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Kirnan JP, Shapiro AR, Mistretta AJ, Sellet M, Fotinos G, Blair B. Emotional support animals supporting college students' mental health and well-being: A qualitative analysis exploring practices, policies, and perceptions. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1864-1875. [PMID: 35816762 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2095871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Describe the emotional support animal (ESA) experience of college students detailing the process of obtaining an ESA, as well as the benefits and obstacles. Participants: Nine students who had an ESA at college provided preliminary information while an additional four offered insights into their COVID experience with their ESA. Archived records from the Accessibility Resource Center added detail on the ESA process. Methods: This mixed-method study included qualitative interviews (9 students prior to COVID and 4 during COVID) as well as a quantitative analysis of archived data. Thematic analysis was used to extract themes from the interviews. Archived data were analyzed for frequency of select topics. Results: Four positive themes (presence of animal, empowerment, symptom alleviation, and social catalyst) and three negative themes (housing accommodations, lack of ESA education on campus, and social consequences) were extracted from initial interview responses. Analysis of COVID interviews also revealed positive and negative themes with many similar to the pre-COVID responses but also included unique themes reflective of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Archived data revealed a substantial increase in the number of ESAs on campus, a wide range of species, and an array of complaints such as safety concerns, ESA behavior, ESA cleanliness, and ESA in unauthorized areas. Conclusions: Overall, the college ESA experience appears beneficial, facilitating the adjustment to college for students with mental health concerns. However, there are drawbacks. Knowledge of obstacles and concerns will help ease the ESA process for all constituents.
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Hamilton LHA, Van Vliet KJ, Lasiuk G, Varnhagen CK. The Lived Experience of Human-Pet Relationships among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2022; 31:817-835. [PMID: 36039575 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2112350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the high prevalence and severe consequences of childhood sexual abuse, it is essential to identify ways to support adult survivors. One potential and relatively unexplored resource available to survivors is the human-pet relationship. In the literature, the human-pet relationship is linked to many positive benefits to physiological regulation, mental health, physical health, and social support - areas of functioning where survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be particularly at risk. Despite existing evidence, there is little research on human-pet relationships among survivors of childhood sexual abuse. To help address this gap, this qualitative study explored the lived experience of human-pet relationships among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Utilizing data collection and analysis methods from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The following themes were developed from the data: (a) close bond with pet; (b) idiosyncrasies within the human-pet relationship; (c) moral responsibility; (d) fundamental differences between pets and humans; (e) safety in the human-pet relationship; (f) resource for coping with painful experience; (g) positive impact on well-being; (h) buttress for human-human social interaction; (i) medium for skill and knowledge development; and (j) shortcomings of the human-pet relationship. Findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature, along with considerations for practice and future research with childhood sexual abuse survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie H A Hamilton
- Faculty of Education, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - K Jessica Van Vliet
- Faculty of Education, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerri Lasiuk
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Connie K Varnhagen
- Faculty of Education, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Denis-Robichaud J, Aenishaenslin C, Richard L, Desmarchelier M, Carabin H. Association between Pet Ownership and Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadians Assessed in a Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2215. [PMID: 35206405 PMCID: PMC8924879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between pet ownership and quality of life (QoL), loneliness, anxiety, stress, overall health, and mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic using a One Health perspective. An online bilingual survey was completed by 1500 Canadians in April-May 2021. Socio-demographics, health, QoL, stress and anxiety, loneliness, social support, pet ownership, and attitude towards pets data were collected. Crude and adjusted associations between pet ownership and mental health and well-being indicators were estimated. The 1500 participants were from all provinces and territories, half were women; half of the participants were pet owners by design. The crude association estimates showed that pet owners had poorer QoL, overall health, and mental health than non-pet owners, and were lonelier, more stressed, and more anxious than non-pet owners. Adjusted estimates showed that these associations disappeared with the inclusion of the confounders (socio-economic, demographic, health, and pet-related variables). Our results suggest that there was no association between pet ownership and the mental health and well-being indicators measured in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Lucie Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marion Desmarchelier
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M1, Canada
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
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Pet Ownership and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120332. [PMID: 34941859 PMCID: PMC8705563 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pet ownership is the most common form of human–animal interaction, and anecdotally, pet ownership can lead to improved physical and mental health for owners. However, scant research is available validating these claims. This study aimed to review the recent peer reviewed literature to better describe the body of knowledge surrounding the relationship between pet ownership and mental health. A literature search was conducted in May 2020 using two databases to identify articles that met inclusion/exclusion criteria. After title review, abstract review, and then full article review, 54 articles were included in the final analysis. Of the 54 studies, 18 were conducted in the general population, 15 were conducted in an older adult population, eight were conducted in children and adolescents, nine focused on people with chronic disease, and four examined a specific unique population. Forty-one of the studies were cross-sectional, 11 were prospective longitudinal cohorts, and two were other study designs. For each of the articles, the impact of pet ownership on the mental health of owners was divided into four categories: positive impact (n = 17), mixed impact (n = 19), no impact (n = 13), and negative impact (n = 5). Among the reviewed articles, there was much variation in population studied and study design, and these differences make direct comparison challenging. However, when focusing on the impact of pet ownership on mental health, the results were variable and not wholly supportive of the benefit of pets on mental health. Future research should use more consistent methods across broader populations and the development of a pet-ownership survey module for use in broad, population surveys would afford a better description of the true relationship of pet ownership and mental health.
