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The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well-Being
Abstract
Substantial sums of money are invested annually in preventative medicine and therapeutic treatment for people with a wide range of physical and psychological health problems, sometimes to no avail. There is now mounting evidence to suggest that companion animals, such as dogs and cats, can enhance the health of their human owners and may thus contribute significantly to the health expenditure of our country. This paper explores the evidence that pets can contribute to human health and well-being. The article initially concentrates on the value of animals for short- and long-term physical health, before exploring the relationship between animals and psychological health, focusing on the ability of dogs, cats, and other species to aid the disabled and serve as a “therapist” to those in institutional settings. The paper also discusses the evidence for the ability of dogs to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of specific chronic diseases, notably cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes. Mechanisms underlying the ability of animals to promote human health are discussed within a theoretical framework. Whereas the evidence for a direct causal association between human well-being and companion animals is not conclusive, the literature reviewed is largely supportive of the widely held, and long-standing, belief that “pets are good for us.”
... The general hypothesis is that individuals benefit from the presence of companion animals. Recent evidence recommends that the nature of this association is diverse and complex (Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009) and that many of the studies performed so far are subject to operational limitations Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009). ...
... The general hypothesis is that individuals benefit from the presence of companion animals. Recent evidence recommends that the nature of this association is diverse and complex (Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009) and that many of the studies performed so far are subject to operational limitations Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009). ...
... Human-animal interactions (HAI) describe a wide range of interactions and relationships between animals and humans (Serpell J. 1996), and are of growing interest to researchers, the general public, and the media (Ratschen & Sheldon, 2019). The concept that owning a companion animal can improve human health has been termed "the pet effect" (Allen, 2003), This idea became widespread in the early 1980s when an association was described between companion animal ownership and survival rates from myocardial infarction (Friedmann, Katcher, Lynch, & Thomas, 1980), Meanwhile much research has been conducted on the effects that companion animals have on the health of their owners (Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009). Today incompatible evidence exists concerning this pet effect. ...
This research aimed to explore the influence of pet keeping on the psychological well-being of adolescents. Pet keeping can also have some effect on human psychology. Animals as companions are an important part of human life. This exploratory study is being developed to contribute to a better understanding of the role of pet keeping in the Psychological well-being of adolescents. It will compare the levels of Psychological well-being in pet-keeper and non-pet-keeper adolescents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPS). The sample size consisted of 100 individuals who were pet keepers, and they were selected using convenience sampling. For the control group, 100 individuals who did not own pets were approached. To gather a wide range of age groups, participants aged between 15 to 60 years were included in both groups. The combination of online and offline data collection methods and the inclusion of participants from various age groups aimed to enhance the overall validity and generalizability of the research findings. The Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale, created by Carol Ryff, is a widely utilized questionnaire in psychological research and clinical assessments. The short form of the Ryff inventory which consists of 18 items was used. The study's key conclusion highlights a notable distinction between individuals who keep pets and those who do not.
... The general hypothesis is that individuals benefit from the presence of companion animals. Recent evidence recommends that the nature of this association is diverse and complex (Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009) and that many of the studies performed so far are subject to operational limitations Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009). ...
... The general hypothesis is that individuals benefit from the presence of companion animals. Recent evidence recommends that the nature of this association is diverse and complex (Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009) and that many of the studies performed so far are subject to operational limitations Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009). ...
... Human-animal interactions (HAI) describe a wide range of interactions and relationships between animals and humans (Serpell J. 1996), and are of growing interest to researchers, the general public, and the media (Ratschen & Sheldon, 2019). The concept that owning a companion animal can improve human health has been termed "the pet effect" (Allen, 2003), This idea became widespread in the early 1980s when an association was described between companion animal ownership and survival rates from myocardial infarction (Friedmann, Katcher, Lynch, & Thomas, 1980), Meanwhile much research has been conducted on the effects that companion animals have on the health of their owners (Herzog, 2011;Wells, 2009). Today incompatible evidence exists concerning this pet effect. ...
The present paper aims to describe the concepts of horizontal hostility and its association with glass ceiling for working females. Many females when they want to succeed in their career do not want other females to progress in their career. Horizontal hostility is a type of indirect aggression directed by females toward other females because of professional jealousy and feelings of low self-esteem. Glass ceiling is described as an unseen obstacle prohibiting females from advancing to the high rank positions within an organization even with achievements or credentials. Gender discrimination at workplace negatively impacts psychological health of females and results in stress, anxiety and depression. This paper provides logical arguments from literature and describes glass ceiling as the main cause of horizontal hostility within organizations. The need is to establish a legislative framework to protect females against discriminatory practices and to provide them equal career progression opportunities within organizations.
... The integration of animals into classroom pedagogical work has become regular in both preschool and elementary school educational programs, thanks to available research results (Gee et al., 2015). Wells (2009) emphasized that the anxiety-reducing effect of animals is even more pronounced when using the tools of animal-assisted pedagogy (AAP) (Wells, 2009). In AAP or animal-assisted education (AAE), a specially trained educator involves a specially trained animal in pedagogical work. ...
... The integration of animals into classroom pedagogical work has become regular in both preschool and elementary school educational programs, thanks to available research results (Gee et al., 2015). Wells (2009) emphasized that the anxiety-reducing effect of animals is even more pronounced when using the tools of animal-assisted pedagogy (AAP) (Wells, 2009). In AAP or animal-assisted education (AAE), a specially trained educator involves a specially trained animal in pedagogical work. ...
The transition from preschool to school is a significant milestone in a child’s life, and the experiences gained during this period have a long-term impact not only on learning outcomes but also on the relationship with school and teachers. Starting school is exciting and filled with anticipation for young children; at the same time, it is also a source of stress that they may struggle to manage properly without support. Our one-group pretest–posttest study aimed to promote the preschool-to-school transition with animal-assisted intervention to reduce anxiety in children entering school. The intervention, which lasted for 24 weeks, involved using of a specially trained therapy rabbit in a classroom setting with the participation of 16 first-grade children. During the periods supported by animal-assisted intervention, there was a greater decrease in anxiety levels for both state and trait anxiety than in weeks when the therapeutic animal was not present in the classroom (p = 0.006; p = 0.02). The anxiety reduction was more pronounced in children who exhibited higher levels of anxiety in the initial measurements (p = 0.037). The results of our study demonstrate for the first time that animal-assisted intervention (especially animal-assisted pedagogy) can be effectively applied in supporting the preschool-to-school transition, especially for children with higher anxiety levels.
... Companionship has been persistently described as being part of the dogowner relationship (Adams 2018;Kurdek 2009;Wells 2009). It is an oftcited and well-supported potential mechanism for the positive impact on human well-being (Barcelos et al. 2023;Wells 2019). ...
... The idea that dogs act as a social lubricant is not a new one (Amiot and Bastian 2014;Barcelos et al. 2021Barcelos et al. , 2023Binfet and Passmore 2016;Corrêa, Barcelos, and Mills 2021;Wells 2009Wells , 2019. This idea can now be considered in conjunction with the theme that supported the mood-boosting aspect of dogs. ...
Some research has shown that spending time with dogs improves human well-being. However, findings regarding the impact of dogs on human well-being and the underpinning explanatory mechanisms have been inconsistent. There is potential to support existing theoretical mechanisms, modify existing ideas, and discover new ones by using participant's own descriptions and beliefs regarding their relationships with their dogs. This study utilises a thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews of eight undergraduate students who had experienced dog ownership. Five themes were identified that suggest routes to well-being via dog ownership: the benefits of the care routine, the mood boosting effect of dogs, the facilitation of human-human bonds, the provision of unconditional love, and that any negative experiences are ultimately worth it. This study provides a valuable insight into how dog owners make sense of their relationship with their dogs, via everyday realities, contextualising this through the lens of human well-being.
... The nature-related condition involved 4 min of observing natural landscapes such as forests, coastlines, mountains, and corresponding ambient sounds (e.g., flowing rivers). Videos featuring animals were excluded to mitigate their potential additional influence, which could introduce uncontrolled effects 71 . ...
... In contrast, exposure to nature-related content emerged as a highly effective activity for counteracting the resources drained by the effort exerted to complete the clerical task. Given that scholars reported that SM-and nature-related contents could induce positive feelings 55,71,84 , which should facilitate resource replenishment, other factors likely account for the observed differences. ...
This study investigates the impact of social media-related microbreaks on the resource recovery of employees. Specifically, we examined whether or not the brief, hedonic use of social media through algorithmic videos could fully replenish resources, such as vigor and fatigue, that are depleted after performing clerical tasks. We also compared this form of recovery to other established microbreak activities. We used a pre-registered, mixed-method experimental design to collect data from 308 employees. A series of mixed-method ANOVA tests complemented by quadratic linear contrast terms and post-hoc analyses were performed to test hypotheses and address research questions. The findings indicate that although social media microbreaks offer a certain degree of resource replenishment, they do not provide full recovery, particularly regarding fatigue. Social media facilitate a reasonable psychological detachment but fall short in other recovery experiences. Notably, exposure to nature yielded more beneficial results. The study contributes novel insights to a field primarily focused on the negative impacts of excessive social media use and suggests that rational and brief usage can be advantageous for employee well-being.
... Fizikai hatások Számos tanulmányban vizsgálták az állatok jelenlétének légzésszámra, szívverésre vonatkozó normalizáló, valamint a stresszmutatók (kortizolszint, vérnyomás, pulzus szám) csökkenését eredményező hatását (Barker és mtsai, 2010;Wu és mtsai, 2002). A vizsgálatok elsődlegesen kutyák jelenlétével foglalkoztak, azonban hasonlóan nyugtató hatásúnak tűnnek más állatfajok is (Wells, 2009). ...
... Az állatoknak szorongáscsökkentő hatásuk is van (Wells, 2009). Ennek oka lehet mind a fizikai sajátosságuk (puha, kellemes tapintású), mind az a kapcsolat, amit nyújtani tudnak az embernek. ...
... The nature-related condition involved 4 min of observing natural landscapes such as forests, coastlines, mountains, and corresponding ambient sounds (e.g., owing rivers). Videos featuring animals were excluded to mitigate their potential additional in uence, which could introduce uncontrolled effects 70 . ...
... In contrast, exposure to nature-related content emerged as a highly effective activity for counteracting the resources drained by the effort exerted to complete the clerical task. Given that scholars reported that SM-and nature-related contents could induce positive feelings 54,70,80 , which should facilitate resource replenishment, other factors likely account for the observed differences. ...
This study investigates the impact of social media-related microbreaks on the resource recovery of employees. Specifically, we examined whether or not the brief, hedonic use of social media through algorithmic videos could fully replenish resources, such as vigor and fatigue, that are depleted after performing clerical tasks. We also compared this form of recovery to other established microbreak activities. We used a pre-registered, mixed-method experimental design to collect data from 308 employees. A series of mixed-method ANOVA tests complemented by quadratic linear contrast terms and post-hoc analyses were performed to test hypotheses and address research questions. The findings indicate that although social media microbreaks offer a certain degree of resource replenishment, they do not provide full recovery, particularly regarding fatigue. Social media facilitate a reasonable psychological detachment but fall short in other recovery experiences. Notably, exposure to nature yielded more beneficial results. The study contributes novel insights to a field primarily focused on the negative impacts of excessive social media use and suggests that rational and brief usage can be advantageous for employee well-being.
