Workplace Traumatic Stress and Mental Health Sequelae among Public Safety Telecommunications Officers in Florida

Background: Public safety telecommunications officers (PSTCOs), aka emergency “dispatchers,” are exposed to workplace traumatic stress and can experience situations characterized by uncertainty, communication difficulties, and a lack of resources. Traumatic stress experienced by emergency dispatchers has led to mental health symptoms. Purpose: This paper aims to describe the results of a study examining the patterns of workplace traumatic stress and the relationship between workplace traumatic stress and mental health concerns among a sample of PSTCOs. Methods: PSTCOs (n=54) participated in a cross-sectional, anonymous survey including screeners for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and harmful alcohol use. Respondents also completed the Life Events Checklist (LEC) to screen for exposure to emergency calls identified as having the potential to induce traumatic stress. Results: 18.4% of respondents reported experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression, and 12% reported moderate to severe anxiety. Of the sample, 14% met the criteria for a provisional diagnosis of PTSD, 40% reported hazardous drinking levels, and 10% met the criteria of being at risk for suicide. Overall, 72.2% of PSTCOs experienced at least one form of job-related trauma and varied significantly by marital status. Poisson regression revealed statistically significant relationships between exposure to job-related traumatic events and screener scale scores. For example, those exposed to assault with a weapon had depression scores 2.29 points higher compared to those who were not exposed (p≤0.05). Discussion: Employing organizations of PSTCOs should strive to incorporate comprehensive wellness programs emphasizing education, prevention, early intervention, and recognition of traumatic stress among dispatchers. These programs should emphasize peer support and non-punitive policies to encourage help-seeking. In addition, given that findings in this study indicate exposure to traumatic emergency calls predicts PTSD symptomology, legislation could consider including PSTCOs in Florida Statute 118.1215

Humanity’s Best Friend: A Dog-Centric Approach to Addressing Global Challenges

No other animal has a closer mutualistic relationship with humans than the dog (Canis familiaris). Domesticated from the Eurasian grey wolf (Canis lupus), dogs have evolved alongside humans over millennia in a relationship that has transformed dogs and the environments in which humans and dogs have co-inhabited. The story of the dog is the story of recent humanity, in all its biological and cultural complexity. By exploring human-dog-environment interactions throughout time and space, it is possible not only to understand vital elements of global history, but also to critically assess our present-day relationship with the natural world, and to begin to mitigate future global challenges. In this paper, co-authored by researchers from across the natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, we argue that a dog-centric approach provides a new model for future academic enquiry and engagement with both the public and the global environmental agenda

The Effects of Managerial Values on Social Issues Evaluation: An Empirical Examination

This article suggests that due to the value-laden nature of social issues, managerial values, as a framework or schema, play an important role in the social issues evaluation process. Our data show that there is clearly a relationship between the issues managers evaluate as important and the values of those managers, with values being defined according to the Carroll typology—economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic. It was apparent that the values held by the managers sampled determined how various sets of issues—community, political, and regulatory—were evaluated in terms of importance. This result suggests that the issues evaluation process, which should be objective, is not.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline

Effect of Music on Stress Parameters in Dogs during a Mock Veterinary Visit

Veterinary visits can be stressful for dogs, but how their wellbeing changes during a visit is not well understood. Music therapy has been successfully used in clinical practice to alleviate stress and anxiety in people. The present study aimed to understand how canine stress changes during a veterinary visit, establish the effect of music, and highlight measures which may be of practical use. In a randomized crossover design, dogs were exposed to no music and a bespoke piece of classical music at a tempo designed to match their resting heart rate during a mock veterinary visit. Dogs were scored as more “afraid” during the physical examination compared to when they were in the hospital kennel (p < 0.001). Salivary cortisol, IgA, and infrared temperature all increased significantly (p < 0.05) from baseline to post-kennel and post-examination, with no effect of music treatment. Core body temperature (p = 0.010) and the odds of ‘relaxed’ lips (p = 0.020) were lower when dogs were exposed to music compared to control visits. Overall, dogs experienced changes in physiology and behavior, indicative of increased stress, over the course of the visit. Additional research is required to further understand the effect that bespoke music may have in alleviating canine stress during veterinary visits

