No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
Health Benefits and Health Cost Savings Due to Pets: Preliminary Estimates from an Australian National Survey
Abstract
American, Australian and British studies have shown that pet dogs and cats confer health benefits on their owners. This paper reports results from the first national survey (N = 1011) estimating the magnitude of these benefits. The survey showed that dog and cat owners make fewer annual doctor visits and are less likely to be on medication for heart problems and sleeping difficulties than non-owners. An important public policy implication is that pet ownership probably reduces national health expenditure. By linking sample survey results to data on health expenditure, the paper proposes a method of estimating savings. A preliminary estimate of savings of $988 million is given for Australia for financial year 1994--95.
... Central amongst these relationships may be peoples' close relationships with their companion animals. More than 50% of homes worldwide have companion animals [7], and many of these companion animal owners report that their companion animal contributes significant social support [8], providing a source of help when their mental health is poor or during emotional distress [9][10][11]. Although considerable research has examined the impact of companion animals on mental health and well-being, the results have been variable and inconclusive [12][13][14]. ...
... These effects are especially pronounced amongst vulnerable groups including the elderly [21,22], people living alone [23], and people living with life-threatening and life-limiting diseases (e.g., HIV-AIDS) [24]. Companion animals can also be a powerful source of mental well-being during periods of crisis, with companion animal owners often reporting that they find comfort in their companion animals during times of distress [11]. For example, adults with companion animals experienced smaller increases in loneliness and smaller decreases in mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic [25], and also reported more positive emotions, and better psychological well-being and coping self-efficacy [26]. ...
... Attachment has also been studied in human-animal relationships, and it is clear that people form attachments to their companion animals, with 91% of owners reporting feeling "very close" [11]. Beyond simple connection, companion animal owners often consider their companion animals to be sources of social support [71,72], which can promote wellbeing. ...
Research into the impact of companion animals on well-being has been both extensive and inconclusive, with studies finding both positive and negative relationships. The present research explored three previously unexamined relationship science concepts that may help clarify whether companion animals provide well-being benefits: self-expansion (the process of adding positive content to the self through incorporating new resources and perspectives into one’s identity or engaging in novel, exciting activities), perceived pet responsiveness, and perceived pet insensitivity; as well as attachment. We focused on dog and cat owners’ depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect, and loneliness through an online survey with a large sample population (N = 1359). We found that perceived pet insensitivity is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, negative affect, and loneliness; that attachment is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and a significant negative predictor of positive affect; and that self-expansion is a significant positive predictor of positive affect, and a significant negative predictor of loneliness. Loneliness emerged as a mediator in the relationship between perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, self-expansion, and all mental well-being outcome variables. These findings indicate that perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, and self-expansion may play an important yet neglected role in well-being outcomes.
... Aussi, nous présenterons à la fois les recherches portant sur les interventions assistées par l'animal, c'està-dire des configurations dans lesquelles l'animal a été introduit par des professionnels mais aussi les recherches ayant directement utilisé les propriétaires d'animaux pour évaluer les effets de la présence de ces derniers sur l'homme. Une étude longitudinale (Friedmann, Katcher, Lynch, et Thomas, 1980) Une autre enquête a exploré l'ampleur des avantages liés à la possession de chats ou de chiens de compagnie sur la santé humaine (Headey, 1999). Outre ses effets sur la santé physique, la recherche a identifié que l'animal pouvait aussi avoir des effets positifs sur la santé psychologique. ...
... Outre ses effets sur la santé physique, la recherche a identifié que l'animal pouvait aussi avoir des effets positifs sur la santé psychologique. D'ailleurs, parmi les recherches que nous venons de présenter, l'étude de Headey (1999) étend ses résultats aux effets psychologiques ou sociaux, comme nous le verrons. ...
... L'enquête d' Headey (1999) ...
Les personnes SDF et leurs chiens restent à la marge de la majorité des dispositifs sociaux et sont l’objet d’un contre-transfert social généralement négatif. L’objectif de ce travail est de comprendre pourquoi certaines personnes ont des chiens dans la rue. En s’appuyant sur un référentiel psychanalytique, cette recherche se fonde sur les discours d’acteurs rencontrés sur le terrain et sur des entretiens semi-directifs réalisés auprès de neuf SDF possédant au moins un chien, rencontrés au sein d’un CAARUD et d’un CHRS. Les entretiens ont été traités à l’aide de l’analyse de contenu (Bardin, 1977 ; Castarède, 1983) et d’une analyse clinique de cas (Castro, 2005 ; Pedinielli, 2005). Les résultats soulèvent un paradoxe. D’une part, le chien apparaît notamment comme un support d’étayage aux besoins du moi (Roussillon, 2008a); comme un objet de relation (Gimenez, 2002) et la relation à l’animal comme une voie d’accès à l’aire transitionnelle (Winnicott, 1971b) où œuvrent les processus d’identification projective normale et d’identification introjective (Bion, 1962, 1967). D’autre part, cette relation peut incarner une défense psychique contre une souffrance psychosociale et une stratégie de survie conduisant, paradoxalement, ces personnes à se suradapter à leurs conditions de vie délétères sans pouvoir le penser. Seules une véritable préoccupation sociétale et des prises en charges adaptées pourront soutenir le chien comme un moyen par lequel le sujet peut négocier sa souffrance psychique, son identité et développer sa subjectivité. Comprendre cette relation implique par ailleurs une approche en santé mentale, soucieuse des ressources du sujet et de son environnement.
... In fact, some recent studies have shown no difference in the frequency of pet owners and non-pet owners who rate themselves as very happy (Herzog, 2010) and no differences in blood pressure between owners and non-owners (Wright, Kritz-Silverstein, Morton, Wingard, & Barrett-Connor, 2007). In contrast to prior work demonstrating better health in pet owners (Headey, 1999), dog ownership in older adults is associated with poorer physical health and depression (Parslow, Jorm, Christensen, & Rodgers, 2005). Overall, the evidence supporting the benefits of pet ownership and animal interaction on human health and well-being is still mixed (Herzog, 2011). ...
... Caution must be taken in interpreting our results since the benefits seen in the canine interaction group may have been due to them taking a break while they played with the dogs rather than something about the interaction itself. However, despite this possible alternative explanation our results are consistent with prior work demonstrating the beneficial effect of having a dog at home (Allen et al., 2002;Headey, 1999;Siegel, 1990) and of reduced self-reported stress in college students (Barker et al., 2016;Crossman et al., 2015). Importantly, the current results did not provide any evidence for changes on either of the cognitive measures. ...
The interaction between humans and canines has been linked to a variety of benefits including reductions in ADHD symptoms in children, depression symptoms in nursing home patients, and PTSD symptoms in veterans returning from war. Although the inclusion of therapy dogs on college campuses has increased over the last few years, little evidence exists demonstrating the effect of canine interaction in these settings. The current study examined the effects of college student’s interactions with therapy dogs during an exam period. Fifty-six students interacted with therapy dogs before or after completing measures of sustained attention, mind wandering, perceived stress, cognitive test anxiety, and state anxiety. Interacting with the therapy dogs reduced state anxiety and resulted in lower perceived stress but did not alter sustained attention task performance or mind wandering. The results suggest that interaction with therapy dogs may help reduce perception of stress and anxiety but may not alter the cognitive functions measured in the current study. Due to the levels of stress that college students experience during exam periods, on-campus therapy dog programs may provide a low, cost effective intervention that universities could implement to benefit their students.
... Even when adjusted for age and physical activity, people who walk their dog have less diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia than those who do not have a dog or who have a dog but do not walk it (Lentino, et al., 2012). According to other studies, individuals with companion animals visit the physician less often (Aiyama, et al., 1986;Headey, 1998;Siegel, 1990), use less medication (Aiyama, et al., 1986;Headey, 1998;McHarg, et al., 1995), and have better overall physical health (Anderson, 1992;Putney, 2013;Siegel, 1990). These health benefits are apparently dose-related. ...
... Even when adjusted for age and physical activity, people who walk their dog have less diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia than those who do not have a dog or who have a dog but do not walk it (Lentino, et al., 2012). According to other studies, individuals with companion animals visit the physician less often (Aiyama, et al., 1986;Headey, 1998;Siegel, 1990), use less medication (Aiyama, et al., 1986;Headey, 1998;McHarg, et al., 1995), and have better overall physical health (Anderson, 1992;Putney, 2013;Siegel, 1990). These health benefits are apparently dose-related. ...
