Effects of a Dog-assisted Program in a Japanese Prison

Koda, Naoko; Miyaji, Yoshio; Kuniyoshi, Miyako; Adachi, Yasumori; Watababe, Gen; Miyaji, Chiemi; Yamada, Kohei

doi:10.1007/s11417-015-9204-3

Cited by 21 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Moreover, some studies showed that these patients have a higher tendency to perceive the external world as hostile and to consider others as responsible for their own problems, showing a psychological profile characterized by paranoid ideation and an avoidant defensive style that easily results in antisocial behaviour and/or deviant behaviour [ 42 , 43 ]. Our results corroborate with those found in the literature both from the more general companion animal ownership research [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ] and from other specific studies about prisoners [ 20 , 24 , 46 , 47 ]. Indeed, the effects on patients’ psychological functioning in social situations highlighted by therapists through Kennedy Axis V were sustained by the significant reduction of symptoms linked to the SCL-90-R dimensions of paranoid ideation and psychoticism in inmates involved in D.A.T.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

The Efficacy of Dog Assisted Therapy in Detained Drug Users: A Pilot Study in an Italian Attenuated Custody Institute

Contalbrigo

Santis

Toson

et al. 2017

IJERPH

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Drug addiction is a major care and safety challenge in prison context. Nowadays, rehabilitation and specific therapeutic programs are suggested to improve health and well-being of inmates during their detention time and to reduce substance abuse relapse after release from prison. Among these programs, several studies reported the benefits for inmates coming from animal assisted interventions. In this pilot controlled study, we investigated the efficacy of a dog assisted therapy program addressed to 22 drug addicted male inmates housed in an attenuated custody institute in Italy. The study lasted six months, the treated group (12 inmates) was involved once a week for one hour in 20 dog assisted therapy sessions, whereas the control group (10 inmates) followed the standard rehabilitation program. One week before the beginning and one week after the end of the sessions, all inmates involved were submitted to symptom checklist-90-revised and Kennedy axis V. Inmates involved in the dog assisted therapy sessions significantly improved their social skills, reducing craving, anxiety and depression symptoms compared to the control group. Despite the limitation due to the small number of inmates enrolled and to the absence of follow up, we found these results encouraging to the use of dog assisted therapy as co-therapy in drug addicted inmates rehabilitation programs, and we claim the need of more extensive study on this subject.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

The Efficacy of Dog Assisted Therapy in Detained Drug Users: A Pilot Study in an Italian Attenuated Custody Institute

Contalbrigo

Santis

Toson

et al. 2017

IJERPH

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“…Studies exploring the efficacy of such programs, albeit limited, are largely supportive of the idea that they promote better mental wellbeing (Fournier, Geller, & Fortney, 2007;Harkrader, Burke, & Owen, 2004;Moneymaker & Strimple, 1991). For example, studies have found that a dog-assisted therapy program was associated with both improved mood (Koda et al, 2015) and lower stress levels, as assessed by salivary cortisol, in male inmates in a Japanese prison (Koda et al, 2016). Unfortunately, prison animal programs vary significantly in their design and relatively few have been subject to scientific evaluation.…”

Section: Companionshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

The State of Research on Human–Animal Relations: Implications for Human Health

Wells

2019

Anthrozoös

129

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Since the late 1970s, scientific evidence has accumulated showing that pet ownership can have positive effects on people's physical and mental wellbeing. This paper reviews the current state of affairs regarding the relationship between companion animals and human health, focusing on both the physical and psychological health outcomes related to human-animal interactions. Although designed to set the general scene on the link between animals and human wellbeing, research specific to older adults is highlighted where relevant. A particular emphasis is placed on disorders prevalent in modern-day society, notably cardiovascular disease and depression. The possible mechanisms by which companion animals might be able to enhance human wellbeing and quality of life are discussed, focusing on routes including, amongst others, the provision of companionship, social lubrication, and improvements to physical fitness. The role of the social bonding hormone, oxytocin, in facilitating attachment to our pets and the implications for human health is also discussed. Inconsistencies in the literature and methodological limitations are highlighted throughout. It is concluded that future human-animal interaction experiments should aim to account for the confounding variables that are inherent in studies of this nature.

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“…More recently, Cooke and Farrington () found that 290 correctional facilities in the United States had a dog program for inmates, which represents all 50 states. Dog programs are also common at the international level (Britton & Button, ; Koda et al, ; Minke, ; Mulcahy & McLaughlin, ). The most common type of animal program occurring in prison involves dogs, with these dogs often adopted by a member of the general public after the program has ended (Minke, ; Mulchay & McLaughlin, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Excluded from the search were books, policy briefs and theses/dissertations. Four of the studies assessed a Community Service Model (Britton & Button, ; Cooke & Farrington, ; Fouriner, Geller, & Fortney, ; Walsh & Mertin, ), four studies focused on Service Animal Socialization programs that had elements of Visitation Programs within them (Conniff, Scarlett, Goodman, & Appel, ; Jasperson, ; Koda et al, ; Turner, ), one study featured a Dog Assistance Training Model (Burger, Stetina, Turner, McElheny, & Handlos, ) and one study was of a Vocational Program (Moneymaker & Strimple, ). These studies produced several interesting qualitative themes, almost of all which were very positive.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A reflection of these existing literature reveals several other weaknesses. Specifically, previous studies on dog programs occurring in prison have been limited by a reliance on low security level prisons, including quasi‐correctional facilities like rehabilitation centers (see Koda et al, ), very small sample sizes, and conflicts of interests (for example, with program directors also acting as researchers). Unfortunately, these factors have limited the current state of research on the topic.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A qualitative assessment of a dog program for youth offenders in an adult prison

Smith

Smith²

2019

Public Health Nursing

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Objective Dog programs occurring in prison tend to generate positive public opinion and media portrayals, yet they often lack empirical validation. This is the first study to examine the key themes that drive a dog program aimed at incarcerated youth serving time in an adult prison. Design and Sample A sample of male youth (n = 31) were provided survey questions on a rescue dog program. A grounded qualitative approach was employed with open‐ended responses. Results The following themes emerged: the symbolism of the dog its role in therapy, perceptions of positive behaviors and rehabilitation, a sense of normality, and universal support by inmates. Conclusion This study supports the potential for utilizing rescue dogs in therapeutic interventions in which the vulnerable inmate can discuss early trauma, interpersonal dysfunction and histories of deviance. The dog symbolized the potential for incarcerated youth to engage in discussion of sensitive topics in a safe manner. Policy implications also include the function of dogs in creating a normalizing effect on the prison unit itself, one that can promote rehabilitation. There was universal support for the program which is rare in the prison milieu. Theoretically, positive outcomes occurred in an indirect manner, though more research is needed.

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Effects of a Dog-assisted Program in a Japanese Prison

Cited by 21 publications

References 23 publications

The Efficacy of Dog Assisted Therapy in Detained Drug Users: A Pilot Study in an Italian Attenuated Custody Institute

The Efficacy of Dog Assisted Therapy in Detained Drug Users: A Pilot Study in an Italian Attenuated Custody Institute

The State of Research on Human–Animal Relations: Implications for Human Health

A qualitative assessment of a dog program for youth offenders in an adult prison

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