“There’s a connection that is just beyond words”: A Qualitative Study of Therapy Dogs in a Child Trauma Assessment Center

Authors

Angela M. Moe, Western Michigan UniversityFollow

Abstract

The utilization of animal-assisted interventions with trauma survivors is a growing field of practice and research. This study explored staff perceptions of the impact of therapy dogs in comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments of children who have experienced significant maltreatment. Such victimization causes devastating and long-term consequences across physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains. Trauma assessments have been used as a means of understanding the impacts of maltreatment and in guiding treatment. Following a go-along qualitative approach, the study occurred over 16 months wherein experienced therapy dogs were incorporated into assessments of 323 children. Data were collected through field interviews and participant observation. Inductive analysis generated four primary themes: rapport, regulation, respite, and restoration. Rapport involved establishing camaraderie with children at the start of the assessments, helping provide a sense of safety within the clinical environment. Regulation occurred throughout the various components of the assessment, wherein the dogs provided emotional, cognitive, and physical comfort throughout testing. Respite outside of testing was provided via rest and play. Finally, the dogs helped restore emotional and physical balance for children at the end of assessments, aiding their transition back to daily activities. Overall, the therapy dogs contributed to the ease, efficiency, and quality of the trauma assessments.

Recommended Citation

Moe, Angela M. (2024) "“There’s a connection that is just beyond words”: A Qualitative Study of Therapy Dogs in a Child Trauma Assessment Center," People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice: Vol. 7 : Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol7/iss1/5