Full text available from: https://www.research.va.gov/REPORT-Study-of-Costs-and-Benefits-Associated-with-the-Use-of-Service-Dogs-Monograph1.pdf
Objectives. Determine whether overall disability and quality of life of Veteran participants in treatment for PTSD are improved by the provision of service dogs relative to provision of emotional support dogs.
Design. Multicenter parallel, two-arm, randomized clinical trial with Veteran participants diagnosed with PTSD assigned 1:1 to either a service dog or an emotional support dog. Randomization was conducted centrally by the study coordinating center using the computer-generated Interactive Touch Tone Randomization System (ITTRS).
Setting. Three VA medical centers: Atlanta VA Medical Center (Atlanta, GA) Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (Iowa City, IA), and VA Portland Health Care System (Portland, OR).
Participants. 227 Veteran participants were randomized and fulfilled study requirements, of which 181 were paired with a study dog.
Intervention. After randomization to either the service dog intervention or emotional support dog intervention, an observation period of at least three months duration began; during this period both the study team and the participants were blinded to the type of dog to which the participant had been randomized. Dog type assignment disclosure to the participant and the study team occurred upon completion of the observation period. Participants were paired with either service dogs or emotional support dogs per assignment and followed for 18 months.
Main outcome measures. Overall disability (WHO-DAS 2.0) and quality of life (VR-12). Secondary outcomes included PTSD symptoms (PCL-5), suicidal ideation (C-SSRS), depression (PHQ-9), sleep (PSQI) and anger (DAR).
Results. 227 participants were randomized to either the service dog intervention (n=114) or emotional support dog (n=113) intervention. 46 participants terminated prior to pairing; (n=17) participants assigned to the service dog intervention versus (n=29) participants assigned to the emotional support dog intervention. 97 participants were paired with a service dog; 84 participants were paired with an emotional support dog. 9 participants paired with a service dog terminated after pairing; 19 participants paired with an emotional support dog terminated after pairing. Participants paired with a dog were on average 50.6 years old (SD=13.6; range 22-79), mostly male (80.1%), white (66.3%), and non-Hispanic (91.2%). After adjusting for baseline score, center, and gender, the linear mixed repeated measures (LMRM) model for WHO-DAS 2.0 (disability) showed no statistical difference between the two intervention groups nor did the mixed models for quality of life (VR-12) show statistical differences between the two groups for either PCS (physical health) or MCS (mental health). Of the secondary outcome measures, only PCL-5 (PTSD symptoms) using the adjusted LRMR model showed a statistically significant difference between intervention groups. Participants receiving the service dog intervention had a 3.7-point improvement (lower score=less symptoms of PTSD) in the PCL-5 total score over time as compared to the emotional dog intervention. Contrasts testing for a difference in the service dog group versus the emotional support dog group for suicidal ideation and behavior (per C-SSRS) did not show a significant difference between groups across time, however, it did show a difference between groups at 18 months with the service dog group having fewer suicidal behaviors and ideation. In both groups, WHO-DAS 2.0 scores at 18 months decreased (less disability) from scores at 3 months post pairing; improvement in VR-12 MCS also showed some improvement over time in both groups. Descriptive statistics for sleep and anger also showed a decline in scores (improvement) over time in both groups. Serious Adverse Events (SAE) and adverse events (AE) were compared across groups. None of the SAEs in either group were dog related. All AEs occurred in the emotional support dog group.
Conclusions. While both groups appeared to have experienced some benefit, an improvement in overall disability and quality of life among Veteran participants with PTSD was not observed with the provision of a service dog relative to provision of an emotional support dog. Among secondary outcome measures, participants paired with a service dog experienced a reduction in the severity of PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) compared to participants paired with an emotional support dog, and had fewer suicidal behaviors and ideations, particularly at 18 months post- pairing.
... Research findings suggest that pets, such as dogs, do have a positive influence on their owners' well-being and health (Headey et al. 2008), since it is indicated that dog and cat owners need fewer doctoral visits and report less heart issues and sleeping disorders (Headey 1999). However, there is no clear indication whether the pet effect on humans is positive or negative, or whether there is any effect at all (Herzog 2011), since research has shown conflicting findings (Fraser et al. 2020). ...
... Third, on a societal level, our model informs social policy makers, since pet companionship might lower the chances of people suffering from psychological illnesses, due to decreased psychological distress, thereby decreasing the costs of treatment and the health care system as a whole. Even a small increase in pet-related health improvements can result in large savings within the health care system (Headey 1999), due to healthy humans needing fewer doctoral appointments, which saves costs for the health care system and society as a whole. ...
The social distancing required during Covid-19 times tended to make people feel lonelier than usual. Those with pets might, however, have experienced this less, because pets are known for fostering their owners’ subjective well-being. Building on a recently published structural equation model, our study enhances the understanding of subjective well-being by including the construct social distancing during Covid-19 times. In order to answer our research question— How does human-pet relationship need support influence subjective well-being by considering social isolation during Covid-19 times? —we build on the basic needs theory, assuming that humans as well as their pets have an inherent need of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Using a multivariate data analysis method, namely partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we establish a path model and examine the relationship between human-pet relationship need support and subjective well-being by including psychological distress and social isolation during Covid-19 times as mediators. We operationalize subjective well-being as a three-dimensional construct consisting of positive affect, happiness, and life satisfaction. In a sample of 215 pet owners in the USA, supporting their need increases subjective well-being, and decreases the psychological distress and loneliness caused by social isolation during Covid-19 times. Furthermore, psychological distress decreases subjective well-being, whereas perceived loneliness during Covid-19 times does not. Our main contributions are to not only enhance our knowledge on the importance of human-pet relationships in critical times, but also to provide policy makers with insights into what influences people’s subjective well-being, which is closely related to their psychological health.
... In addition to assisting with social development, anxiety, learning to care for oneself, and mobility, animal contact has other positive effects on children. When it comes to learning about social behaviors and typical human interactions, animals are a great resource [7]. Research on the use of animals in autism treatments has grown in recent years, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 1 indicates that there was an uptick in research on autism treatments using animals from 2008 to 2015, a small dip in 2016, and further growth from 2017 to 2020. ...
Adolescents and others with mental health issues have a new and exciting option in animal- assisted therapy. It offers numerous benefits, such as reduced stress, more social support, better mood, increased physical activity, and a sense of purpose. In addition, animal therapy has been proven to help decrease depression symptoms in patients living in institutions. It boosts mood, relieves feelings of isolation and loneliness, develops empathic abilities, and boosts self-esteem and self-confidence. At the same time, engaging in tasks with animals encourages patients to be active and undertake routine self-care practices, fostering a therapeutic environment that is supportive and motivating. We want to learn how animal-assisted therapy helps de-stressed teenagers in this research. Anxieties, autism, and depression are some of the conditions that animal-assisted therapy may help alleviate. We are hoping that it may help with research in this area and provide some references for further study.
... 40 There are many longterm benefits as well, individuals have reported that post-sessions they have better overall health and reduced visits to the doctor 20,41 , and reduced consumption of medication. 41 They felt more motivated to stay healthy, engaged in more fitnessrelated activities, slept better, exercised more, had reduced absenteeism from work 42 and initiated fewer visits to the doctor. 42,43 These long-term positive changes were observed not just for physical health but mental health too. ...
Animal-assisted therapy is a new and upcoming form of therapy that has shown multifarious benefits to participants. It is a goal-oriented therapeutic process with the incorporation of a qualified therapy animal in the therapeutic activities and conversations. This paper explores these benefits from a psychoneuroimmunological lens, wherein the interplay of and impact on an individual's psychological, neurological and immune systems are discussed. Positive physical interaction with therapy animals reduces undesirable symptoms and ailments such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, aggressive tendencies, harmful behaviours, cardiovascular issues and unhealthy tendencies amongst others. It further promotes a healthier lifestyle, promoting quality of life, better heart health, cognitive functioning and overall well-being. The biological basis of these benefits is discussed.
