Abstract:
Research has increasingly indicated that the veterinary medicine profession is inundated
with mental health issues, especially with the recent climb of veterinarian suicides. Sources of
stress have been investigated in terms of the job and daily demands that vets face, but little is
known about the environmental impact that clinic interiors may contribute. In order to gain a
better understanding of this environment and mental health relationship, this thesis aims to
research the impact of private spaces on stress levels of vets in the clinic setting. Results have
pointed towards a potential correlation between the presence of private areas and increase mental
health levels, though further investigation is needed. No correlation was found between the
presence or absence of private areas and overall job satisfaction, though specific elements like
noise level and personal working space were correlated to the inclusion of private areas. Results
also revealed that the clinic interiors that do not have access to private areas do contribute to
increased stress levels experienced by the vets, though this does not appear to impact the stress
experienced as a whole. Findings from this study could help when considering future veterinary
clinic design and encourage interiors that promote healthier, happier staff members.
