Pets in Homes for Mentally Vulnerable Adults: A study of the importance of animals for mentally vulnerable people

The project revolves around how animals can have significance in the lives of mentally vulnerable individuals, which we will investigate through a hermeneutic approach. To gather empirical data for the study, we will employ methods such as participant observations and interviews at two different residences for mentally vulnerable individuals, where animals are part of their everyday activities. The empirical data obtained from the fieldwork will then be analyzed with the assistance of Bowlby's attachment theory and Leontjev's activity theory. By using these theories, we believe we can comprehend the individual from both an external and internal perspective. Afterwards, we will engage in a critical discussion of these two theories and their influence on our results. This project concludes that the impact of animals on mentally vulnerable individuals manifests through their contribution to residents' involvement in community activities. Furthermore, animals play a significant role in regulating emotions, serving as a secure base. Additionally, animals serve as objects that fulfill the inner needs of the residents