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Over the last 15 years, military conflict has had significant physical and psychological consequences for many service members. Approximately 40% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are diagnosed with PTSD, depression or other mental health issues. Research has demonstrated the benefits of companion animals in promoting psychological health, enhancing social interactions, reducing depression and increasing self-esteem. Other research highlights the importance of the relationship between a psychiatric service dog and the veteran in addressing challenges of reintegration. In addition, there is ongoing debate on the length of training needed for service dogs and veteran orientation/training. Finally, little is known about the specific benefits, when they are realized, and under what conditions do veterans experience benefits.
This evaluation focused on the impact of a Trauma Assistance Dog (TAD) that was trained to support veterans with PTSD. The primary program goal was to provide veterans with support to successfully reintegrate into civilian life. Services included an initial 2-week training program for veterans to learn how to work with their TAD and a subsequent 9-month follow-up program designed to offer additional training and support to veterans to learning how to best use their TAD during expected and unexpected situations.
Methods
This evaluation had three purposes: (1) to describe the change in functioning for veterans in these outcome areas: post-traumatic stress symptoms [PTSD Checklist-Military Version], perceived stress [Perceived Stress Scale], health-related functioning [SF-12], and perceived effectiveness of their working relationship with their TAD [LAP], (2) to understand the process that veterans experienced in the development of their relationship with their TAD and (3) to learn in what ways their TAD supported their day-to-day needs. The first reflects an outcome evaluation; the second and third are process evaluations.
Respondents were 10 veterans who participated in this program a year-long program. Outcome indicators were measured at the first month, two weeks after they met their TAD and then 6 and 12 months later. Information about perceived benefits were gathered monthly, using a monthly telephone interview.
Outcome indicators were analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA. Qualitative information from monthly interviews were coded thematically using NVivo. Narrative analyses were conducted to understand the perceived program benefits.
Results
Findings highlighted consistent increases in perceived levels of TAD attachment by the end of their program. Attachment was linked with increased confidence levels in “using” their TAD. Veterans increased their involvement in community-based activities, both recreational and work-related. Even with this potentially greater exposure to triggering situations, there were no dramatic/significant increases in levels of stress or PTS. Significant improvements were identified for health-related quality-of-life. Veterans consistently highlighted the importance of the 12-month follow-up period, noting that this timeframe permitted a review/revisiting of commands which supported an increased level of confidence in using their TAD.
Conclusions & Implications
Results point to increased confidence levels and abilities to manage more challenging situations without corresponding increases in levels of stress or PTS symptoms, increasing veterans’ opportunities to achieve success. Further research is needed to confirm these findings with larger sample sizes.