Sagaidak, Maryke C. J. (2021) Psychiatric Assistance Dogs: A Preliminary Analysis of a Scale to Measure Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Functioning and the Experience of Owning a Psychiatric Assistance Dog. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Over 6% of Australians have experienced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the last 12 months (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007). Despite various first-line treatment recommendations, research indicates high dropout rates and non-response to treatment. Psychiatric assistance dogs (PADs) are being used as a complementary intervention for reducing/managing PTSD symptoms and functioning. The primary focus of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a pilot-scale, designed to assess the PADs Impact on Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Functioning (IIIFS; Heyworth, 2021). The study also explored the benefits and challenges of using PADs for PTSD. A convenience sample (N = 69) recruited via PAD training organisations completed an online survey. Inclusion required participants have a PTSD diagnosis (or multiple symptoms) and use a PAD to assist with PTSD. Results indicated the intrapersonal and interpersonal subscales of the PIIIFS (α = .87; α = .83) displayed good reliability, with the overall total scale (α = .91) demonstrating excellent reliability. However, convergent validity was not demonstrated between the PIIIFS and the WHODAS 2.0. Analysis revealed further scale refinement is required. Content analysis revealed participants greatest challenges using a PAD was the general public (71%; e.g., intrusive questions, unwanted attention/disrespect towards the dog) and public access (43%; e.g., public access laws and access issues). Benefits of PADs included PTSD symptom (71%) and daily functioning (51%) improvement. Notably, 13% of participants reported the PAD contributed to less self-harm and suicide attempts/ideation. The project aims to fill a gap in the literature to aid in establishing the efficacy of PADs for PTSD treatment.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Carla Jeffries; Karina Heyworth |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Aug 2025 00:02 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Aug 2025 00:02 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | PTSD ; posttraumatic stress disorder ; psychiatric assistance dogs (PAD) ; personal recovery ; scale development |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52728 |
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