"It brings something familiar to an unfamiliar place": participants' perspectives on the impact of a dog scheme implemented in a UK male prison

Lee, V, Slade, K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7442-4805 and Murphy, R, 2026. "It brings something familiar to an unfamiliar place": participants' perspectives on the impact of a dog scheme implemented in a UK male prison. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice. ISSN 2473-2850

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Abstract

Much evidence highlights that animals have therapeutic potential for those residing in prison. This study explored the perspectives of the men who participated in a dog scheme at a male Category B prison within the UK. The aim was to explore the perceived impact of the scheme with the participants. The study was qualitative; six participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach and all interviews were analysed and interpreted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two Group Experiential Themes (GETs) were established: The dog as a conduit for escapism and a Shifting perspective. The former theme captures how the sessions provide a sense of escapism and respite from the hardships of prison life. The latter theme highlights the positive feelings and narratives that come from the sessions. Theory, application and the value of the scheme are explored considering existing literature.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice
Creators:	Lee, V., Slade, K. and Murphy, R.
Publisher:	Routledge
Date:	18 January 2026
ISSN:	2473-2850
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1080/24732850.2025.2608701 DOI 2552959 Other
Rights:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice on 18 January 2026, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2025.2608701.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	08 Jan 2026 16:16
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2026 10:50
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54986

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