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Pet in the therapy room: An attachment perspective on Animal-Assisted Therapy

Pet in the therapy room: An attachment perspective on Animal-Assisted Therapy John Bowlby's (1973, 1980, 1982) attachment theory is one of the most influential theories in personality and developmental psychology and provides insights into adjustment and psychopathology across the lifespan. The theory is also helpful in defining the target of change in psychotherapy, understanding the processes by which change occurs, and conceptualizing cases and planning treatment (Daniel, 2006; Obegi & Berant, 2008; Sable, 2004; Wallin, 2007). Here, we propose a model of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) based on attachment theory and on the unique characteristics of human–pet relationships. The model includes clients' unmet attachment needs, individual differences in attachment insecurity, coping, and responsiveness to therapy. It also suggests ways to foster the development of more adaptive patterns of attachment and healthier modes of relating to others. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Attachment & Human Development Taylor & Francis

Pet in the therapy room: An attachment perspective on Animal-Assisted Therapy

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Pet in the therapy room: An attachment perspective on Animal-Assisted Therapy

Abstract

John Bowlby's (1973, 1980, 1982) attachment theory is one of the most influential theories in personality and developmental psychology and provides insights into adjustment and psychopathology across the lifespan. The theory is also helpful in defining the target of change in psychotherapy, understanding the processes by which change occurs, and conceptualizing cases and planning treatment (Daniel, 2006; Obegi & Berant, 2008; Sable, 2004; Wallin, 2007). Here, we propose a model of...
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Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Copyright
Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN
1469-2988
eISSN
1461-6734
DOI
10.1080/14616734.2011.608987
pmid
22011099
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

John Bowlby's (1973, 1980, 1982) attachment theory is one of the most influential theories in personality and developmental psychology and provides insights into adjustment and psychopathology across the lifespan. The theory is also helpful in defining the target of change in psychotherapy, understanding the processes by which change occurs, and conceptualizing cases and planning treatment (Daniel, 2006; Obegi & Berant, 2008; Sable, 2004; Wallin, 2007). Here, we propose a model of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) based on attachment theory and on the unique characteristics of human–pet relationships. The model includes clients' unmet attachment needs, individual differences in attachment insecurity, coping, and responsiveness to therapy. It also suggests ways to foster the development of more adaptive patterns of attachment and healthier modes of relating to others.

Journal

Attachment & Human Development – Taylor & Francis

Published: Nov 1, 2011

Keywords: Animal-Assisted Therapy; attachment theory; internal working models; pet; animal; psychotherapy

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