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Oliver-Hall H, Ratschen E, Tench CR, Brooks H, Constantinescu CS, Edwards L. Pet Ownership and Multiple Sclerosis during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312683. [PMID: 34886405 PMCID: PMC8656830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with lower quality of life, reduced social participation, and decreased self-efficacy. The COVID-19 pandemic has had documented effects on the health and wellbeing of people with and without MS. Previous research has demonstrated the positive impact pets can have for people living with long-term conditions. Objectives: To explore the rates of pet ownership and pet attachment in people living with MS and pet ownership associations with quality of life, satisfaction with social roles, and self-efficacy scores; and to explore the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on people’s perceived relationships with their pets. Materials and Methods: A postal questionnaire was distributed to members of a local MS Register and a control group of people without MS. The questionnaire assessed quality of life, satisfaction with social roles, self-efficacy, the perceived roles of pets, and pet-related concerns experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: No apparent difference in attachment to pets was found between the patient and control groups. Pet ownership and level of attachment were not associated with differences in quality of life or self-efficacy scores in people living with MS. Using multiple regression analysis, pet ownership was associated with a decrease in satisfaction with participation in social roles, but with the estimated effect being small compared to having a diagnosis of MS or being unemployed. Most participants reported that pets had positive roles during the pandemic, and the most reported pet-related concern was access to veterinary treatment. Conclusion: Pet owners both with and without MS reported subjective benefits to their wellbeing from pet ownership during COVID-19, although analysis suggested that pet ownership was associated with a reduction in satisfaction with social roles. The study had several limitations and suggestions are made for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Oliver-Hall
- Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3DT, UK;
| | - Elena Ratschen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK;
| | - Christopher R. Tench
- Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical Neurology, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.R.T.); (C.S.C.)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Helen Brooks
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Cris S. Constantinescu
- Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical Neurology, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.R.T.); (C.S.C.)
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Laura Edwards
- Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3DT, UK;
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, London Road, Derby DE1 2QY, UK
- Correspondence:
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Shoesmith E, Spanakis P, Peckham E, Heron P, Johnston G, Walker L, Crosland S, Ratschen E. The Role of Animal Ownership for People with Severe Mental Illness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study Investigating Links with Health and Loneliness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211908. [PMID: 34831665 PMCID: PMC8624942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has reported the benefits of companion animals for people with severe mental illness (SMI). However, this evidence base is fragmented and unclear. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of companion animals in the context of social distancing and isolation measures for people with SMI. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the links between mental and physical health and animal ownership in people with SMI and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to human–animal interactions during the pandemic restrictions. A survey was conducted with a previously assembled cohort of individuals with SMI in the UK. The survey included previously validated and new bespoke items measuring demographics, and outcomes related to mental and physical health, and human–animal interactions. The survey also included a question inviting free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences of their human–animal relationships during the pandemic. Of 315 participants who consented to participate, 249 (79%) completed the survey. Of these, 115 (46.2%) had at least one companion animal. Regression analyses indicated that animal ownership was not significantly associated with well-being and loneliness. However, animal ownership was associated with a self-reported decline in mental health (b = 0.640, 95% CI [0.102–1.231], p = 0.025), but no self-reported change in physical health. Thematic analysis identified two main themes relating to the positive and negative impact of animal ownership during pandemic restrictions. Animal ownership appeared to be linked to self-reported mental health decline in people with SMI during the second wave of the pandemic in the UK. However, the thematic analysis also highlighted the perceived benefit of animal ownership during this time. Further targeted investigation of the role of human–animal relationships and the perceived human–animal bond for human health is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shoesmith
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Panagiotis Spanakis
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Emily Peckham
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Paul Heron
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | | | - Lauren Walker
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Suzanne Crosland
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Elena Ratschen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
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Carlisle GK, Brosi T, Craven S, Deckert E, Tennison A. Patients and Their Relationships with Their Companion Animals: Veterinary Collaboration and Referral. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2021; 118:499-505. [PMID: 34924611 PMCID: PMC8672946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen K Carlisle
- Research Scientist at the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri (CVM UMCO COMO)
| | | | | | | | - Angela Tennison
- Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, CVM UMCO COMO
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Friesinger JG, Birkeland B, Thorød AB. Human-Animal Relationships in Supported Housing: Animal Atmospheres for Mental Health Recovery. Front Psychol 2021; 12:712133. [PMID: 34484069 PMCID: PMC8416242 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.712133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Being in a relationship with an animal can promote the well-being of people. For many individuals, this usually takes place at home. This study reports about homes for people with mental health problems (with or without co-occurring substance use), who live in supported housing operated by public landlords, entailing tenancies that are usually stricter regarding their pet policies than ordinary homes. We thus addressed the following research questions through ethnographic fieldwork at seven distinct places: which types of human–animal relationships occur in supported housing, and how do they affect the tenants? We analyzed the collected data informed by the Grounded Theory approach and found three types of human–animal relationships within supported housing affecting the tenants differently, namely, “no animals,” “visiting animals,” and “shared/sole ownership of animals.” Animals in the buildings can stage atmospheres that promote solidarity and connectedness among people. In contrast, situations in which animals are forbidden can create emotional tensions between tenants and staff or landlords. When discussing fostering animal atmospheres and limits to keeping pets, we concluded that animals can contribute to the mental health recovery of tenants by creating acknowledgment and rootedness. Therefore, public housing services need to guarantee equal rights to the tenants as they do with every citizen, including the right to keep a pet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bente Birkeland
