Citation

Schaefer KD, Hays KA, Steiner RL. Prof. Psychol. Res. Pr. 2007; 38(5): 530-537.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0735-7028.38.5.530

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Animal abuse issues can have implications for therapy as a possible predictor of future violence toward humans, as a diagnostic indicator, and sometimes as a feature of a client's abuse history. The authors used a survey to examine the experiences and attitudes of 174 therapists dealing with animal abuse issues in therapy. The authors found that 28% encountered animal abuse issues in the past 5 years and 87% viewed animal abuse as a mental health issue. Attitudes about changing mandated abuse reporting laws to include animal abuse were assessed. Dilemmas therapists face are discussed and suggestions for addressing animal abuse issues are offered.