International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

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Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in K-12 Schools: Implications for School Counselors

Author(s) Christopher Puglisi, Shalini Mathew
Country United States
Abstract In recent decades, the inclusion of animals in an educational context has increased in popularity. The purpose of this convergent mixed-methods study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of school staff and faculty regarding Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in an academic setting along with the opportunities and challenges of implementing the AAT program. Results of this study reported that school staff and faculty believe that a therapy animal could be effective in helping students succeed yet is not utilized enough in their schools as a valuable resource. The participants in this study highly encouraged the use of AAT for helping students in needs of academic, psychological, and physiological well-being. Participants also pointed out the challenges of implementing an AAT program in a school setting which include approval, fear, faculty schedules, and the animal’s boundaries. Recommendations for implementing an AAT program in a school setting, related policies, and future research are discussed.
Keywords School Counselors, Animal Assisted Therapy, Mixed Methods Research, Creative School Counseling
Field Sociology > Education
Published In Volume 5, Issue 4, July-August 2023
Published On 2023-08-31
Cite This Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in K-12 Schools: Implications for School Counselors - Christopher Puglisi, Shalini Mathew - IJFMR Volume 5, Issue 4, July-August 2023. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i04.5901
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i04.5901
Short DOI https://doi.org/gspcf5

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