Effects of Dog-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions in Prison Population: A Systematic Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Inmates usually suffer from depression, anxiety, or loss of empathy. Thus, animal-assisted therapies, and in concrete dog-based assisted therapy, were introduced in prisons in order to ameliorate the consequences of being into prison. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the effects of dog-based animal-assisted therapy in the prison population. Results showed that mental health, emotional control, empathy, or academic skills could be improved after dog-based assisted therapy. Most of the studies included activities related to dog training, dog caring, or activities. The duration of dog-based therapies ranged between 60 and 120 min, with the frequency being between 1 and 3 days/week. In conclusion, these potential enhancements might lead to a reduction in recidivism and violence. ABSTRACT: Background: Animal-assisted interventions, in concrete dog-assisted intervention, have been introduced in prisons to reduce recidivism as well as to improve the well-being of prisoners. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review is to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the effects of dog-based animal-assisted therapy in prison population. Methods: An electronic search of the literature was performed, and 20 articles were included. The PRISMA guideline methodology was employed. Results: Included studies involved a total of 1577 participants. The vast majority of protocols included activities related with dog training, dog caring, or activities, which included vocational or educational components. Duration of dog-based therapies ranged between 60 and 120 min, with the frequency being between 1 and 3 days/week. Statistically significant improvements in prisoners were observed in 13 studies. Conclusions: Dog-based animal-assisted therapy may improve anxiety, stress, recidivism, and other social variables in male or female inmates.