Mötet mellan psykiskt funktionshindrad individ och sällskapsdjur
En etnografisk studie om interaktionens betydelse för känsla av välbefinnande.
DisabilitiesPetsSymbolic interactionismSocial responsivity.FunktionshinderSällskapsdjurSymbolisk interaktionismSocial responsivitet.
The purpose of the study was to find out whether the interaction between mentally disabled individuals and pet positively affects the individual and gives a feeling of well-being to the extent that this might be implicated in the psychologically disabled people?s everyday life in some form of rehabilitation measure. The study is qualitative and builds on an ethnographic design. Data collection was performed through six observations, six interviews and reflections. Interviews were also conducted with relatives and assistants for greater opportunity for follow-up questions, and descriptions of the situation. Theoretical perspective guiding this study is symbolic interactionism. Theoretical focus is on Asplund's theory of social responsivity and Asplund's explanations of the concrete person and abstract social being. This focus is complemented through Mead's theory on self-consciousness, Cooley?s theory of the looking-glass-self and Berg's description of different expressions and forms of play. Previous research is linked to interaction with pets and the elderly, individuals with autism and other disabilities. The conclusion of the study show that positive feelings of well-being arise in the meeting through interaction with companion animals. Relatives and assistants experience the activity to be of importance in the mentally disabled?s everyday life. The study also shows incomprehension in bringing this to decision-makers and others to possibly enhance the mentally disabled people everyday life with animal-assisted rehabilitation measures.