Society, Arts and Humanities

Person holding a dog with snow visible in the background

How do therapy dogs help domestic abuse survivors receiving support services?

A new study exploring how therapy dogs can create a safe, nonjudgmental environment for survivors of domestic violence in educational, therapeutic and courtroom settings was recently published posthumously on behalf of John R. Chapin, professor emeritus of communications at Penn State Beaver. The research highlights the ways therapy dogs, who are trained to provide emotional support to survivors, can reduce anxiety, foster trust and facilitate positive outcomes.
The professor gestures as he stands in front of the projected image of a hand-drawn brain.

Penn State Laureate Dr. William Doan

Dr. William Doan, this year's Penn State laureate, will speak Nov. 12 at Penn State Beaver about "The Anxiety Project," which explores what it’s like to live with anxiety and depression. Doan, a professor of theater in the College of Arts and Architecture, currently is an artist-in-residence in the College of Nursing.