| Title: |
The impact of a dog-facilitated mobile physical activity intervention on children’s social–emotional development: a randomized controlled trial |
| Authors: |
Ng, Michelle; Adams, Emma K; Murray, Kevin; Westgarth, Carri; Christian, Hayley |
| Contributors: |
Australian Government through the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course; Australian National Health Foundation Future Leader Fellow Fellowship; Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation; Human-Animal Bond Research Institute |
| Source: |
Journal of Public Health ; volume 48, issue 1, page 144-153 ; ISSN 1741-3842 1741-3850 |
| Publisher Information: |
Oxford University Press (OUP) |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Description: |
Background Dog ownership has been suggested to be positively associated with children’s physical, social, and emotional development. This study investigated the effect of a mobile health dog-facilitated physical activity intervention on young children’s social–emotional development and attachment to the family dog. Methods 150 five- to ten-year-olds with a family dog(s) participated in the PLAYCE (‘PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity’)—PAWS study, a three-armed randomized controlled trial. Children were randomized into either the SMS-only, SMS + pedometer, or control group for four-weeks. Parents reported children’s social–emotional development (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), empathy (Young Children’s Empathy Measure), self-regulation (Fast Track Project Child Behavior Questionnaire), and attachment to the dog (Dogs and Physical Activity Tool). Linear mixed effects models examined intervention effects at one- and three-month follow-up. Results There were no significant differences observed between intervention and control groups at one- or three-month follow-up for social–emotional development, empathy, self-regulation, or attachment to the dog (all P-values > 0.05). Conclusions Larger interventions encouraging children to be physically active with their dog are required to confirm these findings and the impact of dog-facilitated physical activity interventions on child and family health and development outcomes. Longer intervention and follow-up periods are also needed. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1093/pubmed/fdaf142 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaf142; https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article-pdf/48/1/144/65131088/fdaf142.pdf |
| Rights: |
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.D7C3AB4D |
| Database: |
BASE |