... Additionally, the beneficial impacts of companion animals on the mental health of children (Miles et al., 2017), the elderly (Wells, 2009), and cancer patients (Ingram and Cohen-Filipic, 2019) remain unverified. Contradictory results across various studies may stem from the widespread use of cross-sectional studies, offering only a snapshot of companion animals' impacts (Batty et al., 2017). ...
... Individuals prone to allergies may find companion animals a substantial stressor. Wells (2009) noted that companion animals could intensify allergic individuals' stress responses and elevate certain disease risks, including asthma (Gergen et al., 2018) and zoonotic diseases (Damborg et al., 2016). Such physiological adversities might also impair mental health. ...
The impact of companion animals on human psychological health has garnered widespread attention. Research demonstrates that companion animals contribute positively in various ways, including reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and fostering positive emotions in humans. Recent studies have revealed significant changes in the activity levels of human emotion-related cortical areas (such as the frontal cortex and amygdala) and neurotransmitter (e.g., oxytocin, cortisol) secretion due to interaction with companion animals. However, research in this domain is still in a nascent stage, with many unknowns in the cognitive neural mechanisms involved. This paper proposes that to understand the cognitive mechanisms through which companion animals affect human psychological health, we need to examine changes in emotional cognitive processing. It aims to uncover the neurological underpinnings of how companion animals enhance human psychological well-being from the perspective of brain connectivity. This approach is expected to provide theoretical support and direction for future research and practical applications in this field.
... Therefore, a large number of studies on health maintenance and quality of life have been published (Crossman et al., 2015;Lengyel et al., 2021;Kinczel and Müller, 2023), the importance of which is undisputed. Dogs as companion animals have long been part of people's lives, but research on the health effects of dog ownership has gained momentum in recent decades (Cutt et al., 2007;Wells, 2009;Owen et al., 2010;Herzog, 2011;Westgarth et al., 2019;Albright et al., 2022;Suarez et al., 2022;Sellon et al., 2023). Animals are good companions according to Katcher (2000) because they can actively give love, do not contradict and are excellent projection surfaces for humans. ...
... There are many studies that have found that petting dogs has beneficial effects on heart rate and blood pressure (Eddy, 1996;Shiloh et al., 2003), and the mere presence of a dog can also help reduce stress (Wells, 2009). Dog ownership therefore has many positive effects for the individual. ...
Dogs, as companion animals, have many positive effects on the health and quality of
life of dog owners, if the purpose of dog ownership is not as a watchdog but as a companion
animal. Dogs can encourage the owner to engage in daily walks, play, sports and other
interactions, which are beneficial for physical, mental and social well-being, as has been
proven by various studies. The aim of our research was to investigate the role and impact of
dogs on dog owners' physical activity, dog interactions and mental health. To achieve our goal,
we created an online questionnaire that was completed by 220 dog owner respondents. Our
research sought to understand how dog owners develop a relationship with their companion
animal, the role of the dog in their active leisure time and the impact of the dog on the owner's
mental health. We used a four-part questionnaire to obtain our answers. The first part covered
demographic questions, the second part focused on the respondent's dog and the time spent
with him/her doing sports. In the third part, the Monash Dog-Owner (MDORS) (Cavo et al.,
2016) questionnaire was used and in the last part, the Mental Health Test was used. Our
research has confirmed that exercising with dogs has positive effects on humans. Walking with
a dog encourages exercise and also encourages the owner to spend time outdoors. Around
26% of the people in the study exercise together and 77.3% walk with their dog. The mental
health of dog owners is medium and the level of happiness is above average. These results
confirm that promoting dog ownership can help to achieve the objectives of public health
strategies to encourage people to be more active, to exercise or to improve quality of life and
health.
... Zaobserwowano, że krótkoterminowe i długoterminowe (Wells, 2009) relacje ze zwierzętami domowymi mogą przyczyniać się do korzyści emocjonalnych (DeMello, 2012;Sable, 2013;Sato i in., 2019) , społecznych (Marks i in., 2010;Pachana i in., 2011;DeMello, 2012;Sane i Sawarkar, 2017;Wanser i in, 2019) zdrowotnych (Vormbrock i Grossberg, 1988;Kertes i in., 2016;Dinis i Martis, 2016;Magiera, 2018;McLaughlin i in., 2019;London i in., 2020;Maoz i in. 2021;Gadomski i in., 2022), rozwojowych (Marks i in., 2010;Pachana i in., 2011;DeMello, 2012;Gee i in., 2017;Kerns i in., 2017;Muldoon i in. ...
Celem pracy była adaptacja Lexington attachment to pets scale (Laps) do warunków polskich oraz sprawdzenie czy istnieją powiązania między przywiązaniem do zwierząt domowych, a osobowością w teorii Wielkiej Piątki oraz regulacją emocjonalną. W badaniu własnym wzięło udział 426 osób w wieku od 18 do 77 lat. Do badania trafności kwestionariusza wybrano aspekt teoretyczny – analizę korelacji z innymi zmiennymi. Skala osiągnęła współczynnik rzetelności, afla Cronbacha między 0,80, a 0,91. Adaptowane narzędzie ma charakterystykę zbliżoną do oryginału kwestionariusza. Głównym zastosowaniem skali są badania naukowe. Badanie wykazało związki niektórych cech osobowości z natężeniem przywiązania w poszczególnych jego obszarach. Wyniki analiz sugerują, że osoby badane bardziej przywiązane do swoich zwierząt, mogą mieć większe trudności w zakresie zarządzania swoim stanem emocjonalnym.
... The Veterinary Nurse | November 2024, Volume 15 No 9 © 2024 MA Healthcare Ltd P et ownership and animal assisted therapy have become an increasingly common means to improve the physical health and wellbeing of people, including those with social and psychological conditions (Wells, 2009;Beetz et al, 2012). Like any other vertebrate animals, pets can be subjected to infection by a range of internal and external parasites, which can lead to adverse consequences on their health and welfare. ...
Parasiticides are an integral part of parasite treatment and prevention in pets. Despite their importance as life-saving medications and a major contributor to better health and quality of life, widespread and inappropriate use of parasiticides could have important consequences. Concerns over parasite control practices involving ‘blanket-treatment’ have caused key organisations to call for more responsible use of parasiticides to minimise the risk of environmental contamination and limit the development of antiparasitic drug resistance. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to follow a more targeted and individualised risk-based approach to parasite control. However, successful adoption and effective implementation of this new approach requires the veterinary profession to overcome many barriers and contextual differences in the way effective parasite control is perceived by the various stakeholders. Recently, evidence-based diagnosis (treatment based on confirmed diagnosis) together with antiparasitic drug stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antiparasitic use in pets which do not benefit from treatment) have been suggested to reconcile the trade-offs between avoiding parasiticide overuse and achieving effective parasite control. Although these new approaches cannot yet fully address the challenges of attaining optimal parasite control, they have the potential to improve the outcomes of parasite treatment and preserve the efficacy of parasiticides, the most essential component of any parasite control regimen.
... In addition, numerous studies have shown that they can relieve people's mental stress, improve emotional wellbeing, and provide therapeutic support [15,[29][30][31][32][33][34]. Studies show that interacting with pets can significantly increase owners' activity levels, thereby improving physical health [35,36]. From a mental health perspective, the psychological support and comfort provided by dogs and cats is a key reason people choose them [37][38][39][40]. ...
Dogs and cats have become the most important and successful pets through long-term domestication. People keep them for various reasons, such as their functional roles or for physical or psychological support. However, why humans are so attached to dogs and cats remains unclear. A comprehensive understanding of the current state of human preferences for dogs and cats and the potential influential factors behind it is required. Here, we investigate this question using two independent online datasets and anonymous questionnaires in China. We find that current human preferences for dog and cat videos are relatively higher than for most other interests, video plays ranking among the top three out of fifteen interests. We also find genetic variations, gender, age, and economic development levels notably influence human preferences for dogs and cats. Specifically, dog and cat ownership are significantly associated with parents’ pet ownership of dogs and cats (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient is 0.43, 95% CI: 0.38–0.47), and the primary reason is to gain emotional support. Further analysis finds that women, young people, and those with higher incomes are more likely to prefer dog and cat videos. Our study provides insights into why humans become so attached to dogs and cats and establishes a foundation for developing co-evolutionary models.
... Fontos tehát tudnunk, milyen szerepet játszanak életünkben, illetve egészségünkben a társállatok, hozzájárulnak-e életminőségünk javulásához. Az elmúlt évtizedekben egyre népszerűbb témává vált a társállatok (főként kutya és macska) és az ember közötti kapcsolat, és ennek összefüggése a mentális egészséggel (Wells 2009). Egy korai kutatás például igazolta, hogy a háziállattartás hozzájárulhat a túléléshez a szív-és érrendszeri megbetegedések esetén (Friedmann és munkatársai 1980). ...
In our study, we examined the relationships between dealing with companion animals and mental health. The aim was to analyze associations of attitudes related to pets with life satisfaction, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. In our online, cross-sectional survey, 297 participants were included (89.5% females, aged between 18 and 85 years), the data were collected in the second half of the year 2023. The attitudes related to pets were measured by using the CENSHARE Pet Attachment Scale which involved eight factors using exploratory factor analysis. The attitudes of attachment and closeness showed a positive relationship with life satisfaction. Time spent with pets and dealing and communicating with them was negatively associated with life satisfaction and well-being, and positively with depression and anxiety. For those who are prone to depression and less satisfied with their life, dealing with pets may serve as a therapy, except for steming from hypocrisy.
... As the number of companion animals increases, the importance of understanding human-animal relationships grows. This understanding is crucial not only for the welfare of these animals but also for the well-being of their human counterparts and society as a whole [6][7][8][9]. One aspect of this intricate relationship between humans and their companion animals that has attracted attention is the voluntary relinquishment of animals to shelters, which places burdens on the animals, the shelters, and society more broadly [10,11]. ...
The relinquishment of companion animals to shelters presents significant challenges for animal welfare organizations and has substantial implications for the well-being of both the animals and their owners. This study aims to investigate the reasons for voluntarily relinquishing animals to shelters, to examine species-specific differences (cats and dogs), to compare initial relinquishments to returns (re-relinquishments or readmissions), and to identify potential changes over a 6-year period framing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis of owner relinquishment records from an open admission shelter in the US was conducted using content analysis, a novel approach in this area of research. A total of 13 relinquishment reason categories were identified, as well as 9 separate categories for specific behavioral issues. Among 2836 randomly selected records, the most frequent reasons cited were Behavior Issues (28%), Housing/Moving (18%), Unable to Care (16%), Too Many Pets (10%), Financial (6%), and Owner Allergies (5%). The most common behavioral reasons reported were Aggression (32% of behavioral surrenders), Social Conflict (28%), and Soiling (13%). However, differences were observed in the pattern of relinquishment reasons based on statistical analyses of species, type of relinquishment, and year. Regarding temporal trends, Housing/Moving and Financial reasons were not found to have changed significantly since the pandemic, but the relative frequency of the category Unable to Care increased significantly in 2022 and 2023. Collectively, these findings partially replicate those from research spanning the past several decades in this area that has employed less systematic methodology and can further be used to help identify and understand the primary drivers of owner relinquishments.
... Trade of live ornamental animals involves a diversity of species, including those that are threatened with extinction in their native range and those that have established non-native populations and cause harm to ecosystems and economies. Ornamental animals are a traded commodity and provide important social and human health benefits (Wells, 2009). However, the desire for rare or unique organisms has led to unsustainable overexploitation of some wild populations (Evers et al., 2019;Marshall et al., 2020) and introduced new zoonotic diseases that harm native species and human health (Smith et al., 2017). ...
