Can Animals Help Humans Heal? Animal-Assisted Interventions in Adolescent Mental Health
Sunday, March 28th, 2004
"Evaluating the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy approaches in an alternative high school for expelled youth: A qualitative/quantitative analysis" Ben Granger, Ph.D. & Mrs. Georgia V. Granger
Abstract:
The therapeutic impact of the human-animal bond with troubled adolescent youth attending an alternative high school was evaluated. Individual and group animal-assisted therapy (AAT) approaches were incorporated into students' educational and treatment plans. A quasi-experimental research design with a variety of methods of analysis was provided. Three recurring themes emerged from the data: trust, communication, and pet/client interactions. Project findings also suggest improved social skills with peer and adult interactions. Teachers/staff were supportive of the project, and participants agreed the experience had a positive impact on students
Bio:
Dr. Ben Granger is Emeritus Professor and Director of the School of Social Work, Colorado State University (CSU). He and Mrs. Georgia V. Granger are Co-Directors of HABIC (Human-Animal Bond in Colorado). HABIC was established in 1993 as a Program/Institute of CSU, founded by Mrs. Granger. Dr. Granger was Dean of the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee (UTK), where Mrs. Granger founded HABIT (Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee) with Dr. John New, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, UTK. Dr. Granger conducts research in the human-animal bond field and is the author of related publications. He and Mrs. Granger co-teach a course on the human-animal bond and animal-assisted therapy. Dr. Granger has social work practice and administrative experience in mental health, corrections, residential treatment, and child welfare. He teaches social policy practice/advocacy. He and his dog Casey are a certified HABIC human-animal team.
