Date of Award
December 2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Raymond Fleming
Committee Members
Raymond Fleming, Shawn Cahill, Susan Lima
Keywords
Affirmation, Dogs, Expressive Writing, Pets, Self-affirmation, Values Affirmation
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to explore whether valuing a pet dog after writing about a negative personal experience could facilitate cardiovascular recovery, reduce anxiety, and boost positive affect even in the absence of the pet. Data was analyzed using one-within and one-between repeated-measures ANOVAs. It was found that there were no significant between-group differences in cardiovascular responses to the affirmation manipulation such that HR decreased at roughly the same rate as the control condition. Self-reported ratings of anxiety significantly decreased for both groups across time, and there was no overall effect on positive mood. Therefore, it was concluded that valuing a pet dog was not more effective at reducing the stress response than writing about the contents of a closet.
Recommended Citation
Floan, Karen, "Effects of Values-Based Affirmation About Pets on Physiological and Emotional Arousal" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 2499.
https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/2499