... An attachment bond is a relationship that provides both comfort and security [27], and the human-animal bond specifically is defined as a mutually beneficial relationship between a human and a pet that contributes to the well-being of both [28]. Most pet owners report a close and supportive relationship with their pets [29,30], and several studies have found that the human-pet bond tends to be very strong [31,32]. Pet ownership provides a unique opportunity for the formation of a bond due to pet availability, pets' attunement to their owners' emotions and needs, and their ability to provide comfort [33]. ...
Although many companion animal (or “pet”) owners report that their relationships with their pets are important, we know little about how animal ownership duration and animal life stage are related to relationship quality. In a sample of 1303 dog and cat owners, the present research explored the associations between relationship duration, pet life stage (puppy/kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior), and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond. We found that relationship duration was negatively and linearly associated with self-expansion for both dog and cat owners. Results comparing relationship quality markers across pet life stages revealed that for both dog and cat owners, self-expansion was higher for owners of younger animals compared to owners of older animals. There were no significant effects for perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, or human–animal bond based on relationship duration or animal life stage. These findings indicate that the duration of the relationship with one’s pet and animal life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow, whereas other markers of human–pet relationship quality likely vary based on other experiences.
... Research in the US [10] and Australia [11] suggest that women are the primary caregivers for pets and are therefore the ones most likely to receive the benefits of pet companionship. In a study consisting of postmenopausal women, dog companions were more likely to meet the current physical activity recommendation of walking 150 min/week, but dog companions are less likely to engage in more moderate-to-vigorous activity [12]. ...
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health and wellness benefits of dog companionship in a population of women over 50 years old. Methods: This study used a combination of an online survey (n = 284 self-identified dog companions, n = 71 non-dog companions) and in-person fitness testing (n = 24 dog companions and n = 7 non-dog companions). In-person testing included the 6 min walk, handgrip strength, and chair stand tests. Results: From the questionnaire: Dog companions were 61 ± 7 years old and non-dog companions were 58 ± 6 years old. Dog companions reported 3 ± 2 medical diagnoses and 2 ± 1 medications, but non-dog companions only reported 2 ± 1 medical diagnoses and 1 ± 1 medications (p < 0.001). Satisfaction with life scores and interpersonal communication competence scores were higher for dog companions compared to non-dog companions (p < 0.001). Dog companions and non-dog companions reported similar amounts of time per week on vigorous activity. However, the number of days per week in which dog companions participated in moderate activity was higher than in non-dog companions (p < 0.05). Dog companions also reported walking more days per week and for a longer time than non-dog companions (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the in-person testing (6 min walk, handgrip strength, chair stand tests) between groups. Conclusions: When the in-person testing scores were compared to national standards, the women in this study were average to above average. Overall, women over 50 that own dogs walk more and have better life satisfaction, compared to non-dog companions.
... In 1994, a group of Australian researchers conducted the first national study that investigated the relationship between pet ownership and human health (Headey, 1999). The results of their research indicated that dog and cat owners had better mental and physical health than those who did not own a dog or cat. ...
... developed in recent decades, often viewed through the lens of the biopsychosocial model (Gee et al., 2021). To date, research shows that dog owners receive a number of health benefits as a consequence of owning and caring for their dog, including experiencing fewer minor illnesses (Serpell, 1991) and visiting a physician less often (Headey, 1999;Headey & Grabka, 2007;Siegel, 1990). Dog ownership can also contribute toward improved cardiovascular health as owning or interacting with a dog can reduce a person's blood pressure (Allen et al., 2002;Anderson et al., 1992;Friedmann et al., 1983), heart rate (Allen et al., 2002), triglycerides, cholesterol in men (Anderson et al., 1992), heart attack risk (Mubanga et al., 2017), and mortality risk following a heart attack (Mubanga et al., 2019), as well as improve the likelihood of surviving a heart attack (Friedmann & Thomas, 1995;Mubanga et al., 2019). ...
... Pets have been shown to offer unconditional and nonjudgmental love (Anderson et al., 1992), provide support during stressful times (Allen et al., 1991(Allen et al., , 2001Friedmann, 2013;Wheeler and Faulkner, 2015), decrease isolation and loneliness (Duncan, 1995;Allen et al., 2001;Brown et al., 2016;McConnell et al., 2017;Maugeri et al., 2019), increase well-being (Bao and Schreer, 2016;Brooks et al., 2018;McConnell et al., 2019;Hajek and König, 2020;Gee et al., 2021;McDonald et al., 2021a;Trigg, 2021), and provide a buffer against situational stressors (Young et al., 2020;Applebaum et al., 2021;Bussolari et al., 2021;Currin-McCulloch et al., 2021;Kogan et al., 2021a;McDonald et al., 2021b). In addition, numerous studies have found pet ownership associated with better overall physical health (Anderson et al., 1992;Dembicki and Anderson, 1996;Headey, 1999;Raina et al., 1999;Bauman et al., 2001), thereby acting as a protective human health factor (National Institute of Health, 2018). ...
Research suggests that the emotional bond shared with a pet can be particularly significant for those with declining physical health, yet little is known about breast cancer survivors’ experiences with pet ownership. The purpose of this study was to explore breast cancer survivors’ pet-related experiences including the benefits, challenges, and unmet needs. Adults (ages 18 and older), diagnosed with stages 0 ( in situ )-IV breast cancer and currently the primary owner of at least one dog or cat for at least 6 months were recruited through cancer treatment and support organizations and pet and breast cancer social media outlets. An online, anonymous, cross-sectional, mixed method survey was developed that included seven open-ended prompts to explore the stressors and benefits breast cancer survivors encountered in caring for a pet during cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as their advice for medical providers and other breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors ( n = 221) responded to the online survey between July and November 2022. Researchers used the thematic analysis method to analyze salient themes in the data and descriptive statistics to summarize participants’ sociodemographic variables. The seven open-ended prompts resulted in four key themes: my furry reason to keep fighting; seeking quality care resources; my pets are my family; and someone special is waiting for you . Findings from this study suggest practical ways that medical and mental health providers and communities can enhance the well-being of survivors and support the invaluable relationships with their pets.
... Not only does the presence of companion animals decrease cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and stress they also promote a better immune system (Friedmann, Barker, & Allen 2011;Headey, 1999;Walsh, 2009a;Wild, 2012). The presence of companion animals is associated with increased production of specific neuro-chemicals in humans that are associated with relaxation. ...
and is conducted within a nine-month time frame to demonstrate facility with basic social research methods. Students must independently conceptualize a research problem, formulate a research design that is approved by a research committee and the university Institutional Review Board, implement the project, and publicly present their findings. This project is neither a Master's thesis nor a dissertation. Abstract Animal-assisted therapy has frequently been used with children who have autism spectrum disorder. This study examined animal-assisted therapists' perceptions of effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy with children who have DSM-IV mental health diagnoses. The researcher recruited self-identified animal-assisted therapists using social media sites LinkedIn and Facebook. Two therapists completed the fourteen question qualitative survey in full. Three themes were found in this study; comfort, confidence, and benefits. While this study produced definite themes, more research needs to be conducted on animal-assisted therapy and children with DSM-IV mental health disorders.
... Other investigations have observed a reduction in symptoms associated with depression and stress (e.g., Allen et al., 2002;Cline, 2010;Miller et al., 2009), greater well-being and better self-esteem (McConnell et al., 2011). Headey (1999) found that dog and cat owners went to the doctor less often and were less likely to take sleeping medication than people without animals. Headey et al. (2008) reported that dog owners exercised more often, slept better, went to the doctor less often and took less time off work than people without dogs. ...
Several studies have shown the positive effects of the presence of animals on humans at work, especially pets. It is increasingly common to find workplaces all over the world that provide this benefit, allowing employees to work with their pet beside them. These workplaces are called “pet friendly.” These practices, in addition to the direct effects on employees, affect the company’s image, showing positive effects in reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity. It is also expected that they impact the company’s perception of social responsibility, and that this influences the attitudes of its employees. In view of this growing reality and its possible impact with regard to organizational behavior, this study aims to observe the effect that the presence of pets in the workplace has on the perception of the social responsibility of organizations and on the organizational commitment (OC) of employees. To this end, 177 participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions according to a unifactorial design. All participants received a descriptive scenario of practices adopted by an organization to improve employee performance and business success. The scenario varied according to the inclusion of animals versus noninclusion. The results show the positive effect of the presence of animals both in the perception of social responsibility and in employees’ OC.
