Authors
Batya G Jaffe
Published in
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being. Volume 21. Issue 1. Pages 2732305. Dec 31, 2026. Epub Sep 10, 2026.
Abstract
Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is used to provide immediate psychosocial support following traumatic events, yet limited qualitative research has examined how crisis responders understand its role in acute trauma settings. This study explored responders' perspectives on the relational, emotional, and operational dimensions of AACR.
Semi-structured interviews and demographic questionnaires were completed with 21 crisis responders involved in acute trauma response. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti.
Four themes were identified. Participants described AACR as facilitating relational and non-verbal engagement, emotional regulation, grounding, and perceived safety. They also reported that AACR could influence the emotional and interpersonal dynamics of trauma scenes and support responders and bystanders. Implementation was shaped by cultural attitudes toward dogs, scene conditions, organisational requirements, handler preparedness, and animal welfare considerations.
The findings provide qualitative insight into how crisis responders perceive AACR within acute trauma settings. AACR was described as a potentially valuable component of psychosocial crisis response, particularly when verbal engagement is difficult. Further research should examine survivor experiences, culturally responsive implementation, responder well-being, animal welfare, and the conditions under which AACR may be appropriate.
PMID:
42721378
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Sep 2026.
Read full publication at:
Please sign in
to see all details.
Advertisement
Stats
- Recommendations n/a n/a positive of 0 vote(s)
- Views 9
- Comments 0