- Department of Psychosocial Health, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Anne Brita Thorød
- Department of Psychosocial Health, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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Kolmes S. Are emotional support animals prosthetics or pets? Body-like rights to emotional support animals. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 47:632-638. [PMID: 32620572 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many philosophers have argued that prosthetic limbs are the subjects of some of the same rights as traditional body parts. This is a strong argument in favour of respecting the rights of users of prosthetics. I argue that all of the reasons to consider paradigm prosthetics the subjects of body-like rights apply to the relationship between some emotional support animals (ESAs) and their handlers. ESAs are integrated into the functioning of their handlers in ways that parallel the ways that paradigm prosthetics are integrated into the functioning of their users. ESAs are also phenomenologically integrated into their handler's lives in ways that parallel the phenomenological integration that prosthetic users experience. These parallels provide a strong reason to take the rights of ESA handlers much more seriously than we do now. I will highlight that the current treatment of ESA handlers presumes that they have no rights to ESAs at all. Even if ESAs are the subject of very minimal body-like rights, ESA handlers are having their rights violated. There are of course disanalogies between ESAs and paradigm prosthetics. Most notably, ESAs are alive and separate from their handlers. However, none of these disanalogies are relevant to the question of body-like rights. The differences between ESAs and paradigm prosthetics are in terms of what treatment is owed to them, not in terms of what rights their handlers and users should have. ESAs are not prosthetics, but they deserve some of the rights prosthetics do.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kolmes
- Philosophy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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10
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Lass-Hennemann J, Schäfer SK, Sopp MR, Michael T. The Relationship between Dog Ownership, Psychopathological Symptoms and Health-Benefitting Factors in Occupations at Risk for Traumatization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2562. [PMID: 32276495 PMCID: PMC7178020 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Individuals working in high-risk occupations (e.g., emergency staff) are exposed to high levels of occupational stress including traumatic events. Correspondingly, several studies report high rates of mental health problems among these occupations. Pet ownership has been associated with better mental health. However, to date a study on the association between pet ownership and indicators of mental health in these occupations is missing. The present cross-sectional survey (N = 580) investigated pet ownership, attachment to pets, health-benefitting factors (i.e., sense of coherence, trait-resilience, locus of control) and psychopathological symptoms (i.e., general mental health problems, posttraumatic stress, burnout) in medical staff, police officers, and firefighters. Dog owners and non-dog owners showed comparable levels of psychopathological distress and health-benefitting factors. Compared to cat owners, dog owners demonstrated stronger emotional attachment to their pet. Moreover, a stronger attachment was also linked to higher levels of psychopathological symptoms and lower levels of health-benefitting factors. However, the relationship between attachment to pets and health-benefitting factors could be explained by their overlap with psychopathological symptom levels. Overall, our findings are not in line with the notion that pet ownership generally has a health-benefitting effect. Future studies need to investigate circumstances that modulate positive effects of pet ownership.
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‘It gives you more to life, it's something new every day’: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of wellbeing in older care home residents who keep a personal pet. AGEING & SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x19001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThere is a substantial amount of literature that suggests that animals, and specifically animals kept as pets, can have a positive effect on wellbeing. Research exploring the impact of animals on wellbeing in care homes mainly concerns visiting animals as well as shared communal pets. In light of the lack of research regarding personal pets in care homes, the aim of this study was to explore what the experience of keeping a personal pet in a care home means for residents’ sense of wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven care home residents who were currently living with their pet in a care home. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis revealed four master themes deemed to be relevant to participants’ wellbeing. these were: ‘sense of self and identity’, ‘responsibility and ownership’, ‘motivation and desire to live’ and ‘feeling content in the care home’. The analysis indicated that living with a personal pet in a care home has the potential to enhance residents’ wellbeing. At the same time, it also found that the benefits of keeping a personal pet may be dependent on specific circumstances, such as the attitudes of staff and fellow residents at the care home. This study indicates that it may be advisable for more care homes to accept personal pets.
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12
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Edwards L. Human animal interaction, animal assisted therapy and pet ownership in neurorehabilitation. ADVANCES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE & REHABILITATION 2020. [DOI: 10.47795/xlwc8078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students Mood and Anxiety. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100846. [PMID: 31640244 PMCID: PMC6826684 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study investigates whether interacting with a dog would have a positive effect on university students’ mood and anxiety. Students were assigned to either watch videos of a dog or interact directly with a dog. Several measures were collected both before and after their assigned conditions to evaluate their mood and anxiety levels and to assess for possible changes. The results indicated that participants in both conditions experienced a reduction in their anxiety and an improvement in their mood across time, however those who directly interacted with a dog experienced a greater decline in anxiety and improved mood scores. Abstract University students have been found to have higher rates of psychological distress than that of the general population, which reportedly rises significantly upon starting university and does not return to pre-university levels throughout their time in university. It is therefore highly important to find ways to improve student health and well-being. One way that may help is by interacting with animals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether interacting with a dog would have a positive effect on university students’ mood and anxiety. This study assigned 82 university students to either the experimental condition (dog interaction, n = 41) or to the control condition (dog video, n = 41). The students completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form (PANAS-X), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Pet Attitude Scale before their assigned conditions, to evaluate their mood and anxiety levels and attitudes to animals. The participants again completed the STAI and PANAS-X Form after their condition, to assess for possible changes in anxiety and mood. The findings of the study indicated that all participants, regardless of condition, experienced a reduction in their anxiety and an improvement in their mood across time. However, directly interacting with a dog resulted in greater declines in anxiety and improved mood scores, more so than watching a video. Consequently, it appears there are psychological benefits to be gained by students from interacting with dogs and it is hoped this study will help to inform future best practices in designing student dog interventions.
