First Advisor
Eric Rodrigeuz
Date of Award
Summer 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and University Honors
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Service Dogs, Psychosocial Health, Disability, Quality of Life, Independence, Social Support
Abstract
This study looks to explore the psychosocial effects that service dogs have on handlers with disabilities. A cross-sectional survey designed to gather information about this directly from service dog handlers was administered to a sample of 20 participants. Then, a qualitative analysis was conducted on data from the survey using an inductive coding scheme that identified themes in the data as key terms and ideas emerged.
Results revealed many nuances surrounding service dogs' effects on handlers' psychosocial health. Notable results include: 20 of 20 participants (100%) reporting their service dogs have had positive impacts on their quality of life; 19 of 20 participants (95%) agreed that having a service dog has helped them to feel more independent; 12 of 20 participants (60%) reported changes in how people interact with them when they are with their service dogs, specifically: increased staring, attention, and questions from the general public; 12 of 20 (60%) reporting being targets of ableism and discrimination while in public with their service dogs; and 12 of 20, (60%), expressed that their service dogs provided enhanced social support unmatched by any other forms of social support due to the deep connections and understandings of the service dog/handler relationship.
Overall, service dogs contribute positively to handlers' psychosocial health in ways such as significantly increasing quality of life, promoting independence and self-sufficiency, offering unparalleled social support, and more. Negative impacts of having a service dog, such as increased staring and attention, ableism, and discrimination also impact handlers' psychosocial health.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43046
Recommended Citation
Kline, Kylie, "What are the Psychosocial Effects of Service Dogs on Handlers with Disabilities" (2024). University Honors Theses. Paper 1578.
Included in
Animal-Assisted Therapy Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons
