In this article the authors apply Relational-Cultural Theory to pet therapy in correctional institutions. An important premise is that when pet therapy is used in prisons a symbiotic relationship develops between pets and prison inmates which, at the same time, improve their relationships with people themselves. Relational-Cultural Theory posits that relationships with individuals are not just a means to an end. Rather, good relationships promote growth and healthy development; they also cultivate reciprocal empathy. Hence, a major reason of suffering for most people is their experience of isolation; healing can occur in growth-fostering relationships.

background

Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

Pet Therapy in Correctional Institutions: A Perspective From Relational-Cultural Theory

There is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the influence of culture on the onset and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Substantial evidence indicates that appraisals and self-concept, both of which are central to the understanding and treatment of PTSD are found to differ across cultures This thesis therefore investigated the influence of cultural variation in self-construal on a) trauma appraisals, b) posttrauma self-concept and c) posttrauma psychological adjustment
The thesis was comprised of three parts with a total of seven studies; the methodology adopted a questionnaire and interviewing approach on British and Asian participants Part 1 and 2 explored the objectives in a non-clinical sample (n = 75; n = 14; parts 1 and 2 respectively) Part 3 examines the objectives in a clinically relevant sample of trauma survivors with and without PTSD (n = 95)
In relation to trauma appraisals, the thesis’ findings relay that there are cultural differences in trauma appraisals, including a significant cultural difference in perceived personal control for those with PTSD compared to trauma survivors without PTSD However, appraisals of those with PTSD tended to be similar, suggesting cultural similarities in trauma appraisals for clinical groups Second, the Public and Communal Self Appraisal Measure (PCSAM) which measures collectivistic type cognitions was developed and demonstrated good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminative validity This measure further demonstrated collective self-appraisals to also play a significant role in PTSD development and/or maintenance, suggesting both independent and interdependent self-construal are impacted and damaged by trauma Findings in relation to post-trauma self-concept (ie traumatized and trauma-centered self-concept) suggest a pan-cultural relationship to PTSD Additionally, an ambivalent post-trauma self-concept was found to directly impact British trauma survivors but not Asian However, when mediated by trauma-related appraisals, self-ambivalence was found to indirectly influence PTSD for the Asian and British groups Finally, the influence of cultural variation in self-construal on post-trauma psychological adjustment, and theoretical and clinical implications of the thesis are discussed Limitations and future directions are considered

Cultural Differences in Trauma Appraisals and Implications for the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This essay maps how life writing by Latin American immigrant and US born or raised Latina/o soldiers in the War on Terror illuminates the troubling ideological contours of an ongoing subaltern move from the margins to the center. Latin American and Latina/o Studies continue to be animated by contestatory claims to subaltern, oppositional, and counterhegmonic status predicated on such life writing genres as testimonio . By analyzing a new wave of life writing war genres that illustrate varied Latin American-cum-Latina/ocum-G.I. performances of hegemonic power, this essay seeks to de-center contemporary discourses about the purportedly inherent oppositional nature of Latina/o life writing, and to call for new paradigms in Latin American and Latina/o Studies.

From Counter to Hegemonic: Re-Mapping Ideology in Latina/o Life Writing from the War on Terror

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a historically significant problem for soldiers and Marines in the United States military. A host of recent research supports this claim, and lends itself to the question of why more is not being done to help those who suffer from combat related stress (Friedman, 2011; Kuehn, 2012; Marlantes, 2011; Sher, Braquehais, & Casas, 2012). When considering what effect service dogs might have on the mental health status of United States veterans, this study focused on the following research questions based on the SF-36v2 Mental Health Survey: What effect does partnership with a service dog have on veterans’ vitality (VT)? What effect does partnership with a service dog have on veterans’ social functioning (SF)? What effect does partnership with a service dog have on veterans’ roleemotional health (RE)? What effect does partnership with a service dog have on veterans’ overall mental health (MH)? This study used a pre-and post-test survey research design, with surveys administered to five veterans who were due to obtain a service dog from Patriot Paws in Rockwall, Texas. Data gathered from the SF-36v2 Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize reports generated by the SF-36v2 Survey Scoring Software Program. Document Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Jeff Wallis Second Supervisor Fran Wills Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/education_etd/197 The Effect of Service Dog Partnership on the Mental Health Status of United States Veterans: A Quantitative Analysis Using the SF-36v2 Mental Health Survey By Colleen McLaughlin Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Ed.D. Program in Executive Leadership Supervised by Dr. Jeff Wallis

background or result

The Effect of Service Dog Partnership on the Mental Health Status of United States Veterans: A Quantitative Analysis Using the SF-36v2 Mental Health Survey

This chapter begins with a review of prison-based animal programs (PAPs), with an emphasis on the welfare of dogs being cared for and trained in corrections contexts. Next, it explores various methods for engaging in the compassionate and humane care and training of dogs for adoption or service animal work, without any exploitation. For example, program organizers need to understand canine communication, including animal body language and stress signals, as well as basic dog behavior and force-free training techniques. The chapter concludes with best practice recommendations for dog rehabilitation and training programs within correctional facilities. Overall, administrators and trainers must manage the unique needs of innovative programs that incorporate another sentient being into the milieu.

Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

Citations

Pet Therapy in Correctional Institutions: A Perspective From Relational-Cultural Theory

Cultural Differences in Trauma Appraisals and Implications for the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

From Counter to Hegemonic: Re-Mapping Ideology in Latina/o Life Writing from the War on Terror

The Effect of Service Dog Partnership on the Mental Health Status of United States Veterans: A Quantitative Analysis Using the SF-36v2 Mental Health Survey

Caring for and About Dogs: Animal Welfare Considerations

Related Papers (4)

Service dogs and other canine assistance services for wounded warriors

So Man and Beast Can Live in Peace

First person. Goldens rule: two golden retrievers help a cancer survivor live and love

The Dog Will See You Now