Trade in undomesticated ornamental animals has rapidly expanded beyond brick‐and‐mortar retail stores to now include growing numbers of internet marketplaces. The growing volume, diversity, and origins of invasive non‐native species in trade challenge already weak national biosecurity policies. Despite widespread focus on vertebrates, many knowledge gaps exist regarding the online global trade of ornamental invertebrates. We conducted the first global assessment of the online trade in and associated invasion risk of freshwater crayfishes, which are increasingly popular aquarium animals. We systematically examined e‐commerce marketplaces in multiple languages, scrapping information that included species identity, price, quantity, and shipping designation from each crayfish listing. Next, we combined geographic pathways of shipping associated with online trade (introduction risk) and environmental suitability modeling (establishment risk) to estimate global risk of non‐native crayfish invasion risk. We identified hundreds of online marketplaces and thousands of sale listings in 33 countries (5 continents) involving 60 species and representing a selling value of ∼US$1.5 million. Invasion risk of non‐native crayfish in trade was widespread, with geographic hotspots coinciding with both elevated opportunities for introduction (greater shipping offerings) and establishment. Precise characterization of the online species trade is fundamental to support new and reformed biosecurity policies, build industry partnerships, and design educational campaigns to prevent species invasions through trade. We found that the taxonomy, geography, and economics of the global online ornamental crayfish trade are vast and require greater attention.
... Humans often achieve mental well-being through interactions with companion animals [23]. Customers at animal cafés engage with animals as pseudo-owners, enjoying companionship without the responsibilities of actual pet ownership. ...
This study investigates the captive environments of oriental small-clawed otter (OSO; Aonyx cinereus) cafés in Japan, aiming to identify discrepancies with established welfare guidelines. Improved management of these commercial facilities could raise awareness about the difficulties of keeping OSOs as pets and enhance their welfare. Utilizing the role of commercial facilities in public outreach, we consider that the rigorous implementation of proper care practices in these establishments could help mitigate the increasing demand for OSOs domestically and contribute to the conservation of the OSO. In this study, we focused on the critical aspects of the captive environment necessary to maintain the psychological well-being of OSOs and evaluated the captive environments of OSOs housed in animal cafés for OSO welfare using non-invasive methods. Based on zoo husbandry standards, it was found that there were deficiencies in aquatic environments and solitary housing conditions; however, the enrichment tools aligned with the guidelines. The results suggest that deviations from the recommended elements in the environment of OSOs in captivity are associated with a tendency of these OSOs to develop various diseases. It is deemed necessary to amend the regulations governing animal-handling businesses to include welfare criteria, and it is considered essential for each establishment to operate only after ensuring sufficient welfare for the OSOs.
... According to our first-hand survey data, two-thirds of the user group is willing to purchase pet robots to accompany pets. Based on preliminary analysis, we speculate that in the context of the global epidemic [2] and fast-paced living environment, half of households worldwide require pet companionship and are willing to pay more attention to pets and health [3]. The market outlook is expected to be optimistic. ...
Pet robot is a kind of intelligent device with artificial intelligence and mechanical technology. These robots provide a solution to the challenges of balancing work responsibilities and caring for pets, while also enhancing the interaction between owners and pets to ensure the health of pets. The pet robot market is a new technology market, through the in-depth study of the pet robot market, it can fill the research gap in this field and provide new research opportunities for the academic circle. Through the research methods of questionnaire survey and literature review, we compared the global market strategies of large, small and medium-sized technology pet robot companies, combined with the quantitative literature review and questionnaire quantitative analysis, and drew the conclusion that the pet robot market has great potential, but the entry barrier is high, and the differentiation strategy is needed.
... Dikarenakan dengan memelihara hewan peliharaan, individu mampu menerapkan gaya hidup yang sehat seperti berolahraga bersama hewan peliharaan dengan mengajak berkeliling, bermain, dan melatih hewan peliharaan. Hal tersebut akan menimbulkan kesenangan, kebahagiaan, dan kegembiraan bagi pemilik hewan peliharaan (Barcelos et al., 2020;Okiana, 2021), sama dengan hasil yang dijabarkan oleh Wells (2009) berulang kali ter bukti dapat membantu menurunkan tekanan darah, detak jantung, kecemasan dan stres pada pemilik hewan peliharaan. Dengan timbulnya dampak yang baik bagi gaya hidup dan kesehatan pemilik hewan peliharaan maka akan memberikan peningkatan juga terhadap psychological wellbeing pemilik hewan peliharaan. ...
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pet attachment dengan psychological well-being masyarakat Bali yang memiliki hewan peliharaan anjing. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi kuantitatif, alat ukur pet attachment dan psychological well-being diukur dengan skala Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale dan Six- Dimensional Psychological Well-being Scale yang sudah diadaptasi ke Bahasa Indonesia. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 349 orang masyarakat Bali yang memeliharan hewan peliharaan anjing, berusia 18-40 tahun dan beragama Hindu. Hasil analisa korelasi menujukan bahwa pet attachment berkorelasi secara positif terhadap psychological well-being (sig= 0.00 < 0.05) dengan nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0.799. Meningkatnya pet attachment seperti peningkatan terhadap kualitas hidup, gaya hidup yang sehat dan sumber kenyamanan maka akan ada peningkatan juga terhadap psychologocal well-being pemilik hewan peliharaan anjing.
... Since Friedmann et al.'s ground breaking research in 1980 that discovered that pet owners had better survival and recovery rates one year after discharge from a coronary unit than non-pet owners (Friedmann et al 1980), there have been many studies across the world attempting to measure the effects of pet ownership on human health (Friedmann et al. 2000;McNicholas et al. 2005;Wells 2009;Freidmann et al. 2013;El-Qushayri et al. 2020;Kramer et al. 2019;Taniguchi et al 2023). A comprehensive study in Sweden, involving 3.4 million people over a 12-year period, found that owning a dog lowered the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, especially for single people (Mubanga et al 2017). ...
The covid-19 pandemic, and in particular, the rise in pet ownership, the greater focus on home-life during lockdowns and the normalisation of hybrid-working conditions post-pandemic, has shed light on an under-researched area of law that affects millions of people across the world: the use of ‘no pet’ covenants in private rental housing. This article identifies the prevalence of ‘no pet’ covenants as a socio-legal problem that is of global significance. It assesses the legal regulation of pets in private rental housing through a Harm Assessment approach that has global application. A Harm Assessment approach balances harms to various stakeholders in both the use and restriction of ‘no pet’ covenants. In countries that have no legal regulation of pets in housing it can be used to assess the need for legislation. This approach considers the character, magnitude and likelihood of the harm, something which has had little consideration to date. Drawing, by analogy, on the work of Feinberg and his analysis of harm within the context of the legitimacy of state interference with individual liberty, this article adapts his theory of harm to assess the need for legal regulation of pets in rental housing. The legitimacy of a Harm Assessment approach is supported by the existing literature on ‘no pet’ covenants, from which the dominant theme of harm emerges. Identifying and weighting the types of harm to be balanced varies depending on cultural, religious and geographic considerations and further research is needed to better understand the harms in different countries.
... As observed with NT individuals (Odendaal and Meintjes, 2003;Wells, 2009;Morrison, 2016), studies have shown that both companion animal and SD can have positive effects on individuals with ASD. Nevertheless, these benefits appear to be multifaced and include behavioural, emotional and social domains (Smyth and Slevin, 2010;Grandgeorge et al., 2012;Berry et al., 2013;Carlisle, 2015;Harwood et al., 2019). ...
Objective
Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have parenting styles that differ from parents of typically developing children. Integration of a service dog (SD) at home has been demonstrated as having multiple effects within families of children with ASD. Our aims were to investigate if (a) specific parenting styles can be identified during parents’ interactions with their child with ASD using ethological methods, and (b) integration of a SD have an effect on these styles.
Methods
Behavioural coding was performed on videos recorded at home by 20 parents of 6-12-years old children with ASD before SD integration. Parents were asked to record themselves and their child while making a puzzle. 14 parents performed a second similar recording 3-6 months after SD integration. Data were analysed using Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and non-parametric tests.
Results
Three parenting styles emerged: Parents Involved in the Task (PIT), Parents Relaxed in the Interaction (PRI), and Parents Disengaged from the Interaction (PDI). PIT were characterised as more controlling and verbally focused on the activity. PRI were less controlling and talk about things other than the activity. The same applied to PDI, except that they were less warm in their interactions. Analysis performed after SD integration revealed that these groups also diverged in the evolution of certain behaviours.
Conclusion
This study is the first to demonstrate that behavioural observations can highlight different parenting styles in caregivers of children with ASD, and that the integration of a SD has effects on these styles, with variation according to parents’ style prior to SD integration. Indeed, a decrease in activity control behaviours was observed in parents with an initial profile characterise by higher expression of such behaviours (i.e., PIT), while an increase of those behaviours was observed in parents initially with an initial profile characterise by a weaker expression of such behaviours (i.e., PRI). Interestingly, the last profile characterized by less engagement in the interaction and activity (i.e., PDI) did not seem to show significant changes.
... Pet animals can significantly impact human lives by bringing companionship, support, and amusement. There was proof that having a pet as company might enhance psychological wellbeing in people by fostering close emotional connections [1,2]. Every year, large quantities of money were spent, often ineffectively, on therapeutic treatment and preventative medicine for people with a variety of physical and mental health issues. ...
Background and Objectives: Perceptions of cat owners may affect the lives of pet animals. The study was conducted to learn about of cat owners as well as their contentment with and motivations for raising cats in Rajshahi districts of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Data were collected by a face-to-face interview with 150 pet owners who came to the recognized pet clinics in Rajshahi city from January to December 2023 and analyzes using chi-square test. Results: This study showed that cat owners made up 70% by female of the total, while 30% made up by male. The majority of cat owners were young people, between the ages of 21 and 30 (49.3%). Urban residents tend to rear cat (62.0%) and have better educational levels (41.5%). Among the cat owners, 87.7% raised their cats indoors, and 11.3% nurtured them outdoors. Residence and educational attainment of cat owners have a substantial association (p<0.05). The breed of cats and their origins were likewise of great worth (p<0.05). The feeding habits of cats varied from owner to owner; however, the majority (20.7%) fed their cats cooked meat, cooked fish and pellets. Different factors influenced cat-raising with the majority (30.0%) being hobbies. Impact studies showed that biting had a significant negative impact and that unconditional love had a significant good impact. During the investigation, various cat health issues were noted; alopecia was the most common issue (24.7%). The vaccination and deworming rates for their cat were 54.0% and 52.7%, respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that different owners raised cats for different reasons, with a different preference in choice of cat breed, feeding practice, medication approach, and through a fuller understanding of these features, such research will aid in the development of a cat-rearing approach that improves the well-being of both pets and their owners.
... companionship [1,2]. In Canada and the U.S., approximately 35% of households have at least one cat [3][4][5], with cats outnumbering dogs in Canadian households [6]. ...