Identifying ‘ideal’ companion dogs: development of the canine amicability assessment (CAA)

Dogs in the past were specifically bred to undertake a range of utilitarian roles in which they assisted humans. As a result, an array of dog breeds came into existence. Nowadays, the majority of dogs who have originated from these breeds are kept primarily as pets, whereby they provide companionship to people. Very few individuals continue to be used in their original capacity. In addition, an emphasis on selecting dogs based solely on appearance tends to be prevalent in the modern era. Yet it is likely that some dogs may not be particularly well suited to the role of human companion. Consistent with this possibility, a large number of dogs are relinquished to shelters as a result of exhibiting behaviours people consider problematic, and there is increased public concern regarding dangerous dogs in the community. Currently there are no specific standards regarding dog breeding which take into account the behaviour of the dog relating to its ability to be a successful companion. Nor are there established methods by which these behaviours can be evaluated accurately. While many protocols aimed at measuring dog behaviour are available, few have been developed correctly and most may not be valid or reliable. To improve the welfare of pet dogs and protect the community it is necessary to establish what constitutes an ideal pet dog and then to find ways to assess dogs relative to these requirements. On this basis the aim in this thesis was twofold; first, to determine what characteristics are considered ‘ideal’ in a companion dog and, second, to scientifically develop and then begin to evaluate an objective behavioural assessment which measures desirable dog behaviour. The development of a survey and subsequent collection of data from the Australian public established that most people prefer a dog which exhibits behaviours related to the canine personality dimension called Amicability, which is comprised of the traits friendly, easy going, relaxed, non-aggressive and sociable. To assess these traits the Canine Amicability Assessment (CAA) was developed, consisting of a brief test in an unfamiliar and carefully controlled setting, and during which a dog’s behaviour is evaluated in response to interacting with a stranger, both on and off lead, in the presence and absence of his or her owner. An initial pilot study, followed by the main study in which data were collected from over 200 dogs and their owners, was undertaken. The psychometric properties of the assessment were evaluated using multiple measures of behaviour, including ratings by experts, coding of specific behaviours, and questionnaire data provided by dog owners. Results indicated that the CAA was able to elicit behaviours which could be reliably rated by dog experts and that the canine personality dimension of Amicability could therefore be quantified. Furthermore, the intra- and inter-rater reliability scores obtained were high. A benchmark measure of Amicability was developed on the basis of the ratings provided by experts and this was then used to compare against coded behavioural variables and questionnaire data provided by dog owners. Analyses revealed a number of behavioural variables that were statistically related to the personality construct, although the strength of the correlations obtained were generally relatively weak. These included behaviours relating to interactions with the stranger, body posture, locomotion, vocalisations and tail wagging. Test-retest reliability was adequate for adult dogs, whereas predictive validity, examined by testing dogs as puppies and then again as adults, did not yield promising results. In addition, there were significant discrepancies between expert ratings and information provided by dog owners. It was suggested that owners may be poorer judges of their dog’s personality than were experts, partly because of a generally positive bias towards their own dog, as well as not knowing how their dog behaves in their absence. As a consequence limitations may exist in assessments of amicability that rely on owner surveys. On this basis it was concluded that the most effective approach to gathering accurate information about a dog’s amicability is likely to require using multiple measures. The CAA, a scientifically developed and relatively objective measure of canine amicability, was shown to be a worthwhile tool with potential to provide an appropriate measure of the personality dimension most valued by companion dog owners. Despite some limitations, therefore, and a need for further research and development, this study makes an important contribution to the scientific literature in its field. With further development the CAA will potentially provide a protocol that is accurate, reliable and feasible and which can be utilised in many contexts to gain a better understanding of individual dog behaviour and to quantify a dog’s level of amicability relative to other dogs

