The therapeutic value of the equine-human relationship in recovery from trauma: A qualitative analysis

22 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Janet Yorke

The purpose of this research was to explore the nature of equine-human bonding and its therapeutic value in recovery from trauma. The study sample consisted of six participants who identified that their pre-existing relationships with horses were therapeutic in recovering from various types of …

Women and Animals in Affiliative Relationship: Healing Characteristics of the Animal Human Bond

27 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Pamela Feeney

Gender is a basic organizing principle that profoundly shapes material conditions of women's lives. Ecofeminism posits an association and joint oppression among women, animals, and nature, while feminist methodologies expose previously hidden aspects of women's reality. Despite the emergence of …

Companion animal loss: a disenfranchised form of grief and why it's relevant to social work

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Stephanie Schaffner, Emily Merrill

Thirty participants of the Companion Animal Love, Loss, and Memories (CALLM) group held at The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center evaluated this program in order to find out if a mutual aid support group is beneficial for pet loss survivors. Demographics of participants were …

My best friend: a closer look at relationships with companion animals

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Margaret E. Oehler

This study examines relationships with companion animals and how they compare to relationships with a close friend. Three relationship measures were used; social support, love and closeness and conflict and conflict resolution. A survey measuring these three relational aspects was distributed to …

Human–dolphin encounter spaces: a qualitative investigation of the geographies and ethics of swim-with-the-dolphins programs

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Kristin L. Stewart

Throughout history and all over the world, dolphins have been welcomed across the human-animal boundary as an ethical subject fit for human companionship. The dolphin’s charismatic status has led to a burgeoning swim-with-dolphins industry that offers eager customers opportunities for close, …

Women animal foster care workers: An ecofeminist critique

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Denise L. Roemer

As with other forms of animal rights activism, animal foster care also appears to be dominated by women. In this paper I explore the role of animal foster care in, and its implications for, a Patriarchal society based on hierarchical dualisms. I argue that through their work as animal foster care …

More than man's best friend: A look at attachment between humans and their canine companions

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Samantha E. Kennedy

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are currently more than 60 million pet dogs in the United States. This is an increase of nearly eighteen percent since 1991, coinciding with a growing area of research on humans relationships with companion animals and companion …

The effect of a therapeutic horsemanship program on emotionally disturbed boys

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Alisa J Greenwald

The relationships between humans and animals have been associated with various therapeutic implications. While there is no agreed upon name, the term “pet facilitated therapy” has become widely accepted. Pet facilitated therapy has been particularly adopted to describe the relationship between …

Effects of animal-assisted therapy on behavior and reading in the classroom

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Ashley Elizabeth Booten

Research has shown that the presence of a therapy dog in the classroom should elicit a calming effect, reduce stress, and promote positive interactions among peers and adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect a therapy dog has on behavior and reading in the classroom. …

Human–animal relationships as modulators of trauma effects in children: a developmental neurobiological perspective

28 Aug 2012 | Theses | Contributor(s): Janet G. Yorke

Humans and animals interaction is showing promise as a way to provide complementary and alternative medicine for humans. Children have an affinity for animals that could be useful therapeutically. Emotional stress and trauma impacts the neurobiology of children, who are vulnerable given the …