A study comparing the opinions of long-term institutionalized women in psychiatric hospital about having cats on the wards

Abstract

The opinions of long-term institutionalized women residing in a Psychiatric Hospital about having cats on the wards were investigated through the use of a qualitative approach. Thirteen potential respondents were selected and semistructured interviews were carried out in order to collect data on the topic about which little is known. The tool used throughout the interviews was designed by the researcher herself after an extensive review of the literature. The analysis of data was performed after listening several times to the audiotapes prior to being transcribed. On reading the interview transcriptions, emergent themes were identified. The findings from this study reinforced the results of previous studies undertaken in other countries which sustained that overall patients suffering from a mental illness enjoy the company of animals. This dissertation is meant to encourage and lead the way to further research in this field of study.