This study leads us to conclude that animals are important in people’s lives and as such have a positive impact on organizational life.
... Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of pets [38][39][40]. Pet owners, compared with non-owners, are more physically fit [41][42][43][44], have lower levels of depression [45], higher social functioning [46] and enhanced social support [44,45,[47][48][49]]. ...
Companion dogs are increasingly popular, 38.4% of households in the United States include at least one dog. There are numerous benefits to sharing one’s home with a dog, but because they age more rapidly than people and have shorter lifespans, acquiring a dog often includes caring for it during its senior years. Caring for an elderly dog can be physically and emotionally challenging, yet the impact on guardians’ lives when caring for an aging dog has received minimal scientific attention. This study was designed to better understand dog guardians’ experiences and perceptions related to caring for their aging dog. Utilizing an exploratory mixed methods design, this study asked dog guardians to complete an online anonymous survey. From a total of 284 participants, we found that the impact on guardians when caring for an aging dog appears to share many similarities with caregivers of human family members. Our quantitative and qualitative results suggest that, for many guardians, caring for an aging dog is a complex dynamic with both positive and negative factors that offers an opportunity to deepen the human-animal bond and create positive, rewarding experiences and memories.
... In addition, Levine et al. (2013) documented lower total cholesterol levels and significantly lower triglyceride levels among pet owners than individuals without pets due to these higher levels of active mobility. Furthermore, medication use for heart diseases or sleeping difficulties and numbers of doctor visits appear to be significantly lower among older pet owners than older adults without a pet (Headey 1999). Interactions with pets may reduce blood pressure as touching pets can have a calming effect (Allen 2002;Friedmann et al. 1980). ...
While interactions with pets may yield significant emotional, social, and physical benefits, taking care of them can also be demanding and experienced as a burden, especially among persons with physical restrictions or economically disadvantaged individuals. This study investigates pet ownership and corresponding perceptions and experiences in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 55 years and older in Switzerland. We use data from a questionnaire on human-animal interactions from 1832 respondents administered during wave 7 (2017) in the Swiss country study of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. Multivariable associations between pet ownership and pet owners’ corresponding perceptions and experiences with respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics were estimated using probit and ordered probit models. Slightly more than one-third of adults aged 55 years and older reported owning a pet. Pet owners reported mostly positive experiences with pet ownership, with women showing higher pet bonding levels than men. Moreover, pet ownership was less common among adults aged 75 and older and individuals living in apartments. At the same time, older pet owners aged 75 and above, pet owners living in apartments, and pet owners without a partner reported more positive perceptions and experiences of owning a pet. These findings suggest that promoting pet ownership may help individual well-being and feelings of companionship, especially among women, older adults, and individuals without a partner but also points toward potential selection effects into pet ownership. Financial costs of pet ownership appear to be an important challenge for some older pet owners, notably those with relatively low levels of education and more limited financial resources.
... Whilst not entirely conclusive (e.g., Fritz et al., 1995;Miller & Lago, 1990;Siegel et al., 1999;Tower & Nokota, 2006), various studies point to the value of companion animals in improving people's physical and mental welfare. For example, studies have reported a relationship between companion animal "ownership" (a term used hereafter to refer to a person who lives with and/or cares for an animal) and fewer visits to the GP (Headey, 1998), a reduced risk of developing, and greater ability to recover from, heart problems (see Levine et al., 2013), and, if exposed to animals at an early age, a lower occurrence of allergic illness, including rhinitis, eczema, and/or asthma (e.g., Fall et al., 2015;Hesselmar et al., 1999). From a more psychological perspective, companion animal ownership has been associated with decreased loneliness, depression, and improved self-esteem and feelings of self-worth (e.g., Guest et al., 2006;Ko et al., 2016). ...
Companion animal ownership has been associated with a wide variety of physical and psychological health benefits. The extent to which a person gains any welfare advantages from the animal in their care, however, may be related to a wide variety of factors, one of which is the quality of the human–animal relationship. Thus far, little attention has been devoted to the role of attachment to one's companion animal on psychological wellbeing during a global pandemic, a time when mental health has been shown to be extremely poor. Therefore this study aimed to explore the relationship between the quality of the companion animal–human bond and mental wellbeing during a period of COVID-19-induced national lockdown in the United Kingdom. A purpose-designed online survey that aimed to measure sociodemographic background, companion animal ownership status, attachment level, and various components of mental wellbeing (depression, loneliness, positive experience, stress) was developed and completed by 249 UK-based adults (146 companion animal owners, 103 non-owners). Analysis revealed no significant relationship between companion animal ownership and any of the mental health outcome measures. Attachment to one's companion animal, however, was found to be a strong predictor of mental wellbeing, with higher bonds of attachment associated with higher levels of depression, loneliness, and lower levels of positive experience. Attachment to one's companion animal was not significantly associated with participants’ stress levels. Overall, findings from this study point to emotional vulnerability in people who are highly attached to their companion animal, although limitations must be borne in mind. This is an area worthy of further exploration, particularly considering the pandemic-induced rise in the number of people who have acquired a companion animal and the increment in mental health problems that has been predicted to emerge from COVID-19.
... In the USA, 67% of households have at least one pet, including 63.4 and 42.6 million households with at least one dog and one cat, respectively [6]. It is believed that pet ownership, the most common form of human-animal interaction, bestows positive benefits related to health outcomes, wellbeing, and quality of life onto pet owners [7,8]. It has been anecdotally claimed that pets stimulate physical activity (i.e., dogs) and better psychological wellbeing, and influence dietary habits in their owners. ...
Pet ownership, the most common human–animal interaction, is believed to bestow positive health benefits onto pet owners. However, there is limited research on substantiating these assertions. The aim of this review was to systematically identify, evaluate, and summarize primary research on the relationship between cat and/or dog ownership and cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity to inform future research on pet ownership and chronic disease. How pet ownership was defined/measured, and identification of the chronic disease variables and health behaviors most often measured were emphasized. Two researchers independently searched PubMed and Web of Science, where One Health literature are mostly likely to be indexed, for peer-reviewed literature on pet ownership and CVD, T2D, and obesity. A review of 4541 titles and abstracts for relevance resulted in 34 manuscripts eligible for full-text review. Two researchers assessed each eligible manuscript and extracted data only from those that met the inclusion criteria (n = 14). Ten studies on CVD, four studies on obesity, and zero studies on T2D met the study criteria. The CVD and obesity variables varied and were not well described. The relationship between pet ownership and CVD and obesity varied (positive, negative, mixed effects, and no effect). Generalizability lacked across all studies: most studies were with Non-Hispanic White populations. Other areas of weakness were quality of study outcomes and instrument validity. Operationalization of pet ownership varied (from no verification to confirmed pet registration). Integration of the evidence-based influence of the human–animal connection through pet ownership on CVD and obesity may make prevention, mitigation, and treatment strategies more robust.
... • Physiological perspectives -companion animals help decrease cholesterol levels, increase oxytocin, reduce stress and boost the immune system (Headey, 1999;Odendaal & Meintjes, 2003;Walsh, 2009 Theoretical Background for human-animal interactions ...
The article provides an overview of animal-assisted interventions specifically for children with disabilities. The difference between various forms of animal-assisted interventions is enumerated with the theoretical understanding of human-animal interactions and their derived benefits. The paper also provides a glimpse of how animal-assisted interventions serve children with disabilities in several ways and domains. A brief outline of the status of animal-assisted intervention in India is guided through historical representations of animals in Indian culture and the development of the field since its inception. The paper concludes with the resources important for the progress of animal-assisted therapy including organizations working in the field, credentials and training required for the practice, ethics of conducting and implementing interventions. The paper is significant in terms of offering insights into animal-assisted interventions for health and rehabilitation professionals and adopting the alternative framework for supporting children with special needs in India.
... . Bu olumlu etkilerin yanı sıra evcil hayvanlar, yalnızlığı hafifletme, stres, kaygı ve depresyonu azaltma, sosyal etkileşimi, egzersiz ve eğlenceyi teşvik etme, koşulsuz sevgi ve şefkat sağlamaktadırlar ( Jessen ve ark. 1996, Headey 1999, Morrison 2007. ...
