Comparison of DBT Skills Groups with and without Animal-Assistance for Incarcerated Women with Self-Harm Histories

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.