Measuring commitment in paws: Adaptation of the Investment Model Scale to the context of companion animals with a Portuguese sample

Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

Язык: Английский

---

The Association Between Companion Animal Attachment and Depression: A Systematic Review

Anthrozoös, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 37(6), С. 1067 - 1105

Опубликована: Авг. 12, 2024

There is significant literature related to companion animal attachment and depression, but date, there has not been a systematic review of it. The aims this were threefold: (1) compare depression outcomes between pet non-pet owners; (2) identify the prevalence how operationalized within human–pet relationships literature, as it defined in two distinct, divergent ways: an bond or orientation; (3) synthesize existing association depression. A search five databases (Pubmed, Medline, Web Science, Embase, PsycInfo) was conducted January 2024 locate articles (journal articles, dissertations) focusing on pets, attachment, depressive symptoms that met predefined inclusion exclusion criteria. In total, 40 studies included review. Eighteen compared owners these, 14 found no difference groups, while four significantly less depressed than owners. Most measuring revealed positive non-significant relationship with majority orientation indicate higher levels secure are negatively associated insecurity typically positively We conclude field needs more clarification regarding definition so meaningful conclusions impact mental health can be drawn.

Язык: Английский

---

Young adults’ views on the mechanisms underpinning the impact of pets on symptoms of anxiety and depression

Frontiers in Psychiatry, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 15

Опубликована: Фев. 15, 2024

Introduction Emerging adulthood is considered a peak age for the onset of mental health difficulties with approximately 75% disorders being diagnosed during this developmental period. Companion animals confer both risk and benefits to yet potential underpinning mechanisms which explain such impacts are not fully understood. This study aimed gather an in-depth understanding young adults’ lived experience how their companion dogs cats may impact symptoms perceived effects. Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out 16 adults aged 18-26 years, from United Kingdom, who either had dog, cat, or both. All participants anxiety depression, 12 received formal diagnosis affective disorder. Results Five overarching themes one subtheme identified through reflexive thematic analysis using inductive approach: Theme 1: Pet on generalized panic, Subtheme 1A: social loneliness; 2: low mood, stress; 3: severe suicide prevention; 4: Staying well; 5: Positive outlook successful futures. Several pets also identified. Discussion These findings have relevance development evaluation interventions treatment protocols at difficulties, where prove be effective symptom management improvements in positive wellbeing.

Язык: Английский

---

Perceived costs and benefits of companion dog keeping based on a convenience sample of dog owners

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 21, 2025

The increasing trend of dog ownership is often linked to its perceived benefits for human physical and mental well-being. However, the psychological practical demands caring a can significantly impact owner's quality life long-term success dog-owner relationship. This study aimed provide comprehensive overview both advantages disadvantages ownership, as by convenience sample Hungarian owners (N = 246), who were assumed be generally satisfied with their dogs. employed quantitative (a Cost/Benefit scale consisting 33 neutrally-phrased statements rated on seven-point scale, from − 3 + 3) qualitative methods (two open-ended questions). Quantitative results showed that short lifespan dogs most negative aspect, while belief brighten lives was positively. On average, positive higher (2.06) than ones (−0.66), supporting prediction social exchange theory in voluntary tend perceive more ownership. Qualitative findings revealed six 'benefit' three 'cost' themes. 61% considered meaningful relationship greatest benefit, frequently mentioning dog's constant presence, love, support. Additionally, 15% highlighted another species intrinsic qualities, indicating biophilia effect Regarding costs, 95% respondents identified financial, particularly health-related expenses, significant drawback, only 4–5% mentioned emotional or burdens. In data, principal component analysis core components experience: (1) emotional, physical, benefits, (2) emotions challenges, (3) time commitment. Overall, suggest clear costs though some aspects, such daily care, holiday arrangements, training, seen beneficial disadvantageous, depending owner. Even within sample, diversity owner characteristics sufficient explain why certain facets are experienced differently.

Язык: Английский

---

“Can’t imagine having one without the other now”: Maternal perceptions of pets and attachment relationships in the perinatal period

Human-Animal Interactions, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 31, 2025

Abstract Maternal mental wellbeing and secure attachment relationships are critical for an infant’s socioemotional psychological development, with research focusing on environmental influences these elements. Simultaneously, studies probing how pets provide a bidirectional bond owners across the lifespan. This article broadens intersection of fields by exploring mothers perceive their own infants’ perinatal relationship pet. Applying thematic analysis to online survey responses, three themes were developed: (1) Manifestation & perception changing attachments, (2) Caregiver prioritization, (3) Patterns potential baby-pet attachment. Findings indicate that mother-pet was unique each individual, some reporting pet behaviors (e.g., increased closeness) they interpreted as indicative bond, others avoidance) being making less after birth. Mothers also reported feelings dependent extent which prioritized Finally, felt observed interactions indicated attachment-like between baby Additional is needed understand changes, implications infant may be used protective factor.

