on Zoom for 1-2 hours.
- You can take breaks and have help
- We will ask you some questions about your experience with START telehealth services
- You will receive a $50 gift card at the end of the meeting
When:
What’s next?
There are three ways to get in touch with us to learn more:
- Scan the QR code and we will contact you
- Email Start.TelehealthStudy@unh.edu
- Call us: 1-866-807-0987
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Want to know more? Use the links below to learn more about this study and learn how to be a part of this research.
English
Español
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National Research Consortium on MH-IDD
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The National Research Consortium on Mental Health
in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
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Request for Research Project Proposals
Applications Due September 15, 2022
The National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH-IDD) is seeking innovation research grant applicants with a focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals with MH-IDD service needs. The application must clearly articulate how the project meets the National Research Consortium's mission. The National Research Consortium prioritizes four areas of grant funding:
- Expanding the use of positive psychological methods;
- Developing and scaling evidenced-based interventions;
- Expanding capacity and reducing service disparities; and
- Revising and/or developing accessible measures.
Additional information about the National Research Consortium can be found on our website. This year, the National Research Consortium will prioritize applications that also address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.
The National Research Consortium will fund grants up to $35,000. Applications that request less funds are welcome. Applications require an institutional match, often represented as coverage of effort/salary. For other information about grant requirements, please visit the National Research Consortium webpage. Applications are due 9/15/2022.
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Training & Professional Development
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NCSS Professional Development Series
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MHIDD Course for Direct Support Professionals
Next course begins September 20, 2022
The course consists of 6 weekly, webinar-style sessions via Zoom (105 minutes each) where the course facilitator will demonstrate how the information reviewed during sessions can be applied in the day-to-day support of people with IDD-MH. Each session will host 75-minutes of instruction and a 30-minute office hour session will follow for more in depth discussion with questions and answers. Registration is $149 per person and participants can receive University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Units and a Certificate of Completion for MHIDD Training for Direct Support Professionals.
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MHIDD for Care Coordinators & Case Managers
Next course begins October 24th, 2022
The course consists of 6 weekly, live sessions via Zoom. The weekly instructional session is 75 minutes immediately followed by a 30-minute discussion session. Session topics include guiding principles & approaches to effective MH-IDD case management; mental health aspects of IDD; understanding the service needs of people with MH-IDD; working with families; systemic engagement; & leadership. Registration is $299 per person and participants receive University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Units and a Certificate of Completion for MHIDD Training for Care Coordinators & Case Managers.
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Have a healthy and happy week,
National Center for START Services
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