RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06968351

A Pilot Study on Animal-Assisted Intervention in Correctional Settings

Animal-Assisted Intervention: An Effectiveness Study Using Qualitative and Quantitative Measures on Offenders With Mental Illnesses in Hong Kong

Sponsor

The University of Hong Kong

Enrollment

156 participants

Start Date

Jun 2, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Psychological Wellbeing Animal-assisted Intervention

Summary

Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are particularly prevalent among incarcerated individuals and are considered risk factors for recidivism. Leveraging the natural human-animal bond, animal-assisted intervention (AAI) offers a less threatening alternative to engage incarcerated individuals and address their mental health needs. As an initial effort to help promote rehabilitative security in Hong Kong, the current study examines the acceptability and effectiveness of a brief animal-assisted program among offenders in local secured facilities.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

persons-in-custody
aged 18 or older
understand Cantonese

Exclusion Criteria6

an allergy, a fear, or a dislike toward dogs
a history of aggression toward animals
a criminal history involving animals
a history of neurodevelopmental disorders
active psychosis or mania
active suicidality

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALAnimal-Assisted Intervention

A brief animal-assisted intervention is offered on a group basis across four sessions. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers the same themes but through different exercises. These themes include effective communication, behavioral principles, problem-solving, and teamwork. The first part of a session involves learning to give effective single-component commands to a rehabilitative dog under the guidance of a professional dog handler. The second part of a session involves the applications of two or more of these single-component commands to an interactive group activity. Project staff are present at each session to facilitate discussions among participants on any challenges encountered, learning, and intra- as well as inter-personal experiences during the session.