The Experience of Prisoners with Serious Mental Disorders Participating in a Dog-Assisted Therapy Program: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT: (1) Background: This study investigates the experiences of prisoners with serious mental disorders who participated in a two-month dog-assisted therapy program within a Spanish prison. The aim was to understand the emotional and psychosocial impacts of the program on this population. (2) Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used with purposeful sampling of sixteen prisoners (mean age 43.4) who completed the program. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. (3) Results: Participants reported a positive emotional impact, highlighting the significance of bonding, love, and reciprocal affection with the therapy dog. They emphasized the dog's unconditional nature as a source of comfort and connection. The importance of

SUBMITTER: Maximo-Bocanegra N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816068 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature