Clinical trial NCT06968351: A Pilot Study on Animal-Assisted Intervention in Correctional Settings
Official title: Animal-Assisted Intervention: An Effectiveness Study Using Qualitative and Quantitative Measures on Offenders With Mental Illnesses in Hong Kong
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Psychological Wellbeing
Animal-assisted Intervention
Lead sponsor: The University of Hong Kong
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: Hong Kong Correctional Services Department
First posted: 2025-05-13
Enrollment: 156
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: NA
Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are particularly prevalent among incarcerated individuals and are considered risk factors for recidivism. Leveraging the natural human-animal bond, animal-assisted intervention (AAI) offers a less threatening alternative to engage incarcerated individuals and address their mental health needs. As an initial effort to help promote rehabilitative security in Hong Kong, the current study examines the acceptability and effectiveness of a brief animal-assisted program among offenders in local secured facilities.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* persons-in-custody
* aged 18 or older
* understand Cantonese

Exclusion Criteria:

* an allergy, a fear, or a dislike toward dogs
* a history of aggression toward animals
* a criminal history involving animals
* a history of neurodevelopmental disorders
* active psychosis or mania
* active suicidality

Primary outcomes:
measure: Change in common psychopathology as measured with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items
timeFrame: At the beginning of each sessions, approximately one week after completion of the treatment, and one month after the treatment
measure: Change in emotional state as measured with the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form
timeFrame: At the beginning and at the end of each session, up to a total of four sessions
measure: Change in heart rate variability
timeFrame: At the beginning and at the end of each session, up to a total of four sessions
measure: Change in skin conductance
timeFrame: At the beginning and at the end of each session, up to a total of four sessions
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Change in disciplinary offences and privileges during incarceration
timeFrame: At each session, up to a total of four sessions, and within a week after the treatment
measure: Change in trauma-related psychopathology as measured with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5
timeFrame: Before treatment, within a week after treatment, and one month after treatment
measure: Change in empathy as measured with the Brief Interpersonal Reactivity Index
timeFrame: Before treatment, within a week after treatment, and one month after treatment
measure: Change in self-efficacy as measured with the New General Self-Efficacy Scale
timeFrame: Before treatment, within a week after treatment, and one month after treatment
measure: Change in psychological flexibility as measured with the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory
timeFrame: Before treatment, within a week after treatment, and one month after treatment
measure: Change in openness to treatment as measured with the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help
timeFrame: Before treatment, within a week after treatment, and one month after treatment if feasible
measure: Change in social interactions
timeFrame: At each session, up to a total of four sessions, and within a week after the treatment
measure: Subjective experience with the treatment
timeFrame: Within a month after the treatment
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Hong Kong
country: Hong Kong
facility: Hong Kong Correctional Services Department
Study officials:
References: