Date Presented 04/05/19
Although prison dog-training programs have increased in prevalence, little research on the topic exists. We used quantitative and qualitative methods in a repeated measures design to study effects of a dog-training program in a women’s prison. We found positive effects on empathy and academic and workplace self-confidence. Further, the program fostered improved parenting attitudes. We are beginning a similar study in a male institution to compare outcomes between female and male offenders.
Primary Author and Speaker: Samantha Bauer
Additional Authors and Speakers: Regina Abel
PURPOSE: There is an acute lack of research on dog-training programs in prisons, despite its increased implementation in prisons nationwide (Furst, 2011). Effective prison programming has the potential to mitigate recidivism and improve the post incarceration transition (Wilson, Gallagher & Mackenzie, 2000). Exploring outcomes of dog-training programs is crucial to establishing evidence-based efficacy. We are currently extending our on-going research with incarcerated women to include incarcerated men in a similar program. In our study, female offenders primarily train assistance dogs and male prisoners primarily train rescue dogs for adoption. Despite the differences between these prison dog-training programs, there are many similarities in style and substance.
DESIGN: This study is a mixed-methods longitudinal repeated measures design with participants continuously recruited from one male institution and one female institution in Missouri. Within the female institution, participant groups consist of Trainers who were full participants in the dog training program, Assistants who shared quarters with the dog trainer offenders and participated in some dog care (i.e., toileting, brushing, feeding), and Controls who lived within the same housing but had little interaction with the dogs. Participant selection was at the discretion of the prison staff and members of the training programs. Participants were excluded from program if there was a history of animal or child abuse. Additionally, Trainer participants were required to attend weekly dog training program meetings and complete training assignments (e.g., journal entries), thus English literacy was required.
METHODS: Quantitative data were collected via a battery of self-report assessments including: Tennessee Self-Concept Scale to assess view of self, Interpersonal Reactivity Index to assess empathy, Occupational Self-Assessment to assess self-perception of occupational performance, Adult Adolescent Parenting Inventory to assess child-rearing attitudes, and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 to assess psychological distress. Qualitative data as collected from analysis of trainer weekly journal entries and focus groups of Trainers and Controls. The quantitative data were collected every three to six months to allow for observation of change over time.
RESULTS: For female offenders, we found significant increase in empathy and academic and workplace self-concept over time. Additionally, we found significantly less discrepancy between self-perceived occupational performance and satisfaction level over time. Focus groups on parenting revealed that the dog training program also fostered parenting skills including patience, consistency, self-control, selflessness, and observation skills. Further, the training proram positively affected offenders in the Control group housed in the same unit as the Trainer group. As we begin assessing male offenders, we expect similar results in parenting and empathy. However, we expect to find differences in Tennessee Self Concept and Brief Symptom Inventory assessments based on established differences between male and female offenders.
CONCLUSION: Results from studies of female offenders indicate the dog training program had a positive effect on parenting attitudes, empathy, work and academic self-concept, as well as self-perceived occupational performance and satisfaction. We expect similar results from the study of male offenders. This study can provide valuable evidence regarding the factors involved in the success of prison dog training programs, a cost-effective intervention that has potential to reduce recidivism and improve the post-incarceration transition to society.
References
Furst, G. (2011). Animal programs in prison: A comprehensive assessment. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Wilson, D. B., Gallagher, C. A., & Mackenzie, D. L. (2000). A Meta-Analysis of Corrections-Based Education, Vocation, and Work Programs for Adult Offenders. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency,37(4), 347-368. doi:10.1177/0022427800037004001