There is an abundance of research focusing on the nutritional needs of the cat, though aspects surrounding treat feeding have received far less attention. Feeding practices have the potential to cause nutrient imbalances and adverse health outcomes, including obesity. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the perceptions, motivations, and behaviours surrounding treats, and factors that influence treat feeding by cat caregivers. A 56-question online survey was disseminated to cat caregivers (n = 337) predominantly from Canada and the USA to collect data regarding caregiver and cat demographics, the pet-caregiver relationship, perceptions surrounding treats, and feeding practices and behaviours. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the survey data. Caregivers had varying interpretations of the term ‘treat’ and how treats relate to the primary diet, and these perceptions appeared to influence the quantity of treats provided. Aspects relating to the human-animal bond were highlighted as an important factor in decisions and behaviours surrounding treat feeding in our results. Though the majority (224/337, 66%) of respondents indicated they monitor their pet’s treat intake, using an eyeball estimate was the most frequent (139/337, 41%) method reported to measure treats. Multivariable logistic regression results revealed feeding jerky, bones, dental treats, and table scraps in select frequencies were predictive of caregivers perceiving their cat as overweight/obese. Results provide valuable new insights to cat caregiver feeding practices and perceptions of treats and can be used to inform veterinary nutrition support to caregivers. More research is warranted to further our understanding and ensure that cats receive optimal nutrition and care.
... Cat bites, scratches, ticks, and fleas can disseminate through contaminated saliva during gum bleeding episodes (Guptill, 2010). Pet animals play a crucial societal role, contributing to children's development and providing stress relief for their owners (Wells, 2009). The popularity of keeping pet cats is steadily growing in Bangladesh (Islam et al., 2019). ...
Bartonellosis, a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, continues to threaten human and animal health significantly. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and the molecular characteristics of Bartonella spp. in cats. From June 2018 to June 2020, 304 oral swabs were randomly collected from Bangladesh's Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect data. Oral swabs were subjected to PCR targeting htrA gene to confirm Bartonella spp., which was subsequently validated through sequencing. Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of feline bartonellosis was found to be 15.1 %. The following factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with Bartonella infection in risk factor analysis: cats aged ≥ 1 year (OR: 3.23, 95 % CI: 1.38–24.40), local breed cats (OR: 3.37, 95 % CI: 1.05–10.81), cats carrying fleas (OR: 2.33, 95 % CI: 1.93–13.45), antifleacidal drugs inconsistently administered cats (OR: 6.74, 95 % CI: 3.17–14.31), outdoor access cats (OR: 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.16–5.57). Notably, zoonotic B. henselae was confirmed through sequencing, establishing it as the causal agent of cat scratch disease. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology with B. henselae sequences from Brazil, Saint Kitts, and Nevis. We recommend consistent and appropriate flea control measures to curb its spread among Bangladeshi cats. Moreover, limiting outdoor exposure or implementing preventive measures for outdoor cats could reduce the disease burden. The associated human health risk can be decreased by effectively controlling this disease within the cat population.
... special role as "companion" animals (Beck et al., 2000;Levinson, 1969;Messent & Serpell, 1981;Serpell, 1986). In contemporary society, dogs occupy a special place in human life as evidenced by their involvement in human activities (e.g., in research/rescue and policing; Wells, 2009) and increased rates of ownership in the US and Europe in the last decade (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2018;Statista, 2021). The increased interest in owning them may be because of the potential beneficial effects of human-dog relationships: dogs can positively impact owners' physical health (e.g., by reducing blood pressure; Friedmann et al., 2013) and psychological wellbeing (e.g., by reducing loneliness, depression, and stress; Crossman et al., 2020;Le Roux & Kemp, 2009;Powell et al., 2019). ...
Research shows that the inclusion of a dog in pictures showing a man in threatening scenarios improves women’s emotional reactions to them. However, the magnitude of this “dog-accompanying effect” (i.e., whether the inclusion of a dog renders socially threatening scenes less aversive, neutral, or positive) in societies differing in terms of safety remains unknown. To address this, undergraduate women from societies differing in safety levels (lower [Colombia, n = 120] and higher [Spain, n = 131] safety levels) provided valence, arousal, dominance, and safety ratings to images depicting a man alone or with a dog in threatening scenes, as well as to images of pleasant and neutral social scenes. The same response pattern was found in both countries: when viewing images of a dog accompanying a man, women gave lower valence, dominance, safety, and calmness ratings than when viewing images of neutral scenes. Conversely, women gave higher valence, dominance, safety, and calmness ratings when observing images of a dog accompanying a man compared with images showing the man alone in threatening scenes. Overall, these data indicate that a dog’s presence in pictures buffered negative emotional reactions to photos of threatening social scenes in societal contexts differing in safety levels, but still (slightly) activated the defensive motivational system. The slight activation of the defensive motivational system is interpreted as an adaptative response of the person to reduce or avoid potential harm (e.g., a hypothetical attack by the man). Our study provides a deeper understanding of the influence of dogs on women’s emotional reactions to images of threatening scenes by clarifying the magnitude of the dog effect in societies differing in safety levels.
... Several explanations have been postulated for this heterogeneity in research outcomes. The wide variety of methodologies used to study HAI as well as weaknesses that accompany these research methods are frequently proposed explanations (Herzog, 2011;Rodriguez et al., 2021;Scoresby et al., 2021;Wells, 2009). The heterogeneity in research findings can also be explained by the inherent variability that is unique to HAI, as it involves two complex organisms interacting in dynamic ways (Rodriguez et al., 2021). ...
The contribution of companion animals to human mental wellbeing has received an increasing amount of scientific interest. Research findings concerning the nature of this relationship are however mixed. Variability in behavior and characteristics of the animal might explain this heterogeneity. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the association between companion animals and mental wellbeing in daily life and the role that animal characteristics play in this association, using an ecological momentary assessment approach. The sample will comprise of adult owners of a dog and/or a cat. Participants will start with a baseline assessment including demographic characteristics of the owner and the animal, as well as the C‐BARQ or Fe‐BARQ to assess general behavior of the animal. After the baseline assessment, a signal‐contingent scheme with semi‐random intervals will be used to examine human–animal interaction (HAI) in the natural setting of pet‐owners' daily lives. Participants will complete up to ten short assessments per day over the course of 5 days, reporting on the presence of‐, interaction with‐, and behavior of the companion animal. They also report on stressful activities and events, and on their current positive and negative affect. Multilevel regression analysis will be used to investigate the relationship between HAI, animal characteristics and mental wellbeing. With this study we hope to provide insight into the type of animal, behavior of the animal and specific elements of interaction with an animal, and their potential associations with human wellbeing. The knowledge gathered in this study will add to unraveling mechanisms underlying HAI and help to identify in which contexts and under what conditions HAI can have the greatest impact.
... For instance, some modern enrichment techniques involve enclosure design for more naturalistic or interactive surroundings, toys for physical challenges, food delivery to encourage foraging and hunting behaviors, adapted puzzles for cognitive challenge, co-housing of different species, and introduction of enriched sensory stimuli. Concerning sensory-based enrichment, Wells (2009a) considers that the greatest benefits for animal welfare are obtained through enrichments that target the dominant sense of animals. Hearing is a dominant sense for many species, and a multitude of studies have evaluated the potential welfare benefits of sounds-including natural sounds (Chamove, 1989), human-made music (Videan et al., 2007;Gvaryahu et al., 1989;Wells & Irwin, 2008;Rickard et al., 2005), and radio broadcasts (Brent & Weaver, 1996;Jones, 2004)-in enhancing the welfare of captive animals. ...
There is a strong disconnect between humans and other species in our societies. Zoos particularly expose this disconnect by displaying the asymmetry between visitors in search of entertainment, and animals often suffering from a lack of meaningful interactions and natural behaviors. In zoos, many species are unable to mate, raise young, or exhibit engagement behaviors. Enrichment is a way to enhance their quality of life, enabling them to express natural behaviors and reducing stereotypies. Prior work on sound-based enrichment and interactivity suggest that a better understanding of animals’ sensory needs and giving them options to shape their surroundings can yield substantial benefits. However, current zoo management and conservation practices lack tools and frameworks to leverage innovative technology to improve animal well-being and zookeepers’ ability to care for them. Ethical considerations are called for in developing such interventions as human understanding of animals’ worlds is still limited, and assumptions can have detrimental consequences. Based on several interventions, four principles are proposed to guide a more systematic implementation of sonic enrichment in zoos. The goal is to lay the groundwork for the design of the zoos of the future, with a focus on sounds, for the benefit of the animals.
... The Veterinary Nurse | September 2023, Volume 14 No 7 © 2023 MA Healthcare Ltd P et ownership and animal assisted therapy have become an increasingly common means to improve the physical health and wellbeing of people, including those with social and psychological conditions (Wells, 2009;Beetz et al, 2012). Like any other vertebrate animals, pets can be subjected to infection by a range of internal and external parasites, which can lead to adverse consequences on their health and welfare. ...
Parasiticides are an integral part of parasite treatment and prevention in pets. Despite their importance as life-saving medications and a major contributor to better health and quality of life, widespread and inappropriate use of parasiticides could have important consequences. Concerns over parasite control practices involving ‘blanket-treatment’ have caused key organisations to call for more responsible use of parasiticides to minimise the risk of environmental contamination and limit the development of antiparasitic drug resistance. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to follow a more targeted and individualised risk-based approach to parasite control. However, successful adoption and effective implementation of this new approach requires the veterinary profession to overcome many barriers and contextual differences in the way effective parasite control is perceived by the various stakeholders. Recently, evidence-based diagnosis (treatment based on confirmed diagnosis) together with antiparasitic drug stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antiparasitic use in pets which do not benefit from treatment) have been suggested to reconcile the trade-offs between avoiding parasiticide overuse and achieving effective parasite control. Although these new approaches cannot yet fully address the challenges of attaining optimal parasite control, they have the potential to improve the outcomes of parasite treatment and preserve the efficacy of parasiticides, the most essential component of any parasite control regimen.
... For instance, interacting with animals is beneficial to adults' and children's emotional and behavioural development (O'Haire, 2010;Purewal et al., 2017). Companion animals can have a positive effect on human mental, social, and physiological health (Friedmann and Son, 2009;Wells, 2009). Pets can facilitate positive social engagement and can also be calming and non-judgemental (Kruger and Serpell, 2010). ...
Research to date in Western contexts has indicated various physical and psychological health effects of pet ownership among children, but less is known about the role pets play in the health of children in China. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence on the effects of pet ownership on physical and psychological health among children in China. A literature search was performed in eight databases for studies that investigated the health and psychological effects of pet exposure on children (operationalized as birth to 20 years) in China, and a quality assessment and a narrative synthesis of results were conducted. Fifty-nine studies published between 2002 and 2021 were included in this review, of which 57 focused on children’s physical health issues including asthma and allergy symptoms, Toxoplasma gondii infection, animal induced injuries, low birth weight and hypertension, while only two studies focused on children’s psychological health. Overall, pet exposure was most often studied as a risk factor for respiratory health, injuries, and T. gondii infection among children in China but was also seen as a protective factor for cardiovascular health and for the association between environmental pollution and children’s respiratory function. In addition to physical health effects, two studies focused on psychological factors: post-traumatic stress following animal-induced injuries and benefits of reading following a canine-assisted activity. Findings underscore the need for further research examining the effects of pet ownership on children’s development and psychological health in China.
... The improved living standards and the development of modern society have rendered monitoring of health conditions a primary concern [1][2][3][4]. In particular, the real-time health monitoring requirements of the elderly and newborn infants have increased [5,6]. ...
