Date of Conferral

5-30-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Scott Gfeller

Abstract

The existing literature on female offender prison-based dog program (PBDP) experiences and their effect and influence on female offender reentry, rehabilitation, and transition into society following incarceration is limited at best. Despite mixed evidence on prison-based animal programs, human–animal interaction research suggests positive psychological effects. With a 56% chance of reoffending a year after release, understanding the effects of PBDPs may aid reentry/transition support that lowers recidivism rates. Grounded by Broidy and Agnew’s gendered general strain theory, through basic qualitative inquiry, this research study aimed to understand female offender PBDP participants' reentry and transition experiences. Twenty-seven semistructured interviews were conducted with female ex-offenders to explore and identify shared PBDP perspectives. Four main themes emerged: a) coping skills, b) biopsychosocial effects, c) strains/stressors, and d) turning points. Two subthemes emerged under the third theme: a) criminality risk factors and b) recidivism risk factors. This study’s findings have potential implications for positive social change by aiding policymakers, correctional institutions, mental health professionals, and other advocates in determining PBDPs' utility, appropriate application, and design, thereby reducing relapse, boosting animal-based prison intervention research and ultimately normalizing PBDPs for the largest growing group of offenders in the United States, women. Furthermore, these research findings may lead to successful female reentry and desistance, reducing female recidivism and incarceration, thereby disrupting the revolving door in and out of the criminal justice system.

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