Emotional Support Animals in College and University Housing

Autor/inn/en	Curl, Angela L.; Brottman, Barbra; Kunkel, Miranda C.
Titel	Emotional Support Animals in College and University Housing
Quelle	In: Journal of College and University Student Housing, 49 (2023) 2, S.86-105 (20 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0161-827X
Schlagwörter	Animals; College Housing; Dormitories; Mental Health; Self Management; Interpersonal Competence; Educational Benefits; Barriers; Disclosure; Physical Health; Attachment Behavior; College Students + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Animal; Tier; Tiere; Studentenunterkunft; Student housing; Studentenwohnheim; Psychohygiene; Selbstmanagement; Interpersonale Kompetenz; Bildungsertrag; Gesundheitszustand; Attachment; Bindungsverhalten; Collegestudent
Abstract	Emotional support animals are increasingly common in residence halls. This study examines the benefits and challenges of having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) while living in campus housing, from the perspective of the animals' owners and their roommates. Using a mixed methods case study approach, we collected qualitative and quantitative data via an online survey and in-person focus groups. The following themes emerged as benefits of emotional support animals, as identified by participants: improved or maintained mental health, motivation to take care of oneself, and increased social interactions. Challenges included having to disclose one's mental health diagnosis, needing to educate others about their emotional support animal, sharing it with others, ESA-related expenses, availability of pet supplies, barriers to respite care, transportation and parking difficulties, potential pet loss, and the difficulty of obtaining a letter from a health professional as part of the application process to have an ESA on campus. Despite these challenges, participants reported that the mental, social, and physical health benefits of having an emotional support animal far outweighed the challenges and helped them function personally and academically. [Discussion questions developed by Laura Glasgow.] (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. 1445 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201. Tel: 614-292-0099; Fax: 614-292-3205; e-mail: office@acuho-i.org; Web site: http://www.acuho-i.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01