Numerous recent studies have shown that COVID and the accompanying mandated lifestyle changes have resulted in significant negative effects on people’s mental health. To meet the increased need for mental health support, while also maintaining physical safety, a variety of telehealth services have been created or expanded. A body scan mindfulness program is an intervention that can easily be modified to be offered virtually. This study was designed to determine if a virtual body scan mindfulness exercise, with participants’ holding their dog or a pillow/blanket, could reduce their stress and anxiety as well as that of the facilitators. Significant differences in pre/post State Anxiety Assessment (STAI) scores for participants and facilitators were found. Additionally, participants and facilitators alike enjoyed the session more when the participants’ dogs were present. These results are discussed within the framework of the human animal bond and the potential of this form of intervention as a useful virtual tool for participants and facilitators alike.

中文翻译：

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探索用宠物狗进行的虚拟身体扫描冥想练习对接受者和辅导者的潜在影响


最近的大量研究表明，新冠病毒和随之而来的强制生活方式的改变对人们的心理健康产生了显着的负面影响。为了满足日益增长的心理健康支持需求，同时保持人身安全，人们创建或扩展了各种远程医疗服务。身体扫描正念计划是一种可以轻松修改为虚拟提供的干预措施。这项研究的目的是确定虚拟身体扫描正念练习（参与者抱着他们的狗或枕头/毯子）是否可以减轻他们以及辅导员的压力和焦虑。研究发现，参与者和辅导员的状态焦虑评估（STAI）前后得分存在显着差异。此外，当参与者的狗在场时，参与者和辅导员都更喜欢这次会议。这些结果在人类动物纽带的框架内进行了讨论，以及这种干预形式作为参与者和促进者等有用的虚拟工具的潜力。