Study of Children and Pet Dogs

Opportunity to Participate in Study of Children and Family Pet Dogs

Researchers in the Psychology Department at Kent State University would like to invite families to participate in a new study of children’s relationships with their pet dogs. The goal of the study is to understand how children’s relationships with a pet dog may be related to their relationships with people and to their adjustment. We are particularly interested in whether pet dogs can alleviate children’s distress. The study is lead by Dr. Kathy Kerns and is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research.

Families are eligible to participate if they have a child in fourth or fifth grade, at least one dog in their home, and one parent who can participate in the study. All information from the family will be collected during one visit to the family’s home.  The study involves filling out questionnaires and having children participate in different activities, and families will be compensated for their participation.

 If you would like information about the project, or want to volunteer, please call the Kerns Research Lab at 330-672-2139 or e-mail Amanda Koehn (akoehn@kent.edu).  A member of the research team will provide you with more information and answer any questions you have about the project.