This study investigates a novel approach to animal-assisted interventions through a series of wildlife immersion activities (wildlife observation, wildlife rehabilitation and bird feeding/watching) for veterans who have suffered trauma as part of their military duty. Findings from this study will advance scientific knowledge about the benefits of wildlife activities for veterans with PTSD including the acceptability, feasibility, safety and preliminary influence on physical and mental well-being. The findings will be instrumental in advancing a new area of health intervention research for veterans in settings that are publicly accessible and family-oriented for sustainable, low-cost interventions with potential application in other populations.
This study utilized a single group/ modified crossover design. The intervention included an introductory forest walk followed by 3 wildlife immersion activity experiences in different settings that offered different ways to experience wildlife. This included an introductory forest walk, a wildlife rehabilitation center, a wildlife sanctuary and a bird watching program. Each activity was conducted twice to minimize potential anxiety and novelty effects. Activities were conducted in small groups to provide peer support.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
19
Participants will be provided with an educational program about the forest and take a guided forest walk.
Participants will be provided with education on wildlife rehabilitation and assist with wildlife care such as feeding baby animals.
Participants will be provided an educational program on wildlife care and accompany park game keepers during animal feeding and will observe iconic wildlife.
Participants will learn about bird identification and safe bird feeding. Bird feeders will be provided at the Soldier On facility for home bird feeding after study conclusion.
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Incidence of Recruitment of Study Participants
Recruitment of study participants will be measured in order to determine the feasibility of delivering a wildlife program to veterans with PTSD.
Time frame: at recruitment, day 1
Change in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms
PTSD symptoms will be measured with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) which is a 20-item measure that assesses PTSD symptoms. Scores range from 0-80 with 33 or higher suggesting a provisional PTSD diagnosis. A higher score is worse.
Time frame: Baseline to study conclusion (approximately 12 weeks per participant).
Change in Perception of Well Being
Perception of well being will be measured with the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale which is a 14 item instrument with scores ranging from 14 to 70. Higher scores indicate higher perceived well being.
Time frame: Baseline to study conclusion (approximately 12 weeks per participant).
Change in Depression
Participant depression will be measured by the Center for the Epidemiological Study of Depression short form (CES-D-10) a 10 item instrument with a score range of 0-30 with higher scores indicating higher level of depression
Time frame: Baseline to study conclusion (approximately 12 weeks per participant).
Change in Level of Anxiety
Anxiety will be measured by the Speilberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory 6-item scale. Range is 20-80 with higher score being worse.
Time frame: Baseline to after final activity (approximately 12 weeks per participant)
Retention of Participants
Number of participants who complete the study in comparison to those who enrolled in study (19)
Time frame: Approximately 12 weeks
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