An Application of Self Psychology and Intersubjective Systems Theory to the Human Companion Animal Bond: A Case Study

Date of Award

6-23-2014

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Psy.D.

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Lavita Nadkarni

Second Advisor

Hale Martin

Third Advisor

Alec Baker

Keywords

Self psychology, Intersubjectivity, Companion, Animal

Abstract

A child may seek alternative ways to form connections, such as bonding with his/her pet(s), if his/her caregiver(s) cannot meet his/her needs. Pets, or companion animals, can strengthen the human's capacity for relationships and affect tolerance. This paper aims to explore how two psychological theories, self psychology and intersubjective systems theory, apply to the human animal bond. A case study demonstrates how the application of these theories in the treatment of a therapy client's relationship with her horses enabled her to see her world differently. These conclusions can be useful in validating the importance of clients' human-companion animal bonds and in therapy treatment in a broader context.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Extent

27 pages

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