Educator Perceptions of the Use of Therapy Dogs in Social Emotional Learning Programming
Date of Award
2022
Degree Name
Ed.S. in School Psychology
Department
Department of Counselor Education and Human Services
Advisor/Chair
Elana Bernstein
Abstract
Therapy dogs are often utilized in schools to promote reading skills; however, there is little research on how therapy dogs can be incorporated into social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with administrators, teachers, and counselors regarding the potential use of therapy dogs in SEL programs in their schools. Participants described their experiences with social emotional learning, therapy dogs, and the feasibility of incorporating a therapy dog into a SEL program. Data were collected and transcribed interviews were coded for themes. Five themes emerged: Therapy Dogs Support SEL Needs of Students, Therapy Dogs Support SEL Needs of Staff, Therapy Dogs can Improve the Approachability of SEL Content, Training and Ownership Considerations, and Scheduling can Present Implementation Challenges. Implications for practice are discussed and suggestions are made for future research on the use of canines in SEL programming.
Keywords
Animals, Education, Psychology, Therapy Dogs, Social Emotional Learning, SEL, Educator Perceptions, School of Education and Health Sciences, Education
Rights Statement
Copyright © 2022, author.
Recommended Citation
Justice, Ann F., "Educator Perceptions of the Use of Therapy Dogs in Social Emotional Learning Programming" (2022). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7109.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/graduate_theses/7109
