Djur som sociala katalysatorer : En studie om hur djur kan påverka socialisationen i behandlingsarbete

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a social-psychological relevance in allowing animals to be involved in therapy work. I have examined if the animals may contribute to effects on human relationships between caregivers and patients, and if the animals can contribute to helping patients to achieve better well-being. Through previous research and a quantitative interview I have received answers to the following questions: How are animals used in the treatment work? How do animals affect the relationship between caregiver-patient? In what ways do animals in treatment affect relationships between people? How do the professionals who work with animals believe that animals can affects the patient? I have interviewed people working in different kinds of treatment work using animals. The areas examined include work with animals at youth care, police, disability care, elderly care and school. The results obtained have shown that there are a variety of direct and indirect effects where the animals can affect us humans and our relationships to each other. Animals effect our social interaction. The animals are described as social catalysts that can help us to build bridges between people.