Measuring the Psychological Impacts of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs and In-Prison Outcomes for Inmates

As interest grows in programs that improve prison inmates’ behavior and psychosocial well-being, any such interventions must be rigorously examined and their underlying mechanisms for change must be understood. This pilot study examined the use of prison-based dog training programs across Washington...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Prison journal (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2020-03, Vol.100 (2), p.224-239
Main Authors: Flynn, Erin, Combs, Katie Massey, Gandenberger, Jaci, Tedeschi, Philip, Morris, Kevin N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal training
Prisoners
Prisons
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Summary:As interest grows in programs that improve prison inmates’ behavior and psychosocial well-being, any such interventions must be rigorously examined and their underlying mechanisms for change must be understood. This pilot study examined the use of prison-based dog training programs across Washington State Department of Corrections facilities for their impacts on inmates’ infraction rates. The study also compared levels of empathy, self-efficacy, and anxiety between program participants and nonparticipants. Findings indicated that prison dog program participants’ infraction rates improved and that participants had lower levels of anxiety than nonparticipants.
ISSN:0032-8855
1552-7522
DOI:10.1177/0032885519894657