Identifying ‘ideal’ companion dogs: development of the canine amicability assessment (CAA)

Dogs in the past were specifically bred to undertake a range of utilitarian roles in which they assisted humans. As a result, an array of dog breeds came into existence. Nowadays, the majority of dogs who have originated from these breeds are kept primarily as pets, whereby they provide companionship to people. Very few individuals continue to be used in their original capacity. In addition, an emphasis on selecting dogs based solely on appearance tends to be prevalent in the modern era. Yet it is likely that some dogs may not be particularly well suited to the role of human companion. Consistent with this possibility, a large number of dogs are relinquished to shelters as a result of exhibiting behaviours people consider problematic, and there is increased public concern regarding dangerous dogs in the community. Currently there are no specific standards regarding dog breeding which take into account the behaviour of the dog relating to its ability to be a successful companion. Nor are there established methods by which these behaviours can be evaluated accurately. While many protocols aimed at measuring dog behaviour are available, few have been developed correctly and most may not be valid or reliable. To improve the welfare of pet dogs and protect the community it is necessary to establish what constitutes an ideal pet dog and then to find ways to assess dogs relative to these requirements. On this basis the aim in this thesis was twofold; first, to determine what characteristics are considered ‘ideal’ in a companion dog and, second, to scientifically develop and then begin to evaluate an objective behavioural assessment which measures desirable dog behaviour. The development of a survey and subsequent collection of data from the Australian public established that most people prefer a dog which exhibits behaviours related to the canine personality dimension called Amicability, which is comprised of the traits friendly, easy going, relaxed, non-aggressive and sociable. To assess these traits the Canine Amicability Assessment (CAA) was developed, consisting of a brief test in an unfamiliar and carefully controlled setting, and during which a dog’s behaviour is evaluated in response to interacting with a stranger, both on and off lead, in the presence and absence of his or her owner. An initial pilot study, followed by the main study in which data were collected from over 200 dogs and their owners, was undertaken. The psychometric properties of the assessment were evaluated using multiple measures of behaviour, including ratings by experts, coding of specific behaviours, and questionnaire data provided by dog owners. Results indicated that the CAA was able to elicit behaviours which could be reliably rated by dog experts and that the canine personality dimension of Amicability could therefore be quantified. Furthermore, the intra- and inter-rater reliability scores obtained were high. A benchmark measure of Amicability was developed on the basis of the ratings provided by experts and this was then used to compare against coded behavioural variables and questionnaire data provided by dog owners. Analyses revealed a number of behavioural variables that were statistically related to the personality construct, although the strength of the correlations obtained were generally relatively weak. These included behaviours relating to interactions with the stranger, body posture, locomotion, vocalisations and tail wagging. Test-retest reliability was adequate for adult dogs, whereas predictive validity, examined by testing dogs as puppies and then again as adults, did not yield promising results. In addition, there were significant discrepancies between expert ratings and information provided by dog owners. It was suggested that owners may be poorer judges of their dog’s personality than were experts, partly because of a generally positive bias towards their own dog, as well as not knowing how their dog behaves in their absence. As a consequence limitations may exist in assessments of amicability that rely on owner surveys. On this basis it was concluded that the most effective approach to gathering accurate information about a dog’s amicability is likely to require using multiple measures. The CAA, a scientifically developed and relatively objective measure of canine amicability, was shown to be a worthwhile tool with potential to provide an appropriate measure of the personality dimension most valued by companion dog owners. Despite some limitations, therefore, and a need for further research and development, this study makes an important contribution to the scientific literature in its field. With further development the CAA will potentially provide a protocol that is accurate, reliable and feasible and which can be utilised in many contexts to gain a better understanding of individual dog behaviour and to quantify a dog’s level of amicability relative to other dogs

Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs during Short Periods of Social Isolation

