The unacknowledged family member : the role of animals in systems
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Authors
Carruthers, Angeline
Issue Date
1998-11
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Human-animal bond , Ecosystemic worldview , Relationship , Family system , Animals as intervention , Meaning and experience , Social constructionism , Therapeutic nature , Significant systems , Naturally occurring
Alternative Title
Abstract
For centuries humans and animals have shared their lives. However, it is only in
recent decades that the phenomenon of the human-animal bond and the possible
therapeutic implications thereof has begun to be explored. Due to this
exploration, many research programmes have sprung up around the world,
investigating the implementation of animals as an intervention in various
institutions. These programmes have produced overwhelmingly positive and
encouraging results. However, the research remains sparse where the significance
of a naturally occurring human-animal bond is concerned. From within an
ecosystemic worldview, the relationship between humans and animals in the
wider family system has not been extensively investigated. This dissertation
explores such a relationship, investigating the meanings and experiences within
the relationship, and how this relationship and significant systems around it
impact one another. The implications and possible therapeutic nature of this type
of relationship will be considered.
Description
Citation
Carruthers, Angeline (1998) The unacknowledged family member : the role of animals in systems, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16324>