Bu çalışmanın amacı, 2000-2019 yılları arasında otizm spektrum bozukluğu olan çocuklara hayvan destekli müdahaleler aracılığıyla sunulan uygulamaların etkisini tek- denekli araştırma modelleriyle sınayan çalışmaları demografik, yöntemsel ve bulgu değişkenleri açısından incelemektir. Bu bağlamda yapılan alanyazın taramasında dâhil etme ve hâriç tutma kriterlerini karşılayan 11 makale incelemeye alınmış ve betimsel olarak analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonucunda, bir çalışma dışında tüm çalışmalarda kullanılan hayvan destekli müdahalenin otizm spektrum bozukluğu olan katılımcıların hedef becerilerinde olumlu etki yarattığı ve gelişim sağladığı tespit edilmiştir. Ancak, araştırmaların çoğunun AB ve ABA modeli gibi en temel ve deneysel kontrol açısından zayıf olarak nitelendirilen tek- denekli araştırma modelleri ile desenlendiği ve bazı araştırmaların yinelenebilir özellikte raporlanmadığı belirlenmiştir. Bu doğrultuda hayvan destekli müdahalelerin etkilerini sınayan, katılımcı özellikleri, başlama düzeyi ve uygulama evrelerinin daha ayrıntılı ve açık bir biçimde rapor edildiği yinelenebilir özellikte daha fazla sayıda araştırmaya gereksinim olduğu düşünülmektedir.
... Age seems to modify the association between dog ownership and myocardial infarction, with a stronger risk reduction in older age groups compared with younger age groups of dog owners (Mubanga et al., 2017), albeit results are sometimes contradictory (Parslow et al., 2005;Mueller et al., 2018). In several surveys with large and representative samples, dog and cat owners reported fewer visits to health-care providers and took less medication for sleeping problems than non-pet owners (Headey, 1999). Dog owners slept better, exercised more frequently, and took fewer days off from work than comparable non-dog owners (Headey et al., 2008). ...
The second edition of this book contains 32 chapters divided into 4 main sections that discuss the theoretical foundations of One Health; methods, skills and perspectives for the practice of One Health; the application of One Health in infectious and non-infectious diseases and governance and capacity building, all of which are related to the global issues of the prevention and control of animal, plant and human diseases in the wake of drug resistance by pathogens, biodiversity loss, natural disasters, climate change and the recent COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.
... Addressing the issue of pet retention is important due to the positive role pets play in communities [11,12]. Numerous studies have shown that companion animals can contribute to both human physical [13][14][15][16][17] and psychosocial health [18][19][20][21][22]. On a larger scale, companion animals can help enhance community cohesion and social capital by facilitating social interaction, friendships, support networks, and civic engagement [23,24], and pet ownership has been shown to positively contribute to local economies [25][26][27]. Research by the American Humane Association (AHA) identified pet homelessness as a complex issue that is impacted by overpopulation of unhoused pets as well as inadequate and misdirected resources to care for companion animals in communities [4]. ...
Although the adoption rate of dogs and cats from animal shelters has increased, a proportion of animals are returned to the shelter after they are adopted. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors informing the return of 102 dogs to an animal shelter over a four-month period, and the return of 72 cats to an animal shelter over a three-month period. Descriptive statistics revealed dogs are most commonly returned for behavior issues related to aggression (38.2%), and cats are most commonly returned due to the adopter's personal reasons (56.9%). The results also indicated that more than half of the dogs (51.0%) and cats (57.0%) returned in this study were owned for more than 60 days. Further research is needed to compare the effectiveness of different pet retention programs in addressing the factors that inform returned adoptions.
... For example, studies frequently draw on small convenience samples or are limited to subgroups, such as older adults (Parslow et al., 2005;Stanley et al., 2014) and groups diagnosed with illnesses such as cancer (Johnson, Meadows, Haubner, & Sevedge, 2008;Muschel, 1984) or HIV/AIDS (Siegel et al., 1999), thereby limiting generalizability to the wider population. However, it is worth noting that nationally representative studies tend to find no reliable evidence for the pet effect (Gillum & Obisesan, 2010) or for the inference that pet owners are worse off than non-owners (Headey, 1999;Headey & Grabka, 2007;Koivusilta & Ojanlatva, 2006;Müllersdorf et al., 2010;Stallones et al., 1990). ...
Although the relationship between pet ownership and health and wellbeing has received considerable attention in popular media, research on the topic shows inconsistent findings. We addressed the methodological weaknesses of previous studies by using data from a national probability survey (the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study; n = 13,347). We describe the demographic characteristics and personality of pet owners in New Zealand, examine whether pet owners cluster together by pet types, and test whether pet ownership and pet type are associated with health and wellbeing measures. The majority of participants (61.6%) reported having a pet, and we identified six clusters of ownership by pet type. Pet owners were more likely than non-owners to be younger, women, European, parents, partnered, employed, living rurally, and living in less deprived areas. Pet owners were less likely than non-owners to be of Asian ethnicity and religious and had lower mean levels of education. We found no evidence of reliable differences between pet owners and non-owners in the personality characteristics of extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, or honesty-humility. However, pet owners scored higher than non-owners in openness and lower in conscientiousness. We found no reliable differences between pet owners and non-owners in selfesteem, life satisfaction, psychological distress, physical health diagnoses, or self-reported health. However, compared with non-owners, pet owners were more likely to report diagnoses of depression and anxiety. Although the relationship between pet ownership and depression diagnoses held across the six clusters of pet ownership, results indicated that the higher rates of anxiety were most commonly associated with cat ownership. Future longitudinal research is needed to establish whether pets decrease owners’ health and wellbeing or rather that people in need of comfort tend to seek pets.
... Pets can therefore play an important role in reducing absenteeism and visits to family doctors or the hospital [28]. It has been estimated that pet ownership saved Australia $1 billion in 1994 [29], while it may reduce the use of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK to the value of £2.45 billion per year [30]. ...
Over time the human-animal bond has been changed. For instance, the role of pets has changed from work animals (protecting houses, catching mice) to animals with a social function, giving companionship. Pets can be important for the physical and mental health of their owners but may also transmit zoonotic infections. The One Health initiative is a worldwide strategy for expanding collaborations in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. However, in One Health communications the role of particularly dogs and cats is often underestimated.
Objective:
Evaluation of positive and negative One Health issues of the human-companion animal relationship with a focus on zoonotic aspects of cats and dogs in industrialized countries.
Method:
Literature review.
Results:
Pets undoubtedly have a positive effect on human health, while owners are increasing aware of pet's health and welfare. The changing attitude of humans with regard to pets and their environment can also lead to negative effects such as changes in feeding practices, extreme breeding, and behavioral problems, and anthropozoonoses. For the human, there may be a higher risk of the transmission of zoonotic infections due to trends such as sleeping with pets, allowing pets to lick the face or wounds, bite accidents, keeping exotic animals, the importation of rescue dogs, and soil contact.
Conclusions:
One Health issues need frequently re-evaluated as the close human-animal relationship with pet animals can totally differ compared to decennia ago. Because of the changed human-companion animal bond, recommendations regarding responsible pet-ownership, including normal hygienic practices, responsible breeding, feeding, housing, and mental and physical challenges conforming the biology of the animal are required. Education can be performed by vets and physicians as part of the One Health concept.
... Keeping a pet has been associated with health-promoting effects, such as reduced risk of asthma [2] and allergies [3] among children. The frequency of annual doctor visits and medication administration is also reduced among pet owners, resulting in lower medical expenses [4]. Owning a dog is also associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality [5], and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease [6]. ...
Obesity is a major risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Several studies have investigated the association between pet ownership and obesity, but the findings have been inconsistent. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis assessed the association between pet ownership and obesity. Using PubMed and Scopus, we overviewed the literature published until December 2019 and selected pertinent data for meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for obesity were calculated using the random-effects model with inverse-variance weighting. The 21 included articles were cross-sectional studies. Five publications (nine analyses) that reported adjusted RRs for BMI ≥ 25 were included in the meta-analysis. No significant association existed between pet ownership and obesity (pooled RR = 1.038; 95% CI, 0.922–1.167; I2 = 51.8%). After stratification by age group (children vs. adults), no significant association was detected (pooled RR = 0.844; 95% CI, 0.604–1.179; I2 = 64.1% vs. pooled RR = 1.099; 95% CI, 0.997–1.212; I2 = 25.2%). Similarly, no significant association was observed between dog ownership and obesity, indicating no association between pet ownership and obesity. However, no infer causation can be reported because all studies included in this meta-analysis were cross-sectional. Therefore, further prospective studies are needed.
