Final answer:
Pet/Animal Therapy, or Animal-Assisted Therapy, is a method to help individuals with self-injurious behavior through interactions with animals, overseen by a therapist. It involves a range of calming activities with animals and utilizes the principles of operant conditioning to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce injurious ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pet/Animal Therapy, also known as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), is used to improve the well-being of individuals with various health conditions, including those exhibiting self-injurious behavior. This therapy involves structured interactions with animals, particularly domesticated pets, to promote emotional and physical improvements.
The implementation of pet/animal therapy for individuals with self-injurious behavior typically involves regular sessions where the person interacts with an animal under the guidance of a professional therapist. These interactions may include petting, grooming, walking, and playing with the animal, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, and provide comfort and support.
Behavioral modifications, as discussed by scholars such as Wolf & Risley and Lovaas, also play a role in the therapy process. The principles of operant conditioning—the use of reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior—are also applicable. Positive reinforcement can encourage appropriate interactions between the individual and the pet, ultimately promoting a decrease in self-injurious behaviors.