This study developed a rapid manufacturing approach for a moisture sensor based on contactless jet printing technology. A compact measurement system with ultrathin and flexure sensor electrodes was fabricated. The proposed sensor system focuses on continuous urine measurement, which can provide timely information on subjects to ensure efficient diagnosis and treatment. The obtained results verify that the proposed sensor system can exhibit a typical responsivity of up to −7.76 mV/RH% in the high-sensitivity range of 50–80 RH%. A preliminary field experiment was conducted on a hairless rat, and the effectiveness of the proposed ultrathin moisture sensor was verified. This ultrathin sensor electrode can be fabricated in the micrometer range, and its application does not affect the comfort of the user. The ultrathin electrode sensors can be printed directly on the diaper or undergarment of the user for in situ urine health monitoring, particularly of infants and the elderly.
... Nevertheless, the animal agency must be considered to create a professional setting. The majority of current research in animal-assisted interventions shows a focus on the positive effects of the animal species used on humans on a physical, psychological, or social level (see also [6,[11][12][13][14][15][16]). On the other hand, the reverse effect, i.e., the effects of the humans involved on the animals, has not yet been scientifically investigated. ...
Background:
Animals play a crucial role in social occupational fields. The positive effects of animals are described in theory and practice. However, the significance of animal welfare in animal-assisted intervention settings has not yet been extensively researched, so that the aim of this explorative study was to investigate the perception and significance as well as the understanding of animal welfare and its implementation on the part of professionals working with animals.
Methods:
In the present project, 270 animal-assisted professionals from Germany were interviewed about their individual perceptions of animal welfare and their implementation of animal welfare with the help of questionnaires with closed questions (5-point agreement scale) and open questions. The quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS and MS Excel. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic coding.
Results:
The quantitative and qualitative results show that animal welfare poses high importance for people working in animal-assisted interventions. The structure and design of assignments, animal-related aspects and conditions, and education and knowledge are mentioned as generally relevant conditions for ensuring animal welfare from the perspective of animal-assisted intervention practitioners. In addition, different concrete courses of action to ensure animal welfare are described, which are characterized as stopping or changing the setting at different levels.
Conclusions:
Animal welfare plays a central role for professionals working with animals. However, further studies are necessary in order to record other animal welfare-relevant aspects in the animal-assisted interventions, depending on the respective animal species, and to examine the implementation of animal welfare-related measures.
... A significant surge in scientific interest in the potential health advantages of the human-animal link occurred in the late 1970s, thanks to the findings of a Ph.D. dissertation from the University of Maryland (Friedmann et al. 1980). The risks of cardiovascular disease are much lower among pet owners compared to non-owners, according to other research that looked at risk variables for the disease in sizable population samples, such as blood triglycerides and cholesterol (Allen et al. 1991;Anderson et al. 1996;Friedmann et al. 2000;Wells 2009). The purchase of a new pet has been linked to increases in owners' mental and physical health as well as to sustained decreases in their propensity to overreact in stressful situations and stimuli (Allen et al. 2001;Serpell 1991). ...
A common word used to describe the types of social
attachments that frequently develop between humans and
their pets are "human-animal bond".
... The low levels of arousal and complexity of natural environments, compared to urban settings, may facilitate these improvements (Cohen, 1978;Berto, 2014). Likewise, contact with animals has been reported to have numerous psychological benefits to humans (Wells, 2009), which could be partially linked to innate attention to natural stimuli. Therefore, based on the biophilia hypothesis, we postulate that any nonnegative pet-related activity that occurs in close contact with an animal (e.g., sitting next to the cat, taking a dog out) or in a natural environment (e.g., walking the dog in the forest, playing with the pet in the park) should have extrinsic emotional benefits that go beyond the type of interaction between pet and owner and extend to the innate tendency to be responsive to life or life-like stimuli (Table 9). ...
There is a set of hypotheses commonly used in the literature to explain how pets affect human well-being (e.g., pets as social catalysts). Many studies are reported as giving results consistent with one or more of these, but they may not appear to be sufficient to explain the impacts of several pet-related activities on owner well-being. Confirmation bias may also overshadow the consideration of alternative mechanisms. This report aims to review and evaluate a range of psychosocial hypotheses that might help to explain how pets affect the well-being of their owners. This included a theoretical testing of the hypotheses against the recurring themes which emerged from four previously published qualitative frameworks relating to pet-related activities and their well-being outcomes. Twelve psychosocial hypotheses were generated and evaluated using this process: (1) social catalyst-repellent, (2) emotional contagion and empathy, (3) social support, (4) biophilia, (5) attributed fault, (6) social norms, (7) annoyance by noises, (8) routine, (9) caring, (10) exercise, (11) learning, and (12) affective touch. Only three presented potentially contradictory evidence (i.e., social catalyst-repellent, routine, and caring hypotheses), but closer examination revealed that these could not be rejected. These twelve hypotheses are a source of reference for a broader consideration of how pets might affect human well-being. Researchers are encouraged to use, test and/or challenge these hypotheses using established methods of scientific falsification in order to identify which are of the most important in relation to specific owner well-being outcomes.
... У владельцев собак в 8,6 раза больше шансов остаться в живых через год после сердечного приступа, чем у тех, у кого нет собак. У владельцев домашних животных риск развития ишемической болезни сердца значительно ниже, чем у тех, у кого их нет [9,10]. Кошкам уделялось меньше внимания, а исследования, проводимые с использованием кошек, не всегда давали положительные результаты. ...
Домашние животные помогают нам в повседневной жизни, оказывая психоэмоциональную поддержку. Они часто используются в трудотерапии, логопедии или физической реабилитации. Они также ценятся как компаньоны, что влияет на качество жизни человека. В этой статье обобщаются результаты социологического исследования о влиянии животных на психоэмоциональное здоровье и благополучие людей. В исследовании приняло участие 152 респондента в возрасте от 17 до 70 лет. Результаты анкетирования показывают тенденцию увеличения количества семей, имеющих домашних животных. Причѐм большинство семей предпочитает содержать в основном кошек и собак. Отмечено, что домашние животные оказывают положительное психоэмоциональное влияние на хозяев, причем на женщин в большей степени, чем на мужчин. С возрастом это влияние становится более значительным. Установлено, что люди, имеющие домашних животных, менее склонны к психоэмоциональным расстройствам. Животные также вносят большой вклад в развитие ребенка, снижая чувства одиночества и выступая в качестве друга, которому можно доверять. Домашние животные положительно влияют на психику ребенка, на снятие стресса. Причем до 5-летнего возраста эту функцию лучше выполняют кошки, а с 7 лет – собаки.
... The bond between humans and animals has always existed, and humans often overcame trauma by being comforted on a physical, emotional, and psychological level through bonds with animals. In particular, there are studies indicating that companion animals restore emotional balance, promote physical activities and social interactions, and improve stress coping ability by helping companion persons regulate their emotions (Wells, 2009;Zilcha-Mano et al., 2012). There are also studies indicating that persons who raise animals that can communicate emotionally, such as dogs and cats, are able to perceive the same social and emotional support they receive from human relations such as family and friends (Kim & Park, 2018;. ...
The ‘Animal symbol’ symbolizes the primitive and instinctive nature of human beings, and has been psychologically important since ancient times. Among many animals, dogs, in particular, were originally wolves, but were the first to be domesticated by humans. It is an animal that people attach to and regard as a family member because it is absolutely obedient to and dependent on humans when they perceive humans as the leader. However, in most countries, the dog is an animal that has been recognized not only as a loyal, home-keeper, but also as a guide between the dead and the underworld and as a human companion. The reason is that although dogs have been domesticated and become new animals, they still have the instinctive characteristics of wolves. Infants in the early stages of their lives also have a time when they rely entirely on their mothers, similar to the characteristics of domesticated dogs. However, when a healthy attachment is formed, the baby is psychologically separated from the mother and self-development begins toward independence. However, if psychological independence is not achieved for some reason, similar to a domesticated dog, they become completely dependent on their mother and are swallowed up by their maternal mother, and they may become stuck in childhood dependence, causing difficulties in interpersonal relationships. In this case, our reason, guided by the instinctive energy of our inner dog, begins a healing journey towards independence. In this paper, among the many symbols of dogs, the dog as a symbol of loyalty, the dog as a healing animal, the dog as a guide to the unconscious, and the dog as a symbol of instinct and intuition were examined. In addition, the symbolic meaning of the dog discussed above was confirmed through the case where a high school client who was psychologically dependent on his mother while having sandplay therapy started a healing journey by using a dog symbolically to achieve attachment and independence.
Control of zoonotic infections common in animals and humans profoundly contributes to maintaining public health. The source of pathogens for humans is primarily presented by those animals with which they frequently come into contact during agricultural work, hunting, and gathering mushrooms or wild berries as well as in domestic settings (dogs, cats, other domestic animals, rodents). The study was conducted by the OOO "TSPM", Novosibirsk, and involved 111 healthy volunteers. The specific immune response against the following zoonoses was analyzed: toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, brucellosis, listeriosis, leptospirosis, and opisthorchiasis, based on specific IgG antibodies. Specific parasitic immune response was compared with the clinical data of the participants and blood IgE levels. Thirty-nine (35%) out of 111 participants had anti-parasitic IgG antibodies against the following zoonoses: leptospirosis, listeriosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, and opisthorchiasis. Among these 39 participants, 11 had antibodies specific to two or more zoonoses comprising 10% of the cohort. The IgE vs. IgG level in the presence of any zoonosis significantly differed (p=0.0001). Forty-seven participants had normal IgE levels, of whom 8 (17%) had IgG antibodies specific to one of the studied zoonoses. Sixty-four participants had elevated IgE levels, of whom 31 (48%) had IgG antibodies specific to one or more zoonoses, p=0.001. The IgE level may be a predictor of the zoonoses in apparently healthy individuals at IgE level 0.226 IU (area under the curve 0.73 0.62-0.83, p=0.0001; sensitivity 76%, specificity 62%). The identified diagnostic criteria for screening zoonoses can accelerate the differential diagnosis for conditions associated with non-specific complaints. Prospective randomized studies are needed to identify early pathology-related diagnostic criteria.
Over the past two decades, farm animal-assisted therapies have become popular. However, the effects of farm animals on healthy people’s mental states have not yet been investigated. In Study 1, we aimed to explore whether positive effects of human-animal interaction (HAI) can be detected in healthy farm volunteers even after short-term (2–3 hours) work with goats and goatlings on a goat farm. We found that the participants’ state anxiety decreased (p < 0.001) while their trust levels increased (p < 0.001) after interacting with goats. Nevertheless, it is possible that time spent in nature alone can have a beneficial effect on well-being. Therefore, in Study 2, we compared the results of Study 1 with those of a similar short-term outdoor treatment, walking in a botanical garden as a visitor. Similar but smaller effects were found for garden visitors. Decreases in anxiety scores and increases in trust scores were more pronounced in farm volunteers (anxiety: 25% vs 13%, p < 0.001; trust: 13% vs 3%, p = 0.002) after the treatments. Overall, the results suggest that the novel experience of interacting with goats and goatlings has a more positive effect on the mental state of healthy humans than walking in a botanical garden. This finding offer a strong foundation for developing animal assisted therapy methods for individuals with short or long term mental problems, but they can also enhance the wellbeing of mentally healthy people.