Язык: Английский

---

Human-animal bonds and mental health: Examining the roles of bond strength, interactions, and attachment security

Human-Animal Interactions, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 10, 2025

Abstract This study examines how human-animal bonds and interactions impact human mental health. We hypothesized that stronger more secure human-pet frequent would improve health, correlate with bonds. conducted a secondary analysis of data from 1028 US adults pets who completed questionnaires assessing bond strength, pet interactions, depression symptoms. Our results indicated higher attachment anxiety was the only significant predictor prevalent Additionally, (e.g., affection, play) were linked to Participants owning both cats dogs reported symptoms than those owned or but type did not influence security, interaction frequency. These findings highlight as key characteristic relationships underlie their on Future research should explore whether fostering by increasing frequency pleasant health can be improved pets.

Язык: Английский

---

Does Pet Attachment Affect Men’s Psychological Well-Being, Loneliness, and Perceived Social Support? A Cross-Sectional Analysis During the COVID-19 Crisis

Psychiatry International, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 6(1), С. 32 - 32

Опубликована: Март 12, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges, including financial strains and mental health issues like depression loneliness. Human–animal interaction (HAI) offers a potential buffer, as pet ownership been linked to benefits such improved psychological well-being, increased perceived social support, reduced Furthermore, attachment pets appears moderate these effects, with more attached owners experiencing greater benefits. However, most research focused on female samples, leaving gap in understanding HAI among men. This study aimed examine the relationship between loneliness, support Greek male ages 18 45. Between January March 2021, sample of 87 participants completed demographics form four self-reported questionnaires: LAPS for attachment, WHO-5 three-item loneliness scale, MSPSS-Pets support. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that predicted but showed no association well-being or Age emerged predictor older men reporting higher levels, predictors were found. These findings suggest companion animals may provide emotional not alleviate broader burdens intensified during crises pandemic.

Язык: Английский

---

‘He’s Practising His Learned Social Skills on the Cat’: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Parental Perspectives of the Role of Pets in Autistic Children’s Social Skills and Wellbeing

Behavioral Sciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(4), С. 419 - 419

Опубликована: Март 25, 2025

Evidence suggests that autistic children spend less time engaging in social interactions than their neurotypical peers which can negatively impact wellbeing. Researchers, educators, and parents must consider how we address this. A possible facilitator of children’s skills a protective factor for psychological health is the role pets human–pet bond. The study examined parental reports attachment to pet (dog or cat), positive negative behaviours with pet, this relates prosocial behaviour, peer problems, (emotional difficulties, conduct hyperactivity/inattention). Sixty-five an child completed quantitative measures assess these variables. Participants also qualitative questions aimed at understanding perceptions on child. regression analysis showed behaviour towards predicted (β = 0.40 p 0.006). No other models were statistically significant. thematic responses highlighted four themes relation parents’ impacts These (1) Anxiety, Emotion Regulation, Sleep; (2) Understanding Self Other; (3) Communication, Friendships, Social Interactions; (4) Comfort Psychological Health. One theme was identified pets: (5) Pet-Related Anxiety Concerns. findings have implications inform guidelines help make decisions about ownership foster meaningful relationships between pets.

Язык: Английский

---

The Relationship Between Attachment to Pets and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review

Animals, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(8), С. 1143 - 1143

Опубликована: Апрель 16, 2025

While pet ownership is sometimes associated with better mental health, research on this relationship has been inconsistent. Some researchers have considered what factors may impact relationship, such as owners’ attachment to their pets. The aim of systematic review was investigate how pets relates owner health and wellbeing. This followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted using PsychInfo, Scopus Google Scholar. Any peer-reviewed empirical studies, in English, investigating wellbeing outcomes, included. Of the 116 included 15 studies found that higher 22 worse 36 mixed results 33 no significant relationship. Having a stronger one’s tended be when outcomes children, related Stronger symptomology (e.g., depression anxiety). It also influenced by owner’s relationships other people. Due cross-sectional design used review, we cannot infer direction causality for between health. Results indicate having strong not necessarily Future longitudinal needed understand affects influence

Язык: Английский

---

How Attachment to Dogs and to Other Humans Relate to Mental Health

Animals, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14(19), С. 2773 - 2773

Опубликована: Сен. 26, 2024

It is unclear how pet ownership related to mental health, with some previous research suggesting owners have better while other suggests they worse health. Some researchers suggested that it may be more useful investigate the bond people feel their pets and this impact health; however, too has led mixed results. This study examined owners’ attachment dogs was associated health compared relationships humans in a sample of 607 dog owners. Our findings indicate both strong insecure attachments are linked poorer outcomes, as having an style human relationships. The adverse on mediated by these anxious toward people, which turn relationship between also moderated gender, being significant women but not for men. Together, results suggest possible risk who form compensate

Язык: Английский

---