發展遲緩兒童以寵物狗輔助服務計畫之行動研究

Action Research of Pet Dog Support Service Program for Children with Developmental Delays

研究目的　本文分析寵物狗輔助服務計畫之可行性，了解寵物狗的參與如何促成兒童發展、親職能力提升，並呈現研究者如何規劃寵物狗輔助服務計畫，將研究結果提供早期療育社會工作實務者參考。
研究方法　2023年3月至2023年7月間以個人式行動研究方法，邀請四組家中豢養寵物狗的發展遲緩兒童之家庭，以發展遲緩兒童家庭為場域，觀察兒童的發展能力、寵物狗的特質、家長的親職能力，並使用親職能力評估表、嬰幼兒全面發展量表進行前後測，透過每隔兩週的訪視，不斷的討論、行動、修正、反思，訂定寵物療育活動內容，進行為期12週的行動研究計畫，建構出寵物狗輔助服務方案。
研究結果　寵物狗輔助服務方案有助於兒童療育成效，是親子關係的催化劑，能提升家長的參與感、自信心，增加家長對兒童發展的覺察，並能提升社工員指導與輔助的角色和功能，社工員能更具主動性且落實以家庭為中心的個別化家庭服務計畫。
研究結論　寵物狗輔助服務計畫，促使家長學會適當的回應兒童，減緩了照顧發展遲緩兒童的壓力，甚至類化許多創意的活動，家長角色能夠展現，發展出更多有益兒童健康的居家活動。

"Objective: This study explored the feasibility of a pet dog–assisted service program by examining how the involvement of pet dogs in such programs facilitates children’s development and enhances parenting skills. The process of designing the service program was also explored. The study findings may provide practical insights for social workers engaged in early intervention services.
Method: From March 2023 to July 2023, this individual action study was conducted with 4 families with children diagnosed with developmental delays who also had pet dogs. Aged between 2 and 4 years, the children were all officially certified as experiencing developmental delays and were receiving medical rehabilitation services. The age of the pet dogs matched the number of years the families had owned them, and the primary caregivers for both the children and the dogs were the same individuals.
The research site was based in the families’ homes to observe the development of the children, characteristics of the pet dogs, and parenting skills of the parent. Before and after the implementation of the service program, assessments were conducted using the Parenting Competence Assessment Form and the Development Scale for Infants and Preschoolers. Biweekly visits were arranged to facilitate continual discussion, action, revision, and reflection. Over the course of the 12-week action research, pet therapy activities were developed, leading to the construction of the pet dog-assisted service program. Results: The pet dog–assisted service program contributed to the effectiveness of early childhood intervention. As a central component of the therapy activities, the pet dog stimulated the children’s motivation and focus, improving their attention, memory, and executive functioning. The program also served as a catalyst for enhancing the parent–child relationship. Parents who accompanied their children in the therapy activities experienced increased involvement and reported a heightened sense of confidence in caring for their children. Furthermore, the parents became more aware of their children’s developmental progress. Compared to rehabilitation sessions conducted in medical institutions, the parents felt a stronger sense of participation. Conducting the therapy activities at home created a comfortable and stress-free setting for the children, parents, and the pet dog. This setup allowed the parents to observe immediate feedback from their children and respond appropriately. Accordingly, the program established intersubjectivity, with parents becoming effective providers of scaffolding development for their children.
The dynamic and iterative process of action research employed in the therapy activities helped establish an evidence-based operating model. This model enhanced the role and functions of social workers, enabling them to take a more proactive approach and implement family-centered, individualized service plans for each family.
Conclusion: The pet dog–assisted service program can help parents learn to respond appropriately to their children, alleviating the stress associated with caring for children with developmental delays. It may also inspire the development of various creative activities that further benefit children’s health. Accordingly, the role of the parent is strengthened, leading to the creation of additional productive home-based activities that support child development."