Expectations versus experiences of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dogs: An inductive conventional content analysis

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was twofold; to describe the benefits and drawbacks of a
PTSD service dog from the perspective of Veterans with service dogs and to compare these reports to the expectations of Veterans who were on a waitlist for a PTSD service dog. Method: A total of 128 United States post-9/11 Veterans with PTSD were recruited from a nonprofit service dog provider (K9s For Warriors), including n=69 with a PTSD service dog and n=59 on the waitlist. Participant responses to open-ended survey questions were analyzed with a conventional content analysis and classified into 214 codes across six sub-themes creating three larger themes. A subset (20%) of the data was independently coded to establish inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s Kappa = .804). Frequency data was used to compare theme and subtheme prevalence between groups. Results: Veterans’ experiences and expectations were centered upon the effects the service dogs had on Veteran mental health, human-dog interaction, and the associated drawbacks. Although the majority of Veterans reported benefits from their service dogs, findings revealed veterans on the waitlist more frequently mentioned benefits than those with a service dog. Study findings suggest that the drawbacks expected from service dogs differ from the drawbacks experienced. Conclusion: Understanding expectations versus experiences provides critical information for mental health professionals that are informing veterans on individualized interventions for PTSD. This knowledge will enable professionals to temper expectations and educate veterans on specific benefits and drawbacks so that they have a more rounded view of PTSD service dogs.