Exploring the Impact of Animal Therapy on Prisoner Wellbeing

ABSTRACT

Custodial environments are regularly scrutinised for their limited meaningful activity, and the general wellbeing of prisoners. The current study explored the impact of Animal Therapy (AT) on prisoner wellbeing. A reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyze data collected through semi-structured interviews with eight participants using a deductive approach, driven by Attachment Theory. Five salient themes were identified; improved relationships, affect regulation, shared experiences of trauma; sense of purpose, and self-identity. The findings suggest clear benefits of AT highlighting the need for continuing this meaningful activity. Limitations of the current study and future implications of the research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Animal therapy
• attachment
• prisoner wellbeing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants