Animal-Assisted Intervention for Mental Health in Incarcerated Individuals

This study focuses on exploring how interacting with animals might help improve mental health among people who are in prison in Hong Kong. Many incarcerated individuals struggle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, which can increase the likelihood of reoffending. Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) could offer a supportive way to engage these individuals and help address their mental health needs. Finding effective methods to support mental health in prisons is important for promoting rehabilitation and reducing future criminal behavior. Participants in this study will take part in a program where they interact with animals, designed to be brief and supportive. The study will evaluate how well this program is received by the participants and how effective it is in improving their mental health. The results will be measured using both qualitative and quantitative methods, which means the study will look at feedback from participants as well as data collected during the program. This research aims to understand the benefits and acceptance of such interventions in a prison setting, potentially offering new strategies for mental health support.