The impact of a resident dog on an institution for the elderly: effects on perceptions and social interactions.
A longitudinal case study was made of a sub-unit of a nursing home to examine the perceptions and social interactions of patients and staff after introduction of a resident dog. A behavioral mapping procedure was used to determine staff and patient interactions 6 weeks before and 6 weeks and 22 weeks after the dog's arrival. Interviews were also conducted with patients and staff. Six weeks after the dog's arrival, a significant increase in frequency of interactive behaviors was seen for both staff and patients. By 22 weeks, behaviors for patients had reverted to base-line levels, while remaining high for staff.
Winkler
A
A
Fairnie
H
H
Gericevich
F
F
Long
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009740:Nursing Staff; D012938:Social Perception; D014904:Western Australia