Dogs may experience negative emotional states when isolated from human caregivers and conspecifics. This study aimed to evaluate how dogs interact with different enrichments during a short period of social isolation, as a first step towards identifying methods for improving their emotional wellbeing. Using a cross-over design, dogs (n = 20) at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute were exposed to four different food-based enrichments while left alone in a familiar room for 20 min: long-lasting chew (Chew), kibble in a treat-dispensing toy (Toy), and kibble dispensed through a smart treat-dispensing device with (Device + Voice) and without (Device) a person talking to the dog. Time spent engaging with each enrichment item and emotional valence and arousal (7-point scale collected every 5-min) were scored from videos. The results of linear mixed models indicated Chew was the most successful enrichment, with dogs having lower arousal scores (p < 0.05 vs. Device and Toy) during the first five minutes of isolation, higher positive valence scores (p < 0.05 vs. all) during the second five minutes of isolation, and spending the most total time engaged (p < 0.01 vs. all). Based on these findings, long-lasting chews should be further explored to assess their impact on dog emotional wellbeing

Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs during Short Periods of Social Isolation

Dogs may experience negative emotional states when isolated from human caregivers and conspecifics. This study aimed to evaluate how dogs interact with different enrichments during a short period of social isolation, as a first step towards identifying methods for improving their emotional wellbeing. Using a cross-over design, dogs (n = 20) at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute were exposed to four different food-based enrichments while left alone in a familiar room for 20 min: long-lasting chew (Chew), kibble in a treat-dispensing toy (Toy), and kibble dispensed through a smart treat-dispensing device with (Device + Voice) and without (Device) a person talking to the dog. Time spent engaging with each enrichment item and emotional valence and arousal (7-point scale collected every 5-min) were scored from videos. The results of linear mixed models indicated Chew was the most successful enrichment, with dogs having lower arousal scores (p p p < 0.01 vs. all). Based on these findings, long-lasting chews should be further explored to assess their impact on dog emotional wellbeing

Evaluation of indicators of acute emotional states in dogs

Abstract A complete assessment of animal welfare requires not just an understanding of negative emotional states, such as fear and anxiety, but also of positive states, such as calmness and happiness. However, few studies have identified accurate and reliable indicators of positive emotional states in dogs. This study aimed to identify parameters that may serve as indicators of short-term emotional states in dogs. Using a cross-over design, 60 dogs living at a research facility were exposed to six different 10-min scenarios expected to elicit responses varying in emotional valence and arousal. A range of behavioural and physiological parameters were collected and their relationship to anticipated emotional valence and arousal was analysed using linear and logistic mixed models. Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, heart rate variability, panting, whining, and body shake all demonstrated significant differences based on arousal levels, but only within negative valence scenarios. Scores from a qualitative behavioural assessment (QBA) were associated with both emotional valence and arousal and were considered the best indicator of positive valence. Activity, ear temperature, and sitting were associated with positive high arousal, although this may have been influenced by differing levels of movement induced during these scenarios. Meanwhile, heart rate, secretory immunoglobulin A, standing and lying all showed similar changes associated with arousal for both positive and negative valence scenarios. This study provides a critical first step towards identifying evidence-based indicators of short-term emotional states in dogs, while highlighting considerations that should be made when employing these parameters, including the influence of coder bias, food provision, exercise, and external temperature. Overall, it is recommended future dog emotion and welfare research use a combination of parameters including indicators of both emotional valence and arousal

Humanity’s Best Friend: A Dog-Centric Approach to Addressing Global Challenges

No other animal has a closer mutualistic relationship with humans than the dog (Canis familiaris). Domesticated from the Eurasian grey wolf (Canis lupus), dogs have evolved alongside humans over millennia in a relationship that has transformed dogs and the environments in which humans and dogs have co-inhabited. The story of the dog is the story of recent humanity, in all its biological and cultural complexity. By exploring human-dog-environment interactions throughout time and space, it is possible not only to understand vital elements of global history, but also to critically assess our present-day relationship with the natural world, and to begin to mitigate future global challenges. In this paper, co-authored by researchers from across the natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, we argue that a dog-centric approach provides a new model for future academic enquiry and engagement with both the public and the global environmental agenda