Dog-assisted therapy improves the emotional well-being of prisoners

Writing / Irene Vega

The emotional wellbeing of prisoners with severe mental health problems is often a challenge in prisons. To support their rehabilitation, a multidisciplinary scientific team has conducted a study exploring the effects of a dog-assisted therapy programme. This work has focused on the impact that this type of therapy can have on the emotional health and social connections of prisoners.

The qualitative study, carried out at the Navalcarnero Penitentiary Centre, involved the participation of sixteen prisoners diagnosed with serious mental disorders. For two months, the inmates attended weekly sessions with trained dogs, guided by specialised professionals and an occupational therapist as an intervention team. The results of the study carried out by the Animals and Society Chair from the URJC, in collaboration with the High Performance Research Group in Humanities and Qualitative Research of the Rey Juan Carlos University (Hum&QRinHS), show that the therapy helped reduce isolation, improve mood and foster trusting relationships with both the animals and the therapists. “Participants reported feeling happier and less lonely, often describing the therapy sessions as the highlight of their week,” says Nuria Máximo, coordinator of the Chair, occupational therapist and professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

This study, recently published in the Animals scientific journal, highlights the unconditional affection the prisoners received from the dog. The animal provided them with emotional comfort and a sense of connection rarely found in prison. The bond with the dog helped them reflect on their relationships with others and with themselves, fostering confidence and self-awareness.

Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of therapy programs involving animals to improve mental health and rehabilitation in correctional settings, suggesting that these programs could encourage broader efforts to support recovery and reintegration into society. The Chair Director also stresses that “this program has been described as a positive and transformative experience, promoting personal growth and emotional resilience.”

The study concludes that participants valued the supportive role of occupational therapists, who provided guidance and emotional support during the sessions.