Her Stem Space

What if a sugar pill could make your pain go away?
What if your favorite pet could lower your heart rate?
What if your best friend could calm your nerves better than some medicines?

As fictional as this may seem, modern science says yes—particularly in pediatric hospitals, where healing often begins with care and comfort rather than prescriptions or medications. These questions fall under real, researched categories of phenomena that are reshaping our perspectives on the healing journey.

For years, medicine has focused on the physical: surgeries, prescriptions, and numbers. But now, researchers are proving that comfort can be crucial in medical care. Emotions and environments can spark changes that some may find hard to believe, and this influence falls into three major categories: pet companions, movies, and placebos.

Now, picture a medical worker with no medical education who can’t even speak any language—therapy dogs! Possibly one of medicine’s most unexpected allies, therapy dogs have proven to be an effective way to instill comfort and peace in patients and are employed in numerous children’s hospitals. These animals are trained to make regular visits to patients, and they don’t just bring joy—they bring relief.

Petting a dog has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin, which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Oxytocin is the same hormone mothers produce when they see their baby—often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. In one study, researcher Laura Vagnoli found that children undergoing procedures such as IV insertions felt significantly less stressed and anxious when a therapy dog was present. Some hospitals even use therapy dogs before anesthesia or during physical therapy.

But what if I’m allergic to dogs, or they terrify me—can I still find comfort? Without a doubt. Another powerful tool in healthcare is distraction therapy. When patients are about to undergo something stressful, such as drawing blood or prepping for surgery, even simple distractions such as music or movies can decrease their fear. This works because of the cognitive gate control theory. In short, this explains that the brain can only process so much at once, so when a patient is focusing and processing on a story or song, they’re much less likely to register pain during this time. So next time you’re in a stressful situation, consider paying attention to the soothing visuals and sounds that may surround you.

Finally, our last topic of discussion: the placebo effect — one of the most fascinating phenomena in medicine. When a patient truly believes they’re receiving treatment — even if it’s just a sugar pill — their brain can trigger real, physical improvements. In children, this effect is even more pronounced. When they expect relief, their brains release dopamine and endorphins, resulting in a biological reaction that lessens pain.

For instance, one study found that when children received a venipuncture needle along with a non-anesthetic cream — but were told it would help relieve pain — more than 80% believed the cream had worked. Meanwhile, only 30% of children who were not told the cream had any effect believed it had helped. Today, doctors are exploring how this powerful effect can be ethically harnessed in pediatric care, acknowledging the role of optimism and a supportive environment.

In a world that often prioritizes high-tech treatments and medication, it’s easy to overlook the simple, cost-effective power of care and comfort. When children — and patients in general — feel better emotionally, they often heal better physically. Whether it’s a dog curled up beside them, a meaningful distraction, or even just belief, the healing journey becomes a little easier.

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Works Cited

February 22, 2023    |    Wellness & Prevention. “Can My Dog Become a Therapy Dog?” Scripps.Org, 6 Apr. 2023, http://www.scripps.org/news_items/4259-would-my-dog-be-a-good-therapy-dog.

“FF #460 Cognitive-Based Pain Self-Management Strategies in Serious Illness.” FF #460 Cognitive-Based Pain Self-Management Strategies in Serious Illness – Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin, http://www.mypcnow.org/fast-fact/cognitive-based-pain-self-management-strategies-in-serious-illness/?print=print#:~:text=The%20Gate%20and%20Neuromatrix%20Analogy,the%20amount%20of%20pain%20experienced. Accessed 20 May 2025.

“The Friend Who Keeps You Young.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 20 June 2024, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young.

Mac, Michael. “Beyond White Walls: The Importance of Art in Healthcare Facilities.” The TurningArt Blog, TurningArt, 17 May 2023, blog.turningart.com/patientwellnessandart.

Munnangi, Swapna. “Placebo Effect.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 13 Nov. 2023, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513296/.

Simmons, Kanesha, et al. “Pain and Placebo in Pediatrics: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory and Clinical Findings.” Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2014, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4252794/.

Vagnoli L;Caprilli S;Vernucci C;Zagni S;Mugnai F;Messeri A; “Can Presence of a Dog Reduce Pain and Distress in Children during Venipuncture?” Pain Management Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25439114/. Accessed 20 May 2025. 

About the Author

Hi, my name is Sahana Ramiya and I’m a rising junior in the U.S. I’m interested in pediatrics and love studying anything related to medicine! I hope to spread my experience through volunteering and interning in medical settings through the posts I write.