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Corrections
Policy, Practice and Research
Volume 6, 2021 - Issue 3
348
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Research Article

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

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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.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Slippery Rock University [College of Health, Environment and Science Research grant];

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