Nowadays, the phenomenon of keeping animals, especially cats, is very common among people. Due to the great interest in cats, communities and groups of cat lovers are formed. In modern times, animals are considered to play a role in fulfilling human needs, one of which is to be happy. One alternative method to increase happiness is to build attachments with animals and obtain social support from them. This study aims to examine the effect of pet attachment on the level of happiness of cat owners in Padang City. This study used quantitative methods with a population of cat pet owners in Padang City and involved a sample of 111 subjects. Data were collected using two scales, namely the happiness scale consisting of 28 items with a reliability coefficient of 0.950, and the pet attachment scale consisting of 21 items with a reliability coefficient of 0.922. Data analysis was carried out using simple linear regression techniques. The results of the study using simple linear regression analysis obtained the results of the correlation value r = 0.331, from the output obtained the coefficient of determination (R Square) of 0.110, the value of F count = 13.417 with a significance level of 0.000 <0.05, it can be concluded that there is an influence between pet attachment and the level of happiness of cat pet owners in Padang City.
The field of robotics has grown exponentially over the years, especially the social aspect, which has enabled robots to interact with humans meaningfully. Robots are now used in many domains, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, entertainment, rehabilitation, etc. Along with their widespread usage in many real-life environments, robots have been used as companions to humans. With the increased amount of research done on human–robot companionship (HRC), it is important to understand how this domain is developing, in which direction, and what the future might hold. There is also a need to understand the influencing factors and what kind of empirical results are in the literature. To address these questions, we conducted a systematic literature review and analyzed a final number of 134 relevant articles. The findings suggest that anthropomorphic and zoomorphic robots are more popular as human companions, while there is a lack of interest in functional and caricatured robots. Also, human-like and animal-like features are implemented more in companion robots. Studies rarely exploit the mobility available in these robots in companionship scenarios, especially in outdoor settings. In addition to that, co-existence and co-performance-based implementation with humans have been observed rarely. Based on the results, we propose a future research agenda that includes thematic, theoretical, methodological, and technological agendas. This study will help us understand the current state and usage of robotic companions which will then potentially aid in determining how HRC can be leveraged and integrated more seamlessly into human lives for better effectiveness.
Nowadays pets, especially dogs, are very popular. One of the most common ways of describing dogs is "members of the family". It can be said that nowadays dogs have become an integral part of the household, becoming an important part of one's family and social circle. Not only children want a little friend, but adults also need the company of a pet. Nowadays, the recreational (leisure) purpose of keeping dogs is also increasingly being observed and is becoming more and more visible, as leisure time spent with a dog contributes to improving one's health and working ability. Walking can be one of the most important leisure activities with a dog and can help to provide the daily activity needs. A number of studies have focused on the positive effects of dog walking for physical activity. Research focuses on the positive effects of dog ownership on increasing an individual's physical activity. Active encouragement of dog walking can increase physical activity levels, thus contributing to improving people's health and quality of life [14, 15, 45, 59]. Studies suggest that dog ownership has a positive impact on physical activity [62, 63, 64]. More and more dog owners are now taking their dogs with them on both their travels and holidays. Physical activity, which includes exercise, is inversely related to mortality but also to reducing obesity rates, and thus has an important role in preventing disease, improving quality of life [18] and reducing healthcare expenditure. The aim of my research is to investigate the dog-human relationship and the role and importance of the recreational activity system in this context in society. A further aim of my research was to investigate the role and impact of dogs on dog owners' physical activity, dog interaction and mental health. To achieve my goal, I created an online questionnaire. In my research, I sought to answer questions about how dog owners develop a relationship with their companion animal, the role of the dog in their active leisure time and the impact of the dog on the owner's mental health.
Introduction
Research points to a relationship between owner personality and strength of attachment to one’s pet, with implications for psychological health. So far, studies in this area, albeit sparse, have focused on the ‘Big Five’ traits of owner personality. The ‘Dark Triad’ is a cluster of traits that has also been linked to emotional deficits, but has been overlooked in relation to pet attachment. This study therefore examined the association between owner personality and pet attachment, focusing on both the ‘Big Five’ and ‘Dark Triad’ traits of personality.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was employed to collect quantitative data from dog and cat owners across the globe between May-June 2023. A purpose-designed online survey collected sociodemographic details, along with information on pet ownership, strength of the pet-owner bond and participant personality, assessed using the Big Five personality scale and the Short Dark Triad scale. The survey was fully completed by 759 dog and 179 cat owners.
Results
Analysis revealed significant correlations between many of the participants’ personality traits, both within and between scales. Strength of pet attachment was positively correlated with neuroticism and conscientiousness, and, more weakly, to Machiavellianism. Regression analysis revealed that females, dog owners, people over the age of 50 and individuals who had children under 18 years to care for were more strongly attached to their pets than others. Both neuroticism and conscientiousness were found to be significant predictors of participants’ pet attachment scores. None of the Dark Triad traits significantly predicted the criterion.
Discussion
This study points to a relationship between strength of attachment to one’s pet and owner personality, at least as measured using the Big Five approach to personality assessment. There was little to support an association between the Dark Triad traits and strength of attachment to one’s pet, although the link between these characteristics and attachment styles is still unknown. The investigation lends support for the idea that high attachment levels are associated with personality traits aligned to psychological ill-health. Further work is recommended in this area, with a greater focus on both strength and quality (e.g., attachment style) of the pet-owner bond.
Background
Student mental wellness is a priority in higher education. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs’) are gaining momentum in universities across North America (Dell et al., 2015).
Aims
This study explored the relationships between AAIs’, demographic variables, and perceived momentary stress among university students.
Methods
Using a descriptive correlational design, students completed a Perceived Momentary Stress questionnaire that included the Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11 (Stress NRS-11) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure perceived stress before and after AAIs’. Data were analyzed using R (4.1.2) (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria) to identify relationships between students’ perceptions of momentary stress, AAIs’ and sociodemographic and demographic variables.
Results
First-year students, female students, and students identifying as sexual minorities were found to benefit the most from AAIs’.
Conclusion
Results from this study reflect relationships between exposure to animal-assisted interventions and student demographic variables.
Die bisherige Forschung im Kontext des Praxisfeldes der tiergestützten Interventionen widmet sich vor allem den positiven Effekten von Tieren, in diesem Fall Pferden, auf den Menschen in diesen Settings. Diese Ausrichtung stellt jedoch nur eine Teilebene des feldrelevanten Interaktionsdreiecks „pferdegestützt arbeitende Fachkraft-Pferd-Zielperson“ dar. Zusätzlich relevant und essenziell für das Setting sind die Tiere selbst, die bisher aber noch weniger in den Fokus der Forschung gerückt werden. Vor allem die Frage danach, wie sie die Situationen mit dem ihnen zugewiesenen Status als „Therapiepferd“ u. a. aus soziologischer Perspektive mitgestalten, wurde noch nicht beantwortet. Dieser Forschungslücke widmet sich das hier vorzustellende Forschungsprojekt, in dem die in diesen Settings eingesetzten Pferde in den Mittelpunkt der Betrachtung gestellt werden.
Als theoretische und multiperspektivische Annäherungen an die Mensch-Pferd-Interaktionen dienen im vorliegenden Projekt einerseits aktuelle ethologische Studien zu den Pferden selbst sowie andererseits der Symbolische Interaktionismus als soziologische Bezugstheorie im Kontext des Forschungsfeldes der Human-Animal Studies. Dieser theoretische Ausgangspunkt führte zur Durchführung einer qualitativ ausgerichteten Pilotstudie, in der die Mensch-Pferd-Interaktionen in den tiergestützten Interventionen näher untersucht wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die pferdegestützten Interventionen durch eine speziesübergreifende Aushandlung, Interpretation und Bedeutungsgebung der Situation in Abhängigkeit aller Individuen auszeichnet. Die eingesetzten Pferde werden von den tiergestützt arbeitenden Fachkräften als gleichwertige Arbeitspartner wahrgenommen, die die Settings aktiv mitgestalten. Eine entscheidende Rolle nimmt hier die nonverbale speziesübergreifende Kommunikation ein.
The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) indicates interacting with nature (animals) is restorative to directed attention, via activation of involuntary attention (Kaplan, 1995). Dogs specifically have been linked to promoting exercise and stress reduction (Wells, 2009; Wohlfarth et al., 2013). The application of ART to the expenditure of physical effort was currently explored, hypothesizing that live dog interaction may increase effects of ART during an isometric hold. Sixty participants randomly assigned to an interaction group (dog, robot or toy) completed two isometric holds at maximal effort (before and after interaction) while reporting ratings of perceived effort (RPE) and stress. Results show no significant differences between conditions for duration of holds or RPE. However, ratings of stress were lower for dog interaction than other conditions, implying the presence of dogs help alleviate stress, without affecting performance. Further studies are needed to determine whether ART impacts executive control (directed attention) or affect.
We explored the relational importance in early and middle adulthood in a South African setting. Informants were 52 participants (female = 58%, African language speaking = 31%, age range = 18–65; younger adults = 50%). Data on the types of important relationships and the reasons behind the importance for the different age groups were collected through semi-structured, open-ended questions. Thematic analysis indicated family, friends, and spiritual relationships as the most important relationships across the age groups. Other relationships important to both groups, were relationships pertaining to work, pet/s, and self. The middle adulthood age group emphasised the importance of work relationships above those with friends and further indicated relationships with their spouse, success, and neighbours. Younger adults indicated relationships with romantic partners, academics, and society as a whole. The findings suggest a convoy effect on relationship preferences for these age groups in that they highlight the importance of social relationships and how they vary in different developmental phases or stages of life. Implications for consideration of developmental phases in the design of interventions are indicated.
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 companioship and an object of attachment.
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.
Animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy are typically considered in settings where the contact with the animal is scheduled, often for a person in a residential facility. This chapter asserts that a full-time relationship with an animal offers greater potential to enhance the person's life and that most compatible relationships with animals afford benefits to the person and animal. Thus, the entire range of companionship with animals, from ordinary pet through assistance animal, can be examined in a therapeutic context. Topics discussed include the effect of community context on the human-animal relationship, pets enhancing the quality of life, the normalizing effects of animals, and individuality in responses to animals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
It is generally assumed that social support has a favorable impact on the maintenance of health and on coping with illness. However, results are inconsistent and even conflicting. This is partly due to conceptual and methodological shortcomings. In order to overcome these problems and to guide further research, we present a taxonomy of social relationships and a causal process model. Social integration, cognitive social support and behavioral social support are distinguished and related to personality, stress, coping and the pathogenic process. In the causal model we propose that social support is depicted both as mediating the effects of stress on illness as well as directly affecting illness. A meta analysis was conducted that related social support and social integration to morbidity and mortality based on eighty empirical studies, including more than 60,000 subjects. Data subsets revealed disparate patterns of results that give rise to intriguing theoretical questions. Evidently, social support operates in complex ways. Several causal models are specified which represent alternative pathways of social support processes. Where social support was associated with less illness, a direct effect model was proposed. In cases where more support was seemingly paradoxically associated with illness it is assumed that a mobilization of support has taken place. In conclusion, some recent research examples that help illustrate future directions untangling the social support-illness relationship are presented.
