• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.283-288
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• 2022

The study aimed to investigate the psychological effect of the emotional insect-assisted healing program on the stress experienced by 43 children in a community child center. Silkworm (Bombyx mori [Linnaeus]) was used in the healing programs, and the stress was measured using salivary alpha-amylase levels. Saliva samples and a survey on insect preference were collected before and after the healing programs, respectively. After the program, the satisfaction score for participation was evaluated. Results indicate that the emotional insect-assisted healing programs led to statistically significant lowering of salivary alpha-amylase levels and increased the preference for insects. The children's satisfaction in the healing program activities using silkworms was 4.23 points out of 5.