Animal-Assisted Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Groups for Those who are Incarcerated

A Pre-Post-test Study

Bibliographic Data

ID6448633
AuthorsYvonne Eaton-Stull (0000-0003-2280-9284, Social Work Department, Slippery Rock University of PA, Slippery Rock, PA, USA, corresponding author), Christopher Streidl (Social Work Department, Slippery Rock University of PA, Slippery Rock, PA, USA), D M Hays (Slippery Rock University), Denna Hays (Social Work Department, Slippery Rock University of PA, Slippery Rock, PA, USA), Mary Beth Bauer (Slippery Rock University), Mary Bauer (0009-0005-5137-5237, Social Work Department, Slippery Rock University of PA, Slippery Rock, PA, USA), Sherry Rigel (Social Work Department, Slippery Rock University of PA, Slippery Rock, PA, USA)
Year2024
Volume35
Issue5
Pages497-504
Publication date2024-04-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueResearch on Social Work Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7315 • E-ISSN: 1552-7581
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10497315241240708
OpenAlexW4394575768
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited22

Incidents of self-harm present significant concerns in correctional facilities. Purpose: Developing interventions to address self-injury is beneficial to individuals who are incarcerated as well as the security personnel in charge of their care and custody. Method: Four 6-week animal-assisted dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups were provided to men and women incarcerated in a jail. Each group integrated two therapy dogs while participants utilized a workbook to assist in the application of DBT skills. A total of 23 participants completed the program. Results: Participants demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in self-harming behaviors. Discussion: All participants indicated that the presence of therapy dogs was helpful as they provided comfort/support, calming/coping, and focus. The receptivity to groups and the results offer support for enhancing treatment in correctional facilities

Borderline personality disorder · Developmental psychology · Dialectical Behavior Therapy · Intervention (counseling · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Test (biology · Clinical Psychology · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Psychology · Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Work

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