Understanding how dogs can help teenagers with social anxiety
Official title: Longitudinal assessment of specificity in adolescent-dog relationships and adaptive coping for youth with social anxiety
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11003335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how having a dog can help teenagers deal with social anxiety, aiming to find out what parts of that special bond are most helpful so we can create better support for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,457 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109808-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who experience social anxiety and may benefit from the companionship of a dog.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social anxiety or those who are not interested in dog companionship may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between adolescents and dogs to find effective ways to help young people cope with social anxiety. It focuses on how these unique relationships can promote better mental health outcomes by encouraging positive behavioral and cognitive strategies. The study aims to fill gaps in knowledge about which specific aspects of dog companionship are most beneficial for different individuals facing social anxiety. By exploring these dynamics, the research seeks to develop tailored interventions that can support adolescents in managing their anxiety more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for adolescents with social anxiety to improve their coping mechanisms and overall mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using animal companionship for mental health support, although this specific approach focusing on adolescent-dog relationships is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mueller, Megan Kiely — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Mueller, Megan Kiely
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.