... In another study involving a large sample of older adults (baseline n = 1054; follow-up n = 995), Raina et al. (1999) found that the ability to complete activities of daily living decreased more in 1 year for people who did not live with companion animals than for people who did. confirmed in a study with 10,960 adult individuals what was previously reported in cross-sectional studies (e.g., Headey 1999). They concluded that people who continuously lived with a companion animal were the healthiest group (as evidenced by fewer annual doctor visits). ...
This book provides an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge and research concerning domestic pets as sentinels, forecasters and promoters of human health. Written by leading specialists in the fields of medicine, veterinary, environment, analytical chemistry, sociology and behavioral science, this volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of pets in what regards to human health. The first seven chapters are devoted to the use of pets as sentinels for their human companions, in terms of exposure to different classes of environmental chemicals. The following five chapters address the use of pets as models for human diseases and promoters of human health. The final two chapters highlight the psycho-social and psychophysiological aspects of human-animal interactions.
The book offers an integrated approach to the One Health concept, providing, in a truly holistic manner, tools to assess the equilibrium between the environment, men and animals. This exercise will highlight and reshape our position towards the planet that despite being “a microscopic dot on a microscopic dot lost in the unimaginable infinity of the Universe” is still our own. At the end of the day, pets will always be there to help us.
This article investigates the leisure and travel behavior of Hungarian dog owners, focusing on their preferences for destinations and activities that accommodate their canine companions. The study utilizes a comprehensive methodological approach, including a quota sample of Hungarian dog owners, an online selfreported questionnaire, and advanced statistical analyses such as robust factor analysis with Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Square (RDWLS) extraction and clustering of factor scores, to explore the dynamics of pet inclusive tourism. Results reveal distinct clusters of dog owners with varying leisure preferences and demonstrate significant associations between these preferences and destination choices, underscoring the importance of dogfriendly accommodations and activities. The findings highlight a shift towards personalized tourism experiences catering to dog owners, suggesting that destinations should adopt inclusive practices to attract this demographic. This research contributes to the understanding of petinclusive tourism, offering practical implications for destination marketers and service providers worldwide to better accommodate traveling dog owners.
The aim of the study was to design and develop a comfortable, sturdy and lightweight canine wheelchair prototype. The wheelchair was created for small dogs with paresis or hind limbs paralysis. The final product is adjustable to allow comfortable and customized use and therefore is suitable for more than one patient. Wheelchair implementation in the rehabilitation process improves the dog’s mobility as close as possible to the physiological gait, which may lead to enhanced quality of life or even a return to full fitness after injury. This paper describes the engineering design process to create a ready-to-use product. One of the first steps of the project was to take measurements of two dogs with hind limb paresis caused by mechanical trauma. The range of movement of dogs and their mobility skills were assessed and recorded while walking on various types of surfaces in previously used wheelchairs. Considered together with the review of market solutions, it made it possible to reject design errors that may arise during the design, as well as to introduce improvements that improve the quality of their lives. Three three-dimensional models were designed in compliance with the project assumptions, and next underwent multi-criteria analysis. External company bent and completed the metal parts for the model that received the highest evaluation. Following the tests, the necessary adjustments were done, and two fully operational canine wheelchairs were produced.
This study delved into the correlation between the aggression levels and psychological well-being of young adults, considering the presence or absence of companion animals in their lives. The research involved 140 participants, evenly split between 70 young adults without companion animals and 70 with them. Data collection utilized the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale, and analysis employed Pearson correlation. Results unveiled that level of aggression tended to be higher in young adults without companion animals. Interestingly, there were no substantial variations in psychological well-being between the two groups. However, the statistical significance of these differences was somewhat limited, suggesting the potential influence of additional factors. The study also explored specific aggression domains and psychological well-being aspects. It was discovered that in young adults without companion animals, all aggression domains were notably higher. Moreover, while levels of autonomy, personal growth, positive relations, and purpose in life were comparatively lower in young adults without companion animals, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notwithstanding these noteworthy findings, the study has certain limitations, including a relatively small sample size, reliance on self-report measures, and a lack of consideration for potential confounding variables. Future research endeavors should aim to address these limitations to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between companion animal ownership and mental health outcomes.
Though many prospective dog guardians have an optimistic view of dog-human relationships , the realities can be challenging. This paper discusses carer-reported emotional impacts of dealing with more problematic relationships with dogs. This study used a Grounded Theory method to qualitatively analyze 35 discussion threads about dog behavior, from two UK-based online discussion forums between June-October 2019. The study found a close link between the carers' perceptions of their relationships with their dogs, and whether the dogs behaved in ways that the owners considered acceptable.
Pet ownership has often been lauded as a protective factor for well-being, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We expanded this question to consider how pet (i.e., species, number) and owner (i.e., pet relationship quality, personality, attachment orientations) characteristics affected the association between pet ownership and well-being in a pre-registered mixed method analysis of 767 people assessed three times in May 2020. In our qualitative analyses, pet owners listed both benefits and costs of pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our quantitative analyses, we found that pet ownership was not reliably associated with well-being. Furthermore, this association largely did not depend on the number of pets owned, the species of pet(s) owned, the quality of the human–pet relationship, or the owner’s psychological characteristics. Our findings are consistent with a large body of research showing null associations of pet ownership on well-being (quantitatively) but positive reports of pet ownership (qualitatively).
In diagnostic, therapeutic, and nursing contexts, touch is a prerequisite for successful treatment. Compared to other everyday touches, these touches represent exceptional situations in the lives of both patients and the professionals performing the touches.
Social touches can be distinguished from necessary touches that serve a medical or nursing purpose. These social touches, which often occur spontaneously, fulfill social or emotional functions and can have a calming, comforting, or stress-reducing effect. It is possible to use social touches specifically for these effects in medical and nursing contexts.
The chapter informs about emotional, social, and ethical aspects of touch, placebo effects through touch, embodiment effects, effects of pets and animal-assisted therapy, and the effects of loneliness and touch deprivation on health.
Companion animals are becoming a more familiar sight on college campuses, and they are often viewed as an essential element of wellness by students and institutions of higher education. While previous studies have investigated the behavioral and physiological impacts of bringing a pet to campus on the owners, impacts on the pets themselves have yet to be explored. Previous studies do suggest, however, that when dogs are left alone, they display more anxiety-related behaviors such as barking, destruction, lip-licking, body shaking, and higher levels of alertness. The present study investigated the difference in anxiety-related behaviors between on-campus dwelling dogs (n = 18) and off-campus dwelling dogs (n = 12) when exposed to a novel environment, and the physiological baseline of the dogs. Specifically, a saliva sample was collected from each dog before they were placed into a novel room for three minutes and their behavior was coded. Overall, there were no significant differences found between the two groups in either the anxiety-related behaviors observed or salivary cortisol levels. The implications of our findings for campus dogs will be discussed. KEYWORDS: Companion Animals; Dogs; Behavior; Cortisol; Higher Education; Dog Welfare; Service Animals; Animal-Assisted Interventions; Student Mental Health
There is a need for evidence-based interventions that can contribute to more positive treatment outcomes for substance use disorders. Animal-assisted therapy is a supplementary intervention in which certified animals are used in a structured and goal directed manner in the treatment of various health problems. This review aims to systematically investigate and evaluate the available literature and thus hopefully contribute to future research. The electronic searches were performed in the databases PsycInfo, Medline, and Web of Science. Searches of reference lists were also performed. As the research on this particular field is scarce, the inclusion criteria had to allow for a relatively great variation in methods, interventions, and populations. Still, only ten studies were included, of which three were quantitative, six were qualitative, and one was a mixed methods study. All of the included articles examined the effect of AAT in the treatment of substance use disorders. The populations investigated included both women and men aged 13 to 55 years undergoing treatment for substance use disorder. A segregated design was applied, where the quantitative results were pooled using narrative synthesis and the qualitative using metasummary, all of which were combined in a final configuration. Three of the quantitative studies found significant correlations, and the metasummary indicated several reoccurring themes across the qualitative studies. However, a general lack of systematic investigation and an excess of explorative research were identified, and the majority of the articles neglected to report information important for replication. More thorough and systematic investigations are needed. A tentative explanatory model, with a hypothesis generating aim, is presented, in which the qualitative findings function as moderators or mediators of the relationships indicated by the quantitative studies.
