http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1409-0479
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Abstract
This qualitative study evaluated benefits and challenges of the occupation of owning a communal pet dog living permanently at an adult psychiatric rehabilitation facility. Twenty-three participants (12 staff, 11 clients) completed surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Data were analyzed through multiple coding, member checking, and triangulation. Three major themes emerged: (a) positive emotional experiences, (b) challenges of dog ownership, and (c) supporting engagement in meaningful occupation. While experiences of participant’s were broadly positive, challenges with adopting a dog in its puppy stage of development were acknowledged. A novel finding recognizing positive impacts on the well-being of staff was found.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank their research assistant (Anna Lawler) and research academic (Ted Brown) for their valuable work on this project. This research was presented at the 2016 VIC-TAS 27th Occupational Therapy Australia Conference and the 2016 17th Victorian Collaborative Mental Health Nursing Conference.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jade Rothschild
JR and PM wrote the whole article. DH rewrote the article following initial editorial feedback from this journal and also contributed to the analysis of data by suggesting the collapse of the themes.
Pam Maroney
JR and PM wrote the whole article. DH rewrote the article following initial editorial feedback from this journal and also contributed to the analysis of data by suggesting the collapse of the themes.
Danielle Hitch
JR and PM wrote the whole article. DH rewrote the article following initial editorial feedback from this journal and also contributed to the analysis of data by suggesting the collapse of the themes.