The application of animal-assisted therapy in the South African context : a case study
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Date
Authors
Lubbe, Carien
Scholtz, Suné
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Psychological Society of South Africa
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to explore the use, value, and applicability of animal-assisted therapy
in psychology. The case study method was applied to a therapeutic case, using the interpretivist
paradigm. Data were analyzed by means of document analysis. The findings are discussed according
to five themes derived from the study, namely, “facilitating relationship building,” “enabling
communication by working indirectly,” “experiencing physical affection through the therapy dog,”
“socialization skills,” and “enhanced self-esteem.” We report that the deliberate inclusion of an
animal in therapy facilitates relationship building and therefore aids the therapeutic alliance, as
well as enhances an individual’s socialization skills and self-esteem.
Description
Keywords
Animal-assisted therapy
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Lubbe, C & Scholtz, S 2013, 'The application of animal-assisted therapy in the South African context : a case study', South African Journal of Psychology, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 116-129.