Australian psychologists' knowledge of and attitudes towards animal-assisted therapy
Date
2011
Authors
Black, A.
Chur-Hansen, A.
Winefield, H.
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Journal article
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Clinical Psychologist, 2011; 15(2):69-77
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Anne Francis Black, Anna Chur-Hansen and Helen Russell Winefield
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Abstract
Background: Research on registered psychologists' knowledge of and attitudes toward Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is virtually nonexistent. Aim: To explore Australian psychologists' knowledge of and attitudes toward AAT. Materials and Methods: This paper presents a thematic analysis of qualitative data collected from 9 psychologists speaking about AAT during individual interviews. Results: The first research question explored psychologists' knowledge of AAT and identified 3 key themes: AAT use across the client lifespan in various health settings; training is inadequate; and efficacy studies are lacking. The second question exploring psychologists' attitudes towards AAT identified further themes: AAT enhances therapeutic relationships; AAT used purposefully or incidentally is effective; and there are barriers to AAT implementation. Conclusion: Whilst AAT is deemed to be a useful intervention by some psychologists, its evidence base and training in such interventions are lacking. © 2011 The Australian Psychological Society.
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© 2011 The Australian Psychological Society