The effect on anxiety of petting an animal and the underlying mechanisms of such an effect were examined by a repeated-measures, within-session experiment with 58 non-clinical participants. Participants were exposed to a stressful situation in the laboratory – the presence of a Tarantula spider, which they were told they might be asked to hold – and then randomly assigned to one of five groups: petting a rabbit, a turtle, a toy rabbit, a toy turtle or to a control group. Participants’ attitudes towards animals were measured as potential moderators. State-anxiety was assessed at baseline, after the stress manipulation, and after the experimental manipulation. The main findings showed that petting an animal reduced state-anxiety. This effect could not be attributed to the petting per se, since it was observed only with animals and not with matched toys. The anxiety-reducing effect of petting an animal applied to both the soft cuddly animals and the hard-shelled ones. The anxiety-reducing effect applied to people with different attitudes towards animals and was not restricted to animal lovers. The discussion addresses possible emotional and cognitive foundations of the observed effects and their implications.
This retrospective study of people in wheelchairs who have service dogs reports their experiences with strangers in public before and after obtaining their dogs. The specific hypothesis tested was that the acquisition of a service dog would increase the number of friendly approaches by strangers. Subjects reported a significantly higher number of social greetings from adults and children on typical shopping trips with the dog as compared with those received on trips before they had the dog or with recent trips when the dog was not present. Subjects with service dogs reported more approaches than a control group without dogs. After obtaining dogs, subjects also increased their evening outings.
The human-animal relationship frequently involves physical touch, and this may have benefits for both participants. Grooming of horses at the withers has a calming effect on recipients, a phenomenon regularly used to reward horses. No studies on the effect on heart rate of grooming in different anatomical areas have been conducted in dogs, even though they are often given physical contact as a putative reinforcer. Kennelled Greyhounds (n = 16) and guide dogs (Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and their crosses, n = 12) were stroked for eight minutes using a grooming device in each of four areas in random order. These sites were selected on the basis of their being innervated by the dorsal branches of the spinal nerves, lateral branches of the spinal nerves, ventral branches of the spinal nerves and the caudal nerves. Heart rate measurements were taken every 30 seconds using an ECG recorder. There were no observed differences in the mean heart rate based on the region of the body groomed (p = 0.893), nor was any interaction of any other factor with area of the body significant (all p > 0.5). However, for all dogs, there was a highly significant trend (overall reduction) over time (p < 0.001), and Greyhounds had consistently higher mean heart rates than guide dogs (p < 0.001). Within Greyhounds, groomed dogs had significantly lower mean heart rates than non-groomed animals (n = 8, p = 0.003). That is, grooming had a substantial effect on reducing heat rate, but the area of the body where grooming was conducted was not important. In addition, males had consistently lower heart rates than females (p < 0.001). If having a reduced heart rate is a sign of reduced stress, then we can assume that non-invasive interventions that have this effect are reinforcing. The extent to which all dogs are reinforced by physical contact depends on their socialization and familiarity with personnel. The intrinsic reinforcing value of physical contact for dogs seems likely to be outweighed by its effect as a secondary reinforcer.
This paper explores the effect of peoples' association with guide dogs on how they understand and feel about themselves and how they are regarded by those with whom they interact. The concepts of personal, collective, and social identity are used to situate the discussion. Of central importance is the way working with a guide dog shapes public interaction and how owner' self definitions and social identities are extended by being intimately involved in the owner-dog team. (C) 2000 International Society for Anthrozoology.
In order to examine pet ownership and pet attachment as factors supporting the health of the elderly, a national probability sample of Americans 65 years of age and older was drawn. Participants answered telephone survey questions regarding pet ownership, life stress, social support, depression, and recent illness. In multiple regression analyses, pet ownership failed to predict depression and illness behavior, while pet attachment significantly predicted depression but not illness experience. In a group with particularly great distress (the bereaved), pet ownership and strong attachment were significantly associated with less depression only when the number of available confidants was minimal.
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychotherapeutic effect of riding therapy (RT) on a group of adult users of a social services mental health team in South Devon. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and pet ownership on human health and well-being are well documented. However, whilst research has been conducted on the benefits of hippotherapy (the employment of horse riding as a physiotherapeutic aid) little has been undertaken on the psychotherapeutic benefits of riding therapy. Through case studies, the current study sought to explore whether the participants benefited in terms of confidence, increased self-esteem and social/interaction skills. A further objective was to find out whether these benefits, if identified, were transferable to other areas of the riders' lives. The study was conducted utilizing a case study, participant observational methodology following the progress of six women with various mental health problems receiving RT on a weekly basis. The sessions comprised of learning to look after the horses and carrying out stable management tasks, in addition to the riding; the chief instructor was aware that an important factor of the RT was building up a relationship and trust with the horses on the ground. Methods employed to record the sessions, apart from participant observation, included interviews and questionnaires. The prime objective of the study was for the riders' experience of the therapy to be expressed in their own words. It was found that the participants benefited in areas ranging from increased confidence and self-concept, and that the therapy aided social stimulation and led to transferable skills being acquired.
Describes a program that permitted 20 state-prison inmates to keep pets. The physiological and behavioral effects of this contact and the effect of pet possession on the frequency and severity of disciplinary offenses were examined retrospectively. The presence of a pet did not affect the rise in blood pressure (BP) associated with talking to the experimenters. However, BP during interaction with the pet was always lower than BP during conversation with the experimenters. Pet ownership had a small effect on the number, but not the severity, of disciplinary offenses. It is concluded that this pet program provided valuable recreation for Ss but had only small and inconsistent effects on antisocial behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The original edition was the first book to provide a comprehensive overview of the ways in which animals can assist therapists with treatment of specific populations, and/or in specific settings. The second edition continues in this vein, with 7 new chapters plus substantial revisions of continuing chapters as the research in this field has grown. New coverage includes: Animals as social supports, Use of AAT with Special Needs students, the role of animals in the family- insights for clinicians, and measuring the animal-person bond. *Contributions from veterinarians, animal trainers, psychologists, and social workers *Includes guidelines and best practices for using animals as therapeutic companions *Addresses specific types of patients and environmental situations.
Psychological Bulletin (Burman & Margolin, 1992), Science (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988), and a lot of grandmothers attest to the impact that relationships have on health, illness, and subjective well-being. This apparent fact has spawned a great deal of research directed at understanding the role of social support: Database searches of just a 5-year period, using the keywords social support, recently yielded 2,508 citations from PsycInfo and 1,321 from Medline.
A solution is suggested for an old unresolved social psychological problem.
Although the socializing role of dogs for people has been well documented, the effectiveness of less active animals in precipitating social interactions is not known. This study examined whether a rabbit or a turtle when accompanied by a young woman confederate sitting in a park would attract unfamiliar adults and children and result in social interchange. For comparison, the woman also sat blowing bubbles or with an operating television set. Behaviors of the approaching adults and children were noted, and conversations were tape recorded. Social approaches were frequent when the woman was sitting with the rabbit or blowing bubbles, were numerous when she was sitting with the turtle, and were virtually absent when she was watching television. The rabbit attracted the most adults. Approaching adults and children talked primarily about the stimulus and themselves and made few references to the confederate. In a friendly community setting and without special effort or obvious need by the confederate, unobtrusive animals evoked social approaches and conversations from unfamiliar adults and children.
Evidence of chemical markers for melanoma in blood and urine suggests that volatile chemicals might be released from melanoma cells (on the skin surface) in amounts sufficient to allow early diagnosis. When tested using methods normally used in canine olfactory detection of drugs and explosives, two dogs demonstrated reliable localization of melanoma tissue samples hidden on the skin of healthy volunteers. One dog (A) then “confirmed” clinically suspected (and subsequently biopsy-proven) diagnoses of melanoma in five patients. In a sixth patient, this dog “reported” melanoma at a skin location for which initial pathological examination was negative, despite clinical suspicion. More thorough histopathological examination in this individual then confirmed melanoma in a fraction of the cells. In a seventh patient, in whom neither dog nor dermatologist provided a definitive response, melanoma was detected by histopathological examination. Dog B searched four of these seven patients; in each case, responses agreed with those of dog A. These findings warrant further study of the conditions under which detection of melanoma might be enhanced by the biological or non-biological detection of volatile chemicals emanating from skin lesions.
Three nursing homes in the Brisbane area took part in the study. The Moreton Bay Nursing Care Unit (20 females, 11 males) had a visiting dog (each week), the Returned Services League War Veterans Home (24 females, eight males) had a resident dog and the Wheeler Garden Settlement (25 females, seven males) the visiting researcher only (control). A desexed female whippet, 11 months old was used in this study.Tension and confusion were reduced in the nursing home with a resident dog (x2 = 21.18, d.f. = 10, P = 0.02; x2 = 35.42, d.f. = 10, P = 0.0001, respectively).The resident dog group showed significant decreases in depression (x2 = 31.19, d.f. = 10, P = 0.0005) as did the control group (x2 = 29.8, d.f. = 10, P = 0.0009; x2 = 23.4, d.f. = 10, P = 0.009).Significant increases in vigour were found in all three nursing homes (visiting dog, x2 = 43.91, d.f. = 10, P = 0.0005; resident dog, x2 = 42.92, d.f. = 10, P = 0.0005; control, x2 = 38.52, d.f. = 10, P = 0.0005).Fatigue decreased significantly in the visiting and resident dog groups (x2 = 21.58, d.f. = 10, P = 0.02; x2 = 19.45, d.f. = 10, P = 0.03, respectively).This long-term study indicates that there are many benefits from having a resident dog in a nursing home. However, if this is not an option, visiting dogs and/or visiting people improve the lives of nursing home residents.
Interest is growing in establishing animal-facilitated programs in prisons. Although food animals have been maintained by prisons for years, few have looked at the benefits inmates derive from working with animals. Recently, prisons have started dog and horse training programs. Preliminary evidence indicates that inmates benefit, learning life-enhancing skills and lowering the recidivism rates. Shelter dogs and wild horses trained by the prisoners help people with physical and emotional needs. State and federal funds are needed to further study the benefits derived for prisoners, animals, and society.
The evidence that people form strong attachments with their pets is briefly reviewed before identifying the characteristics of such relationships, which include pets being a source of security as well as the objects of caregiving. In evolutionary terms, pet ownership poses a problem, since attachment and devoting resources to another species are, in theory, fitness-reducing. Three attempts to account for pet keeping are discussed, as are the problems with these views. Pet keeping is placed into the context of other forms of interspecific associations. From this, an alternative Darwinian explanation is proposed: pets are viewed as manipulating human responses that had evolved to facilitate human relationships, primarily (but not exclusively) those between parent and child. The precise mechanisms that enable pets to elicit caregiving from humans are elaborated. They involve features that provide the initial attraction, such as neotenous characteristics, and those that enable the human owner to derive continuing satisfaction from interacting with the pet, such as the attribution of mental processes to human-like organisms. These mechanisms can, in some circumstances, cause pet owners to derive more satisfaction from their pet relationship than those with humans, because they supply a type of unconditional relationship that is usually absent from those with other human beings.
An expectancy-based explanation of social performance that focuses on the valence of evaluation that is anticipated from an audience was presented and tested. As was predicted, an interaction between a subject's performance ex- pectations and whether he or she performed alone or in the presence of an evaluative audience was found. Subjects expecting to perform successfully an- ticipated a positive evaluation from an audience, resulting in improved perfor- mance over subjects working alone. Conversely, when subjects expected to perform poorly a negative evaluation was anticipated from an audience, although in the overall analysis social performance decrements did not reach significance. However, a comparison with a performance baseline condition. and a reanalysis of data from subjects who did not receive preliminary performance feedback, indicated that both social facilitation and impairment effects were evident. Results are discussed in terms of an expectancy-based explanation of social performance.
