In the Western society where animal assisted programs are implemented actively, the frequent and intimate contact with companion animals are observed to have many positive psychosocial effects on human beings. However, no empirical research has been d...
In the Western society where animal assisted programs are implemented actively, the frequent and intimate contact with companion animals are observed to have many positive psychosocial effects on human beings. However, no empirical research has been done so far to find out whether animal assisted programs can be applied in Korean culture as yet. Thus this study aimed to find out the effect of animal assisted program on an adolescent with difficulties in interpersonal relationship after having experienced school violence. The purpose of the program was to help the client wake up and sleep earlier and to increase personal interactions with people in general. The effect of the program was measured through daily checklists completed by the client's mother, observations during visits and interviews with the mother.
The study results revealed that animal assisted program was effective in helping the client to lead a more regular life of waking up and sleeping early like other adolescents and to increase his personal relationships with people in general. He started to actively engage in play and sports with his friends and this change led him to eventually return to school of his own accord.