Comparison of DBT Skills Groups with and without Animal-Assistance for Incarcerated Women with Self-Harm Histories. Issue 3 (27th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eaton-Stull, Yvonne; Wright, Cynthia; DeAngelis, Christina; Zambroski, Alisha
• Is Part Of: Corrections. Volume 6:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2021-05-27
• Subjects: Animal-assisted intervention -- self-harm -- dialectical behavior therapy skills -- prison -- group intervention; Punishment -- United States -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.60973
• DOI: 10.1080/23774657.2019.1629849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2377-4657

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Females are being incarcerated at a growing rate and present management and treatment challenges for correctional and security personnel. The sample included incarcerated women with self-harm histories (n = 35) who were randomly assigned to dialectical behavior therapy skills groups with or without animal-assistance. Pre- and post-test measures of self-harm and coping were obtained. There was a significant (p = .019) decrease in the instances of self-injury in the animal-assisted group. Additionally, the animal-assisted groups had significant (p < .05) decreases in three maladaptive coping strategies whereas the non-animal- assisted groups had a significant decrease (p < .05) in only one coping strategy. The animal-assisted groups also had much lower dropout rates and better attendance.