Chelsea Rowe | Spring 2016

Reflecting on Significant Learning in Psychology 1010

Because psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior and I am, in fact, a
human with a mind and I behave in certain ways, everything we learned in this course has
practical application in my daily life. I could reflect on any one topic and explore its validity and
utilization in my own practice. Most significant and, what I think has the widest implications, is
our final project in which I defined a topic of interest to me, formed a hypothesis, pinpointed the
necessary information to research, located relevant peer-reviewed studies to support or negate
said hypothesis, and synthesized everything into a review paper and presentation. In doing so, I
fulfilled SLCCs learning objectives that students develop the attitudes and skills for lifelong
wellness and quantitative literacies necessary for their chosen field of study using creative
and critical thinking skills.
Both the process of putting the assignment together -from vague idea to researched paperand the insights gained on the chosen topic are impactful in my development as a future physical
therapist and productive, healthy human. Developing the project required creative, analytical,
and critical thinking. I asked the question, does exposure to and caring for animals help reduce
anxiety in adults? To formulate an answer, I had to discover what exactly needed to be studied,
like the prevalence and danger of anxiety, and current uses and effectiveness of animal therapy.
Finding appropriate scientific studies on this topic required problem solving and determination as
there is not a lot of research available. Through this process I started to develop the skills
necessary to do more formal and extensive research and, eventually, my own research when
working towards my doctorate of physical therapy. Having an inquisitive mind and being able to

synthesize opinions from a selection of personal experience and scientific evidence will be key in
treating my own patients.
Upon reflection of my findings, I realize how impactful the information I gathered is on
my own life. Anxiety and depression are mental disorders I struggle with, and learning more
about them, how they develop, their prevalence, symptoms, and treatments, along with
neuroanatomy, human emotions, motivations, and social influences, is helping me on my journey
to continued health. By choosing a topic of personal interest and importance, I found comfort in
the research and evidence that interaction with animals reduces anxiety, helps with depression
and healing, and promotes a sense of well-being. I now have knowledge of proven methods to
manage anxiety and furthermore, have received affirmation that my intuition about pets and
mental health was valid. When I experience anxiety in the future, I have a solution - pet my cat,
Peggy, or better yet, go adopt a new dog!