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Walther S, Yamamoto M, Thigpen AP, Willits NH, Hart LA. Geographic Availability of Assistance Dogs: Dogs Placed in 2013-2014 by ADI- or IGDF-Accredited or Candidate Facilities in the United States and Canada, and Non-accredited U.S. Facilities. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:349. [PMID: 31649944 PMCID: PMC6794437 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assistance dogs' roles have diversified to support people with various disabilities, especially in the U.S. Data presented here are from the U.S. and Canada non-profit facilities (including both accredited and candidate members that fulfilled partial requirements: all here termed “accredited”) of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), and from non-accredited U.S. assistance dog training facilities, on the numbers and types of dogs they placed in 2013 and 2014 with persons who have disabilities. ADI categories of assistance dogs are for guide, hearing, and service (including for assistance with mobility, autism, psychiatric, diabetes, seizure disabilities). Accredited facilities in 28 states and 3 provinces responded; accredited non-responding facilities were in 22 states and 1 province (some in states/provinces with responding accredited facilities). Non-accredited facilities in 16 states responded. U.S./Canada responding accredited facilities (55 of 96: 57%) placed 2,374 dogs; non-accredited U.S. facilities (22 of 133: 16.5%) placed 797 dogs. Accredited facilities placed similar numbers of dogs for guiding (n = 918) or mobility (n = 943), but many more facilities placed mobility service dogs than guide dogs. Autism service dogs were third most for accredited (n = 205 placements) and U.S. non-accredited (n = 72) facilities. Psychiatric service dogs were fourth most common in accredited placements (n = 119) and accounted for most placements (n = 526) in non-accredited facilities. Other accredited placements were for: hearing (n = 109); diabetic alert (n = 69), and seizure response (n = 11). Responding non-accredited facilities placed 17 hearing dogs, 30 diabetic alert dogs, and 18 seizure response dogs. Non-accredited facilities placed many dogs for psychiatric assistance, often for veterans, but ADI accreditation is required for veterans to have financial reimbursement. Twenty states and several provinces had no responding facilities; 17 of these states had no accredited facilities. In regions lacking facilities, some people with disabilities may find it inconvenient living far from any supportive facility, even if travel costs are provided. Despite accelerated U.S./Canada placements, access to well-trained assistance dogs continues to be limited and inconvenient for many people with disabilities, and the numerous sources of expensive, poorly trained dogs add confusion for potential handlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Walther
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Abigail P Thigpen
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Neil H Willits
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lynette A Hart
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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15
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McLaughlin K, Hamilton AL. Exploring the influence of service dogs on participation in daily occupations by veterans with PTSD: A pilot study. Aust Occup Ther J 2019; 66:648-655. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn McLaughlin
- School of Health and Sport Sciences University of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Qld Australia
| | - Anita L. Hamilton
- School of Health and Sport Sciences University of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Qld Australia
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16
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Skoy E, Werremeyer A. Using Photovoice to Document Living With Mental Illness on a College Campus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1179557318821095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Almost one-fourth of college students are living with a mental illness. Although much discussion has taken place on the mental health of today’s students, information from the students living with mental illness is lacking. The purpose of this study was to allow college students living with mental illness to document and communicate their realities with peers and university stakeholders through the participatory action research methodology, Photovoice. Seventeen college students who were prescribed at least one medication used to treat mental illness were given disposable cameras and asked to take photographs reflecting their realities of living with mental illness. Students met individually with researchers for reflection and as a focus group with other participants to discuss their photographs. All meetings were audio recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analysed. An additional meeting was held to communicate the students’ realities with campus stakeholders. Main themes identified were: insights into campus services, increasing awareness and educating others, support, and barriers to getting better. Photovoice was an effective methodology to allow college students living with mental illness to communicate with campus stakeholders to increase awareness and education. Through the sharing of photographs and reflections, policies and practices affecting students living with mental illness are being examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Skoy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Amy Werremeyer
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
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Bergen-Cico D, Smith Y, Wolford K, Gooley C, Hannon K, Woodruff R, Spicer M, Gump B. Dog Ownership and Training Reduces Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Increases Self-Compassion Among Veterans: Results of a Longitudinal Control Study. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:1166-1175. [PMID: 30256652 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2018.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure the potential impact of a therapeutic dog ownership and training program for Veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Design: The study used a quasi-experimental design with two cohorts of Veterans-a dog owner-trainer intervention and a wait list control group. Participants completed baseline and 12-month follow-up assessments. Setting: Clear Path for Veterans, a nonclinical, open recreation facility whose mission is to support Veterans and their families in the reintegration process after military service. Subjects: Participants (n = 48) were either enrolled in the veterans therapeutic dog owner-trainer program (Dogs2Vets) or were placed in the wait list control group. Intervention: Veterans were enrolled in the Dogs2Vets program, a 12-month structured dog owner-trainer program that engages veterans in the training and care of a dog that they ultimately adopt. The Dogs2Vets Program focuses on the healing aspects of the human-animal bond. Outcome measures: PTSD Checklist, Military Version (PCL-M), perceived stress scale, self-compassion scale (SCS) composite, and SCS subscales for isolation and self-judgment. Results: Veterans participating in the Dogs2Vets owner-trainer program experienced significant reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress, perceived stress, isolation, and self-judgment accompanied by significant increases in self-compassion. In contrast there were no significant improvements in these measures among veterans in the wait list control group. Qualitative data reinforced the statistical findings with themes of decreased isolation, unconditional acceptance and companionship, and a renewed sense of safety and purpose from their relationships with their dogs. Conclusion: Veterans benefit significantly from dog ownership in combination with a structured dog training program. Not only do they experience significant decreases in stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms but also they experience less isolation and self-judgment while also experiencing significant improvements in self-compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yvonne Smith
