Pet Therapy In Correctional Institutions: A Perspective From Relational-Cultural Theory

Keywords

Law; Mutual empathy; Personal growth; Pet therapy; Prisoners; Relational-cultural theory; Relationships

Abstract

In this article the authors apply Relational-Cultural Theory to pet therapy in correctional institutions. An important premise is that when pet therapy is used in prisons a symbiotic relationship develops between pets and prison inmates which, at the same time, improve their relationships with people themselves. Relational-Cultural Theory posits that relationships with individuals are not just a means to an end. Rather, good relationships promote growth and healthy development; they also cultivate reciprocal empathy. Hence, a major reason of suffering for most people is their experience of isolation; healing can occur in growth-fostering relationships.

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Publication Title

Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work

Volume

13

Issue

2

Number of Pages

228-235

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/23761407.2015.1029840

Socpus ID

85015142389 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85015142389

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