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

Date of Award

Spring 6-13-2014

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Lavita Nadkarni

Second Advisor

Hale Martin

Third Advisor

Alec Baker

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Self psychology, Intersubjectivity, Companion, Human-animal bond, Therapy

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.

Copyright Date

6-23-2014

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Rebecca Schwartz

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

27 pgs

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