Current health care practices do not adequately meet the health needs of older adult war veterans. Increasingly, animal assisted interventions (AAIs) are being identified as potentially beneficial for this population. To explore this, this study, informed by a One Health framework, measured the outcomes of the St. John Ambulance ( SJA ) Therapy Dog Program on the wellbeing of older adults at a Veterans Affairs Canada residence in Saskatchewan, Canada. Over a 13 week period, two groups of veterans, of 8 and 10 in number respectively, who were living at the residence were purposively selected to participate in weekly individual and group therapy dog visits. The type of visit varied according to the level of cognition of the veteran, with lower level individuals visiting in a group format. A modified instrumental case study design was applied incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including questionnaires, focus groups, case history, and observation. Quantitative measures were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative measures were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a positive influence of therapy dogs on memory recollection and reminiscence among veterans; positive health impacts on veteran wellbeing as understood through the significance of the therapy dog team encounter; and, perceived meaningful support from the therapy dog handlers and love and support from the therapy dogs. The analysis is contextualized within the growing literature on AAIs and contributes important insights to adequately meeting the needs of older adult war veterans, and potentially for the increasing population of recent war veterans. Additionally, key policy, practice, and research recommendations are proposed, including further investigation of therapy dog visits.
Study design:
Qualitative study OBJECTIVES: To explore the unique experience of facilitators, barriers, rewards, and challenges related to pet ownership after spinal cord injury (SCI).
Setting:
Zoom for Healthcare videoconferencing platform hosted from an American neuro-rehabilitation hospital in Colorado.
Methods:
Sixteen individuals with SCI participated in three semi-structured focus groups of 5-6 participants each. Resulting discussions were transcribed and coded using a hybrid approach to thematic analysis.
Results:
Experiences of pet ownership were categorized by their representativeness of four key themes: facilitators (conditions that make obtaining or maintaining pets easier), barriers (conditions that were prohibitive or that prevented people from having pets), rewards (benefits of pet ownership), and challenges (difficulties associated with pet ownership). Participants cited equipment, tools, and services as the most common facilitator for owning pets after SCI, with environment being the most commonly cited barrier. Companionship, love, and comfort/security were most commonly cited as rewards, while mobility was cited as a primary challenge of pet ownership after SCI. Additionally, two unexpected response themes emerged. Positive outweighs negative included assertions that benefits of having pets were not overshadowed by drawbacks, and Wishlist included desires for training and access to tools to facilitate pet ownership.
Conclusions:
Pet ownership is largely unexplored in individuals with SCI. Participants in this study indicated that pet ownership provides many benefits, though it is not without its challenges. Participants also noted the desire for training and resources to make pet ownership more accessible. Further exploration into informing development of those tools is warranted.
Kapitel enthält: emotionale, soziale und ethische Aspekte von Berührungen; Placeboeffekte; Embodiment; Haus- und Therapietiere; Einsamkeit. - Abstract: Im medizinischen Kontext können von erforderlichen Berührungen, die einem medizinischen oder pflegerischen Zweck dienen, soziale Berührungen unterschieden werden. Diese, oft spontan auftretenden Berührungen, erfüllen soziale oder emotionale Funktionen. Soziale Berührungen können beruhigend, tröstend, angst-, schmerz- oder stressreduzierend wirken. Es besteht somit die Möglichkeit, soziale Berührungen im medizinischen oder pflegerischen Kontext gezielt zu diesen Zwecken einzusetzen.
Human-animal interactions can either negatively or positively influence psychological and physiological parameters that are critical to human health and well-being. This chapter provides a comprehensive review on the psychological effects of the presence of companion animals and the connections between animal ownership, physical activity and health outcomes, while also covering the potential harms of human-animal contacts, including infectious and parasitic diseases. In addition, this chapter highlights the new perspective of animal sentinel surveillance as a key component of the public health risk assessment, with companion animals being useful to identify sources of environmental pollution, food contaminants, infectious disease transmission and other harmful exposures.
In diesem Kapitel wird die Rolle der Natur für die Gesundheit des Menschen und die dahintersteckenden Theorien und Mechanismen aus verschiedenen Gesichtspunkten heraus erklärt. Dabei belegen Studien, dass nicht nur der Faktor „Grün“, sondern auch der Kontakt zu Tieren dazu beitragen und eine Strategie darstellen kann, ein psychisches wie auch physisches Wohlbefinden zu erhalten oder sogar wiederzuerlangen. Im Embodiment wird diese Affinität zur Natur beispielsweise über Erinnerungsauslöser und taktilen Kontakt zu Tieren mit verschiedenen Methoden genutzt.
Animal-Assisted Interventions have evolved in the past 50 years from a misunderstood field to a more respected form of complementary therapyComplementary therapy. Although the field still lacks in strong empirical evidence, science is catching up with what many have thought intuitively: our interactions with animals are good for our well-being. This chapter will provide an overview of the value of human–animal interactions and provide insights into both the physiological and psychological benefits of the human–animal bond. Attention will be given to defining the bond as well as providing insights on why people seem drawn to developing relationships with animals. Finally, attention will be given to offering an overview of the spectrum of animal-assisted interventions, the present state of affairs in the field as well as an introduction to the importance of preserving the welfare of all beings involved in these interactions.
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the bereaved Older males’ experiences with the interaction and ownership of a companion animal after the death of their partner. The primary researcher recruited 13 participants via a criterion-based purposeful sampling method to assure the quality of the information collected. Results revealed six themes: (a) bonds with their pets grew stronger and closer after the loss of their wife; (b) men were able to express their grief to their pets; (c) companion animals helped the men psychologically during grief; (d) pets were influential during times when the wife’s presence would have been valuable; (e) companion animals helped men with loneliness and social connection; and (f) companion animals helped men find a new normal by providing a purpose and routine during bereavement. The pets proved to be a source of support for these widowed men.
The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is considered as a primarily goal for treatment and a significant factor for the programme success. In recent years, the scientific community has brought to light more and more findings concerning the human-animal bond. Many therapists are already incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy into their program as a complementary method. The Occupational Therapist, by introducing an animal to his sessions and using it as a therapeutic tool to achieve communicative, motor, mental, emotional and sensory goals can greatly benefit the patient. Scientific studies should be carried out in Greece in order to draw conclusions that will help all members of the interdisciplinary team to integrate an animal into the pre-treatment process taking into account factors that affect both one's health and ethical use of the animal.
Using an autopsychographic approach as advocated by Yuan and Hickman, this article demonstrates the ways in which love and horror are implicated in one another during the experience of grief at the loss of a companion animal. The relationship between the human and the companion animal is explored through Lacan’s understanding of love premised on lack and an ethical relationship to the lack in the other. When that other dies, horror may be an intrusive emotion premised on a feeling of the uncanny with the familiar becoming unfamiliar. These experiences are then rearticulated in the context of the human–animal relationship through psychoanalytic and existential themes, arguing that the loss of such a relationship needs to be appreciated in theorizations about grief and meaning within the humanistic tradition.
To investigate the association of the ownership of dog with health status, health-related QOL (SF-36), lifestyles (exercise habits, dietary habits, drinking, smoking), educational background, and family member were assessed for the main feeder of the dog and the non-breeders of the pet through internet. In addition, the breeding situation of the dog was examined for the main feeder of the dog. Each component summary score of SF-36 was examined between the main feeder of the dog and the non-breeders of the pet using 3different analytical models; model Ⅰ : non-adjusted U test, model Ⅱ : analysis of covariate adjusted for age and sex, model Ⅲ: analysis of covariate adjusted for age, sex, lifestyles, educational background, and family member. As the results, the main feeder of the dog showed significantly higher summary score of physical and role/social components than the non-breeders of the pet in every analytical model. This fact seemed to be due to the increased physical activity in daily life by walking with the dog. The summary score of mental component, however, was significantly higher in the non-breeders of the pet than that in the main feeder of the dog in model Ⅰ and Ⅱ, but not in model Ⅲ. These results suggested that the main feeder of the dog is in better health physically and socially due to daily dog walking.
