Pet-Facilitated Psychotherapy: A Theoretical Explanation VIA Attention Shifts
- 1 February 1982
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Psychological Reports
- Vol. 50 (1) , 71-74
- https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1982.50.1.71
Abstract
Pet animals are used as clinical adjuncts in pet-facilitated psychotherapy. It is proposed that the manner in which pets reduce emotional discomfort is theoretically explained through the competing-response theory of extinction via attention shifts. Using this model pets are seen as emotionally-laden distracting stimuli which allow for exposure to, instead of avoidance of, anxiety-generating stimuli. Therapist-directed alternative response patterns are then developed.Keywords
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