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| | | | - Collin Gooley
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| | | | | | | | - Brooks Gump
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
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18
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Brooks HL, Rushton K, Lovell K, Bee P, Walker L, Grant L, Rogers A. The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the evidence. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:31. [PMID: 29402247 PMCID: PMC5800290 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing recognition of the therapeutic function pets can play in relation to mental health. However, there has been no systematic review of the evidence related to the comprehensive role of companion animals and how pets might contribute to the work associated with managing a long-term mental health condition. The aim of this study was to explore the extent, nature and quality of the evidence implicating the role and utility of pet ownership for people living with a mental health condition. METHODS A systematic search for studies exploring the role of companion animals in the management of mental health conditions was undertaken by searching 9 databases and undertaking a scoping review of grey literature from the earliest record until March 2017. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to be published in English and report on primary data related to the relationship between domestic animal ownership and the management of diagnosable mental health conditions. Synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data was undertaken in parallel using a narrative synthesis informed by an illness work theoretical framework. RESULTS A total of 17 studies were included in the review. Quantitative evidence relating to the benefits of pet ownership was mixed with included studies demonstrating positive, negative and neutral impacts of pet ownership. Qualitative studies illuminated the intensiveness of connectivity people with companion animals reported, and the multi-faceted ways in which pets contributed to the work associated with managing a mental health condition, particularly in times of crisis. The negative aspects of pet ownership were also highlighted, including the practical and emotional burden of pet ownership and the psychological impact that losing a pet has. CONCLUSION This review suggests that pets provide benefits to those with mental health conditions. Further research is required to test the nature and extent of this relationship, incorporating outcomes that cover the range of roles and types of support pets confer in relation to mental health and the means by which these can be incorporated into the mainstay of support for people experiencing a mental health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Louise Brooks
- Psychology of Healthcare Research Group, Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kelly Rushton
- Mental Health Research Group, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Karina Lovell
- Mental Health Research Group, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Penny Bee
- Mental Health Research Group, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lauren Walker
- Mental Health Research Group, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Anne Rogers
- NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Wood E, Ohlsen S, Thompson J, Hulin J, Knowles L. The feasibility of brief dog-assisted therapy on university students stress levels: the PAwS study. J Ment Health 2017; 27:263-268. [PMID: 28984144 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2017.1385737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet therapy is becoming increasingly popular and is used in a variety of ways from encouraging communication in older adults to improving wellbeing in those with serious mental illness. Increasingly Universities have been offering pet therapy to students in an effort to reduce stress. However, little evidence currently exists to support the effectiveness of reducing measurable stress levels after a standalone drop-in unstructured session. The University of Sheffield's Counselling Service works in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind to give students access to calm, well-trained animals for informal group stress relief. AIMS To assess the feasibility of implementing and evaluating unstructured group interventions with a Guide Dog in training within the university student population. METHODS One hundred and thirty-one students who attended pet therapy at the University Counselling Service were recruited on a voluntary basis to take part in the research. Stress, measured on the state trait anxiety inventory, and blood pressure were taken before and after a 15-min intervention. RESULTS All measures showed a statistically significant reduction immediately after the intervention. CONCLUSION Short interactions with a Guide Dog in training appear to reduce stress in University students. A controlled study is required to investigate further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Wood
- a The School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield , Sheffield , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sally Ohlsen
- a The School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield , Sheffield , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jennifer Thompson
- b The School of Psychology, The University of Birmingham , Birmingham , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , and
| | - Joe Hulin
- a The School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield , Sheffield , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Louise Knowles
- c The University of Sheffield Counselling Service , Sheffield , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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20
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Muckle J, Lasikiewicz N. An exploration of the benefits of animal-assisted activities in undergraduate students in Singapore. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ajsp.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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21