A 10-month prospective study was carried out which examined changes in behaviour and health status in 71 adult subjects following the acquisition of a new pet (either dogs or cats). A group of 26 subjects without pets served as a comparison over the same period. Both pet-owning groups reported a highly significant reduction in minor health problems during the first month following pet acquisition, and this effect was sustained in dog owners through to 10 months. The pet-acquiring groups also showed improvements in their scores on the 30-item General Health Questionnaire over the first 6 months and, in dog owners, this improvement was maintained until 10 months. In addition, dog owners took considerably more physical exercise while walking their dogs than the other two groups, and this effect continued throughout the period of study. The group without pets exhibited no statistically significant changes in health or behaviour, apart from a small increase in recreational walking. The results provide evidence that pet acquisition may have positive effects on human health and behaviour, and that in some cases these effects are relatively long term.
The findings of this study confirm the independent importance of social factors in the determination of health status. Social data obtained during patients' hospitalization can be valuable in discriminating 1-year survivors. These social data can add to the prognostic discrimination beyond the effects of the well-known physiological predictors. More information is needed about all forms of human companionship and disease. Thus, it is important that future investigations of prognosis in various disease states include measures of the patient's social and psychological status with measures of disease severity. The phenomenon of pet ownership and the potential value of pets as a source of companionship activity or attention deserved more careful attention that that recorded in the literature. Almost half of the homes in the United States have some kind of pet. Yet, to our knowledge, no previous studies have included pet ownership among the social variables examined to explain disease distribution. Little cost is incurred by the inclusion of pet ownership in such studies, and it is certainly by the importance of pets in the lives of people today and the long history of association between human beings and companion animals. The existence of pets as important household members should be considered by those who are responsible for medical treatment. The need to care for a pet or to arrange for its care may delay hospitalization; it may also be a source of concern for patients who are hospitalized. Recognition of this concern by physicians, nurses, and social workers may alleviate emotional stress among such patients. The therapeutic uses of pets have been considered for patients hospitalized with mental illnesses and the elderly. The authors suggest that patients with coronary heart disease should also be included in this consideration. Large numbers of older patients with coronary heart disease are socially isolated and lonely. While it is not yet possible to conclude that pet ownership is beneficial to these patients, pets are an easily attainable source of psychological comfort with relatively few risks.
Recent findings have led researchers to believe that our pets may do more for us than we think. A dog's presence may even make a person appear more likable. Two studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. In the first study, 34 subjects viewed photographs of people pictured alone, pictured with a dog, and pictured with flowers. The subjects were asked to rate the person in the photos with regard to four dimensions: approachability, happy looking, relaxed looking, and best photo. The central finding revealed that photos of individuals pictured with a dog were rated higher than photos of individuals pictured without a dog. In the second study 45 subjects were asked to view three types of slides. The three slides consisted of outdoor scenery, a person walking through the outdoor scene, and a person walking a dog through the outdoor scene. Subjects were asked to rate the slides against each other with regard to several aesthetic dimensions, which included easiest to gaze at and best photo. In addition, subjects were asked how they perceived the person photographed with respect to happiness, relaxed looking, and safety. Finally, subjects were asked to choose photos in which they would like to be included. The major results of Study II demonstrated that (1) photos rated highest for questions concerning subjects' feelings toward the slides (easy to gaze at, feeling relaxed, best photo) were the scenery slides shown alone. The second highest rating went to the slides of the person walking the dog. (2) The person shown in the scene was perceived as appearing happier and safer when with the dog. (3) Subjects preferred to be added to the scene shown alone, without the dog. And when given the choice to replace the person shown, subjects preferred to replace the person in the scene with the dog rather than the person shown alone. Overall, results of both Studies I and II indicate that people appear happier, safer, and make a better “picture” when seen with a dog. Also, the results show that people appear more relaxed when sitting or standing with a dog. Finally, when asked to place themselves in the scene, subjects would rather be in a scene with a dog than alone.
Experimental group members watched a fish aquarium or a fish videotape, while control group members viewed a placebo videotape. Three eight-minute treatment sessions were held one week apart. Members of all three groups perceived their treatments as relaxing. Aquarium observers tended to experience a decrease in pulse rate and muscle tension and an increase in skin temperature. Theoretical and practical implications of the results and ideas for further research are discussed.
To compare risk factors for cardiovascular disease in pet owners and non-owners.
Accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease were measured in 5741 participants attending a free, screening clinic at the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne. Blood pressure, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride values were compared in pet owners (n = 784) and non-owners (n = 4957).
Pet owners had significantly lower systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-owners. In men, pet owners had significantly lower systolic but not diastolic blood pressure than non-owners, and significantly lower plasma triglyceride levels, and plasma cholesterol levels. In women over 40 years old, systolic but not diastolic pressure was significantly lower in pet owners and plasma triglycerides also tended to be lower. There were no differences in body mass index and self-reported smoking habits were similar, but pet owners reported that they took significantly more exercise than non-owners, and ate more meat and "take-away" foods. The socioeconomic profile of the pet owners and non-owners appeared to be comparable.
Pet owners in our clinic population had lower levels of accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and this was not explicable on the basis of cigarette smoking, diet, body mass index or socioeconomic profile. The possibility that pet ownership reduces cardiovascular risk factors should therefore be investigated.
The physician utilization behavior of 938 Medicare enrollees in a health maintenance organization was prospectively followed for 1 year. With demographic characteristics and health status at baseline controlled for, respondents who owned pets reported fewer doctor contacts over the 1-year period than respondents who did not own pets. Furthermore, pets seemed to help their owners in times of stress. The accumulation of prebaseline stressful life events was associated with increased doctor contacts during the study year for respondents without pets. This relationship did not emerge for pet owners. Owners of dogs, in particular, were buffered from the impact of stressful life events on physician utilization. Additional analyses showed that dog owners in comparison to owners of other pets spent more time with their pets and felt that their pets were more important to them. Thus, dogs more than other pets provided their owners with companionship and an object of attachment.
Social support and pet ownership, a nonhuman form of social support, have both been associated with increased coronary artery disease survival. The independent effects of pet ownership, social support, disease severity, and other psychosocial factors on 1-year survival after acute myocardial infarction are examined prospectively. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial provided physiologic data on a group of post-myocardial infarction patients with asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. An ancillary study provided psychosocial data, including pet ownership, social support, recent life events, future life events, anxiety, depression, coronary prone behavior, and expression of anger. Subjects (n = 424) were randomly selected from patients attending participating Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial sites and completed baseline psychosocial questionnaires. One year survival data were obtained from 369 patients (87%), of whom 112 (30.4%) owned pets and 20 (5.4%) died. Logistic regression indicates that high social support (p < 0.068) and owning a pet (p = 0.085) tend to predict survival independent of physiologic severity and demographic and other psychosocial factors. Dog owners (n = 87, 1 died) are significantly less likely to die within 1 year than those who did not own dogs (n = 282, 19 died; p < 0.05); amount of social support is also an independent predictor of survival (p = 0.065). Both pet ownership and social support are significant predictors of survival, independent of the effects of the other psychosocial factors and physiologic status. These data confirm and extend previous findings relating pet ownership and social support to survival among patients with coronary artery disease.
To determine whether pet ownership by elderly people is associated with lower use of health services.
Survey of physical and mental health, and retrospective 12-month review of Medicare records of the number of general practitioner and specialist services.
Elderly people living in Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) and Queanbeyan (New South Wales), surveyed in 1994 for the second stage of a larger longitudinal study.
Elderly pet owners did not differ from non-owners on any of the physical or mental health measures or in use of health services.
Given the high use of health services by older people, our findings suggest that the claim that pet ownership leads to savings in health services should be viewed with caution.
Coronary prone behaviour as a determinant of the relaxation effects of petting a companion dog in diagnosed hypertensives
- M M Beck
- T Trask
- S T Schuelke
- C Wallace
- N Bergstrom
- B Mccabe