The present study sought to determine whether attachment to companion animals is significantly related to the physical and psychological well-being of older women. Network resources, network interactions, and perceived support available to the subjects were assessed and various health factors were measured for a sample of 53 elderly women. The average respondent was 73 years old and had one pet. Half were living alone. The women living alone were older, used more social services, and reported more doctor visits and use of over-the-counter medicines than did those living with others. While the sample is small for a multivariate study, a pilot analysis was undertaken. No relationship was found between pet attachment and feelings of depression, and pet variables had relatively little impact on psychological or physical wellbeing. The authors conclude that these data should not be interpreted as saying that pets are not important for some owners but that, even among this group of attached pet owners, there was not a strong enough effect of the pet to reach group significance. This group was a small, highly selected sample that may have been too homogeneous, and/or the self-report measures may lack the sensitivity to detect differences.
This study investigated the effects of animal-assisted therapy (A-AT) on self-reported depression in a college population. Forty-four participants were selected on the basis of scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). They then were assigned to one of three groups: A-AT in conjunction with psychotherapy (directive group), A-AT only (nondirective group), and control. Standardized regressed BDI posttest scores were used as dependent variables in one-way analysis of variance with treatment as the independent variable. Results revealed significant differences among groups, F(2,41)=3.69, p<.05. Duncan's Multiple Ranges Test indicated that standardized regressed BDI post-test scores differed significantly between nondirective (M=5.67) and control groups (M=10.18).
Research suggests that dogs can facilitate social interactions, which, in turn, may promote psychological health. This study explored the ability of dogs to facilitate social responses relative to other accompaniments and investigated whether the social catalysis effect is generic or influenced by the appearance of the dog. The behavior of 1800 pedestrians approaching a female experimenter was recorded as a function of the presence of three dogs (Labrador Retriever pup, Labrador adult, Rottweiler adult) and two neutral stimuli (teddy bear, potted plant). The behavior of pedestrians approaching the woman whenever she was alone (control) was also explored. Information was collected on the passers-by' gender, number of people in the party, type of acknowledgement elicited and length of conversations. More people ignored the experimenter whenever she was alone or with the teddy or plant, than whenever she was walking a dog. The Rottweiler resulted in more nonresponses than the puppy or adult Labrador, who in turn elicited more smiles and verbal responses. Females, and those alone, elicited more smiles and conversations than males, or those in pairs. It is concluded that dogs can facilitate social interactions between adults better than other accompaniments; however, the social catalysis effect is not generic, but dog specific.
This study tested directly the hypothesis that the mere presence of a person's pet dog produces health benefits by reducing cardiovascular arousal-induced stress. We administered mental arithmetic problems and TAT cards to 32 normotensive dog-owning college students. Half were tested with their dogs present. Dependent measures were heart rate and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, recorded continuously. ANOVAs revealed that mental arithmetic and TAT tasks caused significant increases in all cardiovascular measures, with no difference between dog-present and dog-absent groups. In addition, there were no significant correlations among cardiovascular responses, pet attitudes, and Type A status measured by the Jenkins Activity Survey. Although these results were negative, we recommend stronger tests of the stress-reducing effect of pet presence using larger clinically hypertensive samples and an own-control experimental design.
Researchers have discovered that companion animals can physically and psychologically benefit their owners, and some argue that one's attachment to a companion animal influences those benefits. However, those studying the human-companion animal bond have used measures of attachment that may not be congruent with the school of attachment theory as it is applied to human-human relationships. We propose that the term "attachment" applied to human-companion animal relationships in research to date may share aspects of traditional attachment theory, but does not necessarily parallel attachment theory accurately. This paper provides a discussion of the similarities and differences between traditional attachment theory and measurements of human-companion animal attachment, and a review of the literature on physical and psychological benefits derived from companion animals. We conclude with a brief discussion of new research and future directions.
Using Internet survey data from 2,291 respondents from the United States, we examined socio-demographic predictors of living with a cat or dog. Logistic regressions showed that, for men, being married, living with children, being Midwestern and non-urban increased odds of living with a pet. For women, being White, having a high income, living with children, and living in a rural setting increased odds for pet ownership. Multivariate analyses examining influences of gender, marital status, and pet ownership on depression (CES-D) scores, adjusting for potential confounders, revealed that unmarried women who live with a pet have the fewest depressive symptoms, and unmarried men who live with a pet have the most. These findings suggest that single women benefit from pet companionship, whereas single men may be burdened by it.
Social stimulation is a valuable aspect of therapeutic activities at long-term care facilities, designed to decrease social isolation, maintain or stimulate mental abilities, and increase awareness of the external environment. A study was undertaken at two such facilities to compare the effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) with Non-Animal Therapy (NAT) at providing social stimulation, that is, at providing opportunities for patients to engage in social interaction and to initiate social behaviors. While studies have indicated that AAT can improve resident outlook or affect, few have directly studied the social behaviors that might lead to such improvements, or the role the animals themselves might play. We observed 33 patients, both alert and semi- to non-alert, during regular recreational therapy sessions. Most patients were women (29 vs. four men), and geriatric (in their 70's and 80's). Non-Animal Therapies included Arts and Crafts and Snack Bingo, while AAT involved animals from local animal shelters being brought by volunteers to group sessions. Social behaviors naturally divided into Brief Conversations, Long Conversations, and Touch. We determined frequencies and rates of the behaviors, who initiated the behaviors and whether the behaviors were directed at other people or at the animals. Overall, during AAT residents were involved in as much or more conversation with others, including the animals, as residents in Non-Animal Therapy, and were more likely to initiate and participate in longer conversations. The finding that different kinds of therapies seem to encourage different kinds of conversation might be an important consideration when investigating health benefits. The most dramatic differences between therapy types were found in rates of touch: touching the animals during AAT added significantly to resident engagement in, and initiation of, this behavior. Since touch is considered an important part of social stimulation and therapy, the enhancement of this social behavior by the animals is an important, and perhaps undervalued, effect.
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.
This study re-evaluated the Companion Animal Bonding Scale (Poresky, Hendrix, Mosier and Samuelson 1987) using a wide range of developmental levels. Participants included 714 individuals (284 boys and 430 girls) from fourth grade to undergraduate college status. The elementary, middle, and high school students were enrolled in a public school system in a large metropolitan area and the college students were enrolled in a medium size state university. The sample included 600 Caucasians and 114 members of other ethnic groups. Only responses from current pet owners (n=610) were included in data analysis. Analysis of the Companion Animal Bonding Scale revealed three factors related to human-animal attachment: (1) emotional bond/affectional tie, (2) physical proximity, and (3) caretaking. The caretaking factor found in this study differs from the third factor (animal responsiveness and autonomy) reported by Poresky et al. (1987). The three factors in this study also differ somewhat from those reported by Poresky (1997). The results of this study are discussed within the context of attachment theory.
The psychological and cardiovascular influence of a friendly, unfamiliar dog on a group of 17 male students was compared to a group of men (19) who did not have access to the dog, during a stressor. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured during 4 test conditions (rest, preparation, speech task, recovery). State-anxiety was measured before and after the preparation and speech task. Subjects from the experimental group(E) but not from the control group(C) interacted with a dog during the preparation and speech tasks. The preparation and speech tasks caused statistically significant increases in cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, heart rate) (F(12,22) = 17.60; p = 0.000), and state-anxiety (E-group: ¯xsta1 = 29.8; ¯xsta 2 = 47.9; t = -6.12; df = 16; p = 0.000, C-group: ¯xsta1 = 31.4; ¯xsta2 = 47,0; t = -5.68; df = 18; p = 0.000). No significant differences were found between the control and the experimental group with regard to state-anxiety anxiety (¯xc =15.6; ¯xe =-18.2; t = 0.63; df = 34; p = 0.533), blood pressure and heart rate (F(4,30) = 1.18; p = 0.338), even after controlling for the effects of daily stress (F(4,29) =1.427; p = 0.250). It is concluded that a friendly but unfamiliar dog has no significant psychological or cardiovascular effect on male students during a speech task in a laboratory setting. Possibly the stress of the speech task and the laboratory setting overrided the influence of the pet.
Physiological arousal and behavioral distress in children aged from two to six years undergoing a physical examination were examined with and without the presence of a companion dog. An experimental/control group, repeated measures design was utilized to study children at a pediatric clinic. Thirty-four (14 males, 20 females) children were assigned randomly either to a treatment group (n=15) in which a therapy dog was present during their examinations or to a control group (n=19) which had the usual pediatric exam without a dog present. Physiological variables (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, heart rate, and fingertip temperatures) were measured at baseline and at two-minute intervals during each examination. Subjects were videotaped during the examination for analysis of behavioral distress using the Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress (OSBD). Physiological measurements were not statistically significantly different between the dog and no-dog groups but were found not to be good measures of physiologic arousal in this age group. There was statistically significantly less behavioral distress when the dog was present (M=0.06 in the dog group versus 0.27 in the no-dog group: F(1,32)=4.90, p=0.034). These findings replicate those of Nagengast et al. (1997) who found that the presence of a companion dog could lower the behavioral distress of children during a laboratory simulated physical examination and suggest that companion animals may be useful in a variety of health care settings to decrease procedure-induced distress in children.
A Pets as Therapy [PAT] program was initiated in a women's prison to train companion dogs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The effect on the trainers was studied using an established depression scale and a self-esteem inventory. Results showed significant group changes in both these areas.
Research has shown that certain populations such as nursing home patients and physically ill patients have benefited psychologically from pet ownership. Recent studies have indicated that the relationship between pet ownership and well-being may be complex. We examined the relationship between pet ownership and emotional distress among working women. We also studied the relationship between pet attachment and emotional distress. Participants were 42 cat and/or dog owners and 42 nonowners who were women employees of the American Medical Association. Each completed an inventory on depression, anxiety, and anger. Pet owners also completed a scale to assess degree of attachment to the pet. Results revealed that there were no significant differences between owners and nonowners on any of the measures and that pet attachment was not associated with any of the measures. When compared with national norms, results indicated that pet owners from the present study were significantly more attached to their pets. We concluded that pet ownership may be less therapeutic for working women because they may have insufficient time to spend with their pets that would result in therapeutic effects.
Despite the widespread ownership of pet animals in American families, there is very little analysis of the role of pets in child development. This paper will examine the influence of pet animals on child development; the impact of pet loss and bereavement on children; the problem of child cruelty to animals and its relationship to child abuse; and the role of pets in both normal and disturbed families. The authors will also review their own research study of adult prisoners and juveniles in institutions in regard to their experiences with pet animals.
150 boys and 150 girls between the ages of 3 and 13 yrs were individually interviewed using a series of open-ended questions to analyze the Ss' attitudes toward their pets. It was hypothesized that (1) the cognitive elements would progress from preoperational to concrete operations at 7 yrs of age and to formal operations at 13 yrs of age, (2) the affective elements would progress from egocentricity to empathy and perspective taking, and (3) behavioral elements would progress from dependence on situational cues to caring behavior based on realistically assessed characteristics of pets. Although data support the 2nd and 3rd hypotheses, the cognitive elements progressed only from preoperational to concrete operations. There was no evidence that the 13-yr-olds had entered the formal operations stage. Other data indicate that 90% owned pets but 99.3% wanted pets, a significant indication of children's overall positive attitude toward pets. (40 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)