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Walther S, Yamamoto M, Thigpen AP, Garcia A, Willits NH, Hart LA. Assistance Dogs: Historic Patterns and Roles of Dogs Placed by ADI or IGDF Accredited Facilities and by Non-Accredited U.S. Facilities. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:1. [PMID: 28154816 PMCID: PMC5243836 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs' roles to support people with disabilities are increasing. Existing U.S. laws and regulations pertaining to the use of dogs for people with disabilities are only minimally enforced. Pushback legislation against some aspects of uses of assistance dogs currently is being passed or proposed in several states. Further, the U.S. Department of the Army and the Veterans' Administration support only dogs trained by an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited facility. Lacking a mandatory national process for screening the selection, training, and placement of assistance dogs with persons who have disabilities, the U.S. offers a creative but confusing opportunity for people to train their own dogs for any disability. While no U.S. surveillance system monitors assistance dogs, other countries generally have a legislated or regulatory process for approving assistance dogs or a cultural convention for obtaining dogs from accredited facilities. We conducted an online survey investigating current demographics of assistance dogs placed in 2013 and 2014 with persons who have disabilities, by facilities worldwide that are associated with ADI or IGDF and by some non-accredited U.S. facilities. Placement data from ADI and IGDF facilities revealed that in most countries aside from the U.S., guide dogs were by far the main type of assistance dog placed. In the U.S., there were about equal numbers of mobility and guide dogs placed, including many placed by large older facilities, along with smaller numbers of other types of assistance dogs. In non-accredited U.S. facilities, psychiatric dogs accounted for most placements. Dogs for families with an autistic child were increasing in all regions around the world. Of dog breeds placed, accredited facilities usually mentioned Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, and sometimes, German Shepherd Dogs. The facilities bred their dogs in-house, or acquired them from certain breeders. Non-accredited facilities more often used dogs from shelters or assisted people in training their own dogs. Facilities in Europe and the U.S. place dogs in all roles; other parts of the world primarily focus on guide dogs. Expansion of assistance dogs in many roles is continuing, with numbers of dogs placed accelerating internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Walther
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis , Davis, CA , USA
| | | | - Abigail Paige Thigpen
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis , Davis, CA , USA
| | - Anaissa Garcia
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis , Davis, CA , USA
| | - Neil H Willits
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Davis , Davis, CA , USA
| | - Lynette A Hart
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis , Davis, CA , USA
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22
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Yarborough BJH, Yarborough MT, Janoff SL, Green CA. Getting by, getting back, and getting on: Matching mental health services to consumers' recovery goals. Psychiatr Rehabil J 2016; 39:97-104. [PMID: 26414748 PMCID: PMC4809796 DOI: 10.1037/prj0000160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to better understand mental health recovery from the point of view of mental health consumers to identify opportunities for practice improvements that closely align services with consumer goals and consumer-preferred outcomes. METHOD As part of an exploratory study of recovery, semistructured interviews were conducted with 177 integrated health plan members diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or affective psychosis. Transcripts of in-depth interviews were coded using Atlas.ti, and definitions of recovery were further subcoded. A qualitative analysis using a modified grounded theory approach and constant comparative method identified common themes and less common but potentially important recovery-related experiences and perspectives. RESULTS Three primary and 2 cross-cutting themes emerged. "Getting by" meant coping and meeting basic needs. "Getting back" meant learning to live with mental illness. "Getting on" meant living a life where mental illness was no longer prominent. Regaining control and recouping losses were cross-cutting themes. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Mental health recovery is complex and dynamic; individuals' recovery goals can be expected to change over time. Person-centered care must accommodate changing consumer priorities, services must be flexible and responsive, and outcomes need to match consumers' objectives. Clinicians can assist in (a) identifying recovery goals, (b) monitoring progress toward and recognizing movement away from goals, (c) tailoring support to different phases/stages, and (d) supporting transitions between phases/stages. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carla A Green
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest
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23
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Hayama S, Chang L, Gumus K, King GR, Ernst T. Neural correlates for perception of companion animal photographs. Neuropsychologia 2016; 85:278-86. [PMID: 27020140 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anthrozoological neuroscience, which we propose as the use of neuroscience techniques to study human-animal interaction, may help to elucidate mechanisms underlying the associated psychological, physiological, and other purported health effects. This preliminary study investigates the neural response to animal photographs in pet owners and non-pet owners, and both attraction and attachment to companion animals as modulators of human perception of companion animal photographs. Thirty male participants, 15 "Pet Owners" (PO) and 15 "Non-Pet Owners" (NPO), viewed photographs of companion animals during functional MRI (fMRI) scans at 3 T and provided ratings of attraction to the animal species represented in the photographs. Fourteen subjects additionally submitted and viewed personal pet photographs during fMRI scans, and completed the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). PO exhibited greater activation than NPO during the viewing of animal photographs in areas of the insula, and frontal and occipital cortices. Moreover, ratings of attraction to animals correlated positively with neural activation in the cingulate gyrus, precentral gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and superior temporal gyrus during the viewing of representative photographs. For subjects with household pets, scores on the LAPS correlated positively with neural activation during the viewing of owned pet photographs in the precuneus, cuneus, and superior parietal lobule. Our preliminary findings suggest that human perception of companion animals involve the visual attention network, which may be modulated at the neural level by subjective experiences of attraction or attachment to animals. Our understanding of human-animal interactions through anthrozoological neuroscience may better direct therapeutic applications, such as animal-assisted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hayama
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa Neuroscience and MR Research Program, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
| | - Linda Chang
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa Neuroscience and MR Research Program, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
| | - Kazim Gumus
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa Neuroscience and MR Research Program, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, Biophysics, Talas Yolu üzeri, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey.
