An Experimental Examination of the Effectiveness of Animal Assisted Activities for Employee Stress Indicators Improvement in Mexican Organization

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the 21st century, workplace stress is considered globally prevalent and costly to organizations and societies. There is a need for effective and practical interventions to reduce employee stress. This study examines the impact of Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) intervention on employee stress and mood levels in Mexican organizations. Results of an experimental mixed-methods design (3 × 2) study showed that the participants who interacted with the dogs reported a decrease and the lowest levels of stress, anxiety, anger, and sadness, as well as an increase and the highest levels of happiness in comparison to the participants in social gathering and control conditions after the intervention. This study provides empirical evidence for generalizing the use of therapy dogs to the Mexican work context as a viable and effective intervention to facilitate employee wellbeing.