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. 1997 Jan-Mar;10(1):17-24.
doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6171.1997.tb00208.x.

Animal-assisted therapy with hospitalized adolescents

N Bardill  1 , S Hutchinson
Affiliations

Animal-assisted therapy with hospitalized adolescents

N Bardill et al. J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs. 1997 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Problem: To ascertain the effects of animal-assisted therapy on hospitalized adolescents.

Methods: Thirty adolescents hospitalized in a 16-bed psychiatric unit. Data collection included patient journals, interviews with 15 patients, and anecdotal notes from observations and staff reports. The ethnographic method was used for data analysis.

Findings: Categories identified from the data include the dog as a component of the milieu, as friend, and as therapist. The dog served as a catalyst for interactions, and often had human qualities ascribed to him by the adolescents.

Conclusion: This study provides new information that can enhance patient care.

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