| | - George R King
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa Neuroscience and MR Research Program, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
| | - Thomas Ernst
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa Neuroscience and MR Research Program, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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24
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The benefit of pets and animal-assisted therapy to the health of older individuals. Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res 2014; 2014:623203. [PMID: 25477957 PMCID: PMC4248608 DOI: 10.1155/2014/623203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies utilizing dogs, cats, birds, fish, and robotic simulations of animals have tried to ascertain the health benefits of pet ownership or animal-assisted therapy in the elderly. Several small unblinded investigations outlined improvements in behavior in demented persons given treatment in the presence of animals. Studies piloting the use of animals in the treatment of depression and schizophrenia have yielded mixed results. Animals may provide intangible benefits to the mental health of older persons, such as relief social isolation and boredom, but these have not been formally studied. Several investigations of the effect of pets on physical health suggest animals can lower blood pressure, and dog walkers partake in more physical activity. Dog walking, in epidemiological studies and few preliminary trials, is associated with lower complication risk among patients with cardiovascular disease. Pets may also have harms: they may be expensive to care for, and their owners are more likely to fall. Theoretically, zoonotic infections and bites can occur, but how often this occurs in the context of pet ownership or animal-assisted therapy is unknown. Despite the poor methodological quality of pet research after decades of study, pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy are likely to continue due to positive subjective feelings many people have toward animals.
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25
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Thompson K, Every D, Rainbird S, Cornell V, Smith B, Trigg J. No Pet or Their Person Left Behind: Increasing the Disaster Resilience of Vulnerable Groups through Animal Attachment, Activities and Networks. Animals (Basel) 2014; 4:214-40. [PMID: 26480038 PMCID: PMC4494382 DOI: 10.3390/ani4020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased vulnerability to natural disasters has been associated with particular groups in the community. This includes those who are considered de facto vulnerable (children, older people, those with disabilities etc.) and those who own pets (not to mention pets themselves). The potential for reconfiguring pet ownership from a risk factor to a protective factor for natural disaster survival has been recently proposed. But how might this resilience-building proposition apply to vulnerable members of the community who own pets or other animals? This article addresses this important question by synthesizing information about what makes particular groups vulnerable, the challenges to increasing their resilience and how animals figure in their lives. Despite different vulnerabilities, animals were found to be important to the disaster resilience of seven vulnerable groups in Australia. Animal attachment and animal-related activities and networks are identified as underexplored devices for disseminating or 'piggybacking' disaster-related information and engaging vulnerable people in resilience building behaviors (in addition to including animals in disaster planning initiatives in general). Animals may provide the kind of innovative approach required to overcome the challenges in accessing and engaging vulnerable groups. As the survival of humans and animals are so often intertwined, the benefits of increasing the resilience of vulnerable communities through animal attachment is twofold: human and animal lives can be saved together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirrilly Thompson
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Danielle Every
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Sophia Rainbird
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Victoria Cornell
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Bradley Smith
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Joshua Trigg
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia.
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26
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Mills D, Hall S. Animal-assisted interventions: making better use of the human-animal bond. Vet Rec 2014; 174:269-73. [PMID: 24627508 DOI: 10.1136/vr.g1929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Lincoln LN2 2LG, UK e-mail:
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27
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Green CA, Perrin NA, Leo MC, Janoff SL, Yarborough BJH, Paulson RI. Recovery from serious mental illness: trajectories, characteristics, and the role of mental health care. Psychiatr Serv 2013; 64:1203-10. [PMID: 23999823 PMCID: PMC4330090 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201200545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to identify trajectories of recovery from serious mental illnesses. METHODS A total of 177 members (92 women; 85 men) of a not-for-profit integrated health plan participated in a two-year mixed-methods study of recovery (STARS, the Study of Transitions and Recovery Strategies). Diagnoses included schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and affective psychosis. Data sources included self-reported standardized measures, interviewer ratings, qualitative interviews, and health plan data. Recovery was conceptualized as a latent construct, and factor analyses and factor scores were used to calculate recovery trajectories. Individuals with similar trajectories were identified through cluster analyses. RESULTS Four trajectories were identified-two stable (high and low levels of recovery) and two fluctuating (higher and lower). Few demographic or diagnostic factors differentiated clusters at baseline. Discriminant analyses for trajectories found differences in psychiatric symptoms, physical health, satisfaction with mental health clinicians, resources and strains, satisfaction with medications, and mental health service use. Those with higher scores on recovery factors had fewer psychiatric symptoms, better physical health, greater satisfaction with mental health clinicians, fewer strains and greater resources, less service use, better quality of care, and greater satisfaction with medication. Consistent predictors of trajectories included psychiatric symptoms, physical health, resources and strains, and use of psychiatric medications. CONCLUSIONS Having access to good-quality mental health care-defined as including satisfying relationships with clinicians, responsiveness to needs, satisfaction with psychiatric medications, receipt of services at needed levels, support in managing deficits in resources and strains, and care for general medical conditions-may facilitate recovery. Providing such care may improve recovery trajectories.
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Wohlfarth R, Mutschler B, Beetz A, Kreuser F, Korsten-Reck U. Dogs motivate obese children for physical activity: key elements of a motivational theory of animal-assisted interventions. Front Psychol 2013; 4:796. [PMID: 24194726 PMCID: PMC3810595 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is empirical evidence that the presence of a companion animal can have a positive impact on performance. The available evidence can be viewed in terms of differing hypotheses that attempt to explain the mechanisms behind the positive effects. Little attention has been given to motivation as a potential mode of action with regards to human-animal interactions. First we give an overview of evidence that animals might promote motivation. Second we present a study to examine the effect of a therapy dog on exercise performance in children with obesity. Methods: Twelve children, aged 8–12 years old, were randomly assigned to two groups in a crossover design: dog-group and human confederate group. Several types of physical activities via accelerometer and subjective ratings of wellbeing, satisfaction, and motivation were assessed. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures on one factor. Results: The main effect of condition was significant for all performance variables. There was less passive behavior and more physical activity for all performance variables in the presence of the dog than in that of the human confederate. Between dog- and human- condition there was no difference in the subjective rating of motivation, wellbeing, or satisfaction. Discussion: The results demonstrate that the presence of a therapy dog has the potential to increase physical activity in obese children. Task performance as a declarative measure was increased by the presence of the dog in comparison to a human confederate, but self-report measures of motivation, satisfaction or wellbeing did not differ between the two conditions. Therefore, it stands to reason that a dog could trigger implicit motives which enhance motivation for activity. The results of our study indicate the potentially beneficial effect of incorporating dogs into outpatient training for obese children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Wohlfarth
- Department of Public Health & Health Education, University of Education Freiburg, Germany ; Freiburg Institute of Animal-Assisted Therapy Freiburg, Germany
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Hanauer DA, Ramakrishnan N, Seyfried LS. Describing the relationship between cat bites and human depression using data from an electronic health record. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70585. [PMID: 23936453 PMCID: PMC3731284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Data mining approaches have been increasingly applied to the electronic health record and have led to the discovery of numerous clinical associations. Recent data mining studies have suggested a potential association between cat bites and human depression. To explore this possible association in more detail we first used administrative diagnosis codes to identify patients with either depression or bites, drawn from a population of 1.3 million patients. We then conducted a manual chart review in the electronic health record of all patients with a code for a bite to accurately determine which were from cats or dogs. Overall there were 750 patients with cat bites, 1,108 with dog bites, and approximately 117,000 patients with depression. Depression was found in 41.3% of patients with cat bites and 28.7% of those with dog bites. Furthermore, 85.5% of those with both cat bites and depression were women, compared to 64.5% of those with dog bites and depression. The probability of a woman being diagnosed with depression at some point in her life if she presented to our health system with a cat bite was 47.0%, compared to 24.2% of men presenting with a similar bite. The high proportion of depression in patients who had cat bites, especially among women, suggests that screening for depression could be appropriate in patients who present to a clinical provider with a cat bite. Additionally, while no causative link is known to explain this association, there is growing evidence to suggest that the relationship between cats and human mental illness, such as depression, warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hanauer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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Dookie AL. Perspectives of Animal Assisted Activities on Empowerment, Self-Esteem and Communication With Caregivers on Elders in Retirement Homes. ACTIVITIES ADAPTATION & AGING 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2013.816831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Nahm N, Lubin J, Lubin J, Bankwitz BK, Castelaz M, Chen X, Shackson JC, Aggarwal MN, Totten VY. Therapy dogs in the emergency department. West J Emerg Med 2012; 13:363-5. [PMID: 22942937 PMCID: PMC3421977 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2011.5.6574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examined acceptance by staff and patients of a therapy dog (TD) in the emergency department (ED). Methods Immediately after TD visits to a University Hospital ED, all available ED staff, patients, and their visitors were invited to complete a survey. Results Of 125 “patient” and 105 staff responses, most were favorable. Ninety-three percent of patients and 95% of staff agreed that TDs should visit EDs; 87.8% of patients and 92% of staff approved of TDs for both adult and pediatric patients. Fewer than 5% of either patients or staff were afraid of the TDs. Fewer than 10% of patients and staff thought the TDs posed a sanitary risk or interfered with staff work. Conclusion Both patients and staff approve of TDs in an ED. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy should be further explored in the ED setting.
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Peacock J, Chur-Hansen A, Winefield H. Mental health implications of human attachment to companion animals. J Clin Psychol 2012; 68:292-303. [PMID: 22307948 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Because of the contradictory nature of findings and methodological weaknesses identified within current human-companion animal bond research, there is a need to further explore the connection between human-animal bonds and mental health. DESIGN The purpose of this survey questionnaire study was to explore the relationship of attachment to companion animal and human psychological distress after controlling for demographic variables, and to investigate whether the relationship between social supports and psychological distress would be moderated by attachment to a companion animal. RESULTS Results highlight the psychological vulnerability of individuals reporting a strong bond with their companion animal. CONCLUSIONS These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for mental health services designed to anticipate and address client-related companion animal needs.
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