Anthropause appreciation, biophilia, and ecophilosophical contemplations amidst a global pandemic

Kolandai-Matchett, Komathi; Milne, Barry; McLay, Jessica; Randow, Martin von; Lay‐Yee, Roy

doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101943

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 136 publications

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“…For example, are the biophilia and attachment theories of why humans are attracted to animals still relevant during a global health crisis? Studies have shown an increase in demand for non-human animals and green space during the lockdown phase of the pandemic, suggesting that the COVID-19 mitigation measures might have influenced biophilia [ 7 , 8 ]. In addition, how is the social support theory of the effect of companion animals, such as dogs and cats, on mental health to be interpreted given lockdown policies that discouraged or prevented social contact?…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of pet ownership on mental health: A longitudinal survey

2023

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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in numerous ways and may consequently impact our relationships with pet dogs and cats. We conducted a longitudinal survey to examine the temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during four phases of the pandemic: 1) pre-pandemic (February 2020), 2) lockdown (April to June 2020), 3) reopening (September to December 2020), and 4) recovery (January 2021 to December 2021). We also investigated the effect of pet ownership on stress and loneliness, by considering a set of a priori causal assumptions. In addition, we hypothesized that the differences in the levels of stress and loneliness between dog and cat ownerships were mediated by the owner-pet relationship. A total of 4,237 participants (657 non-pet owners, 1,761 dog owners, and 1,819 cat owners) completed between one and six surveys. Overall, the closeness in the relationship between owners and their pets increased with time during the study period. We also observed that dog owners consistently showed larger decreases in the levels of stress and loneliness than cat and non-pet owners. However, after adjusting for confounders, the findings did not support a mitigating effect of pet ownership. Pet ownership did not alleviate stress, social loneliness resulting from a lack of friendships or workplace relationships, or emotional loneliness due to deficiencies in family relationships. Pet owners, however, reported a lower degree of emotional loneliness caused by deficits in romantic relationships than non-pet owners. Our results also indicated that the differences in stress and loneliness levels between dog and cat ownerships were partially explained by the owner-pet relationship, and once this was accounted for, the differences between them reduced. In summary, this study highlights the dynamic effects of COVID-19 on owner-pet relationship and mental health. It also shows the complexity of the association between pet ownership and mental health, partially mediated by owner-pet relationships.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of pet ownership on mental health: A longitudinal survey

2023

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“…Understanding the biophilia that results from lockdown can be important for using the human-nature relationship as a tool for nature conservation [77]. In terms of road deaths, more animals indicate more conflict, even if mitigation measures are implemented [78].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mammal Roadkills in Lithuanian Urban Areas: A 15-Year Study

Balčiauskas,

Kučas,

Balčiauskienė

2023

Animals

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We investigated roadkills in urban areas in Lithuania from 2007 to 2022, including two periods with COVID-19 restrictions on people’s movement. We analyzed the proportions of wild and domestic animals in roadkill, annual trends, the predominant species involved, and monthly changes during the restrictions. Urban roads were characterized by a low species diversity of roadkilled mammals, with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) dominating. Total numbers increased exponentially during the study period. The proportion of domestic animals, 12.2%, significantly exceeded that on non-urban roads in the country. The proportion of domestic animals decreased from over 40% in 2007–2009 to 3.7–5.4% in 2020–2022, while the proportion of wild mammals increased from 36.1–39.6% to 89.9–90.6%, respectively. During the periods of COVID-19 restrictions, the number of roadkills in urban areas was significantly higher than expected based on long-term trends. Compared to 2019, the number of roadkilled roe deer in 2020–2021 almost doubled from 700 to 1281–1325 individuals. These anthropause effects were, however, temporary. The imbalance between the roadkill number and transport intensity might require new mitigation strategies to sustain mammal populations in urban areas, at least through improving driver awareness on the issue.

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“…The more we live in concrete and glass cities the more we need the living nature dynamics around us. There are initiatives regarding mental and physical health, and even spirituality (Arvay & PhD, 2018;Jaszczak et al, 2020;Kolandai et al, 2023) connected to integrate biophilic design.Knowing the ways of living of plants, animals and other living things such as mountain landscapes and living rivers are reaching an important milestone in embracing the rights of nature and going beyond conservation and restoration (Alley, 2019;Louv, 2012). Responding to natural dynamics in every aspect of our life is a way not only of connecting with nature but transforming our consciousness, our symbiotic consciousness.…”

Section: Principlesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Designing as Nature. Defining an ontological path

Ruano

2023

Blucher Design Proceedings

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The article discusses a workshop on nature-centered design aimed to identify the convergence of theories and pedagogical tools to achieve societal balance with the natural world. The workshop explored the path towards designing as nature and focused on regenerative cultures and more-than-human considerations. A mixed methods technique to analyze and integrate information was used. This activity was divided into two parts: exploring the ways of nature-centered design and learning to co-design with nature. Attendees from different universities worldwide participated. The main activities were mapping nature-based concepts, exploring a syllabus, and structuring nature-centered design definitions. A detailed description of the workshop outcomes is provided. The article concludes by highlighting the need for responsible innovations, advocacy for non-human stakeholders and interbeing practices through design.

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Anthropause appreciation, biophilia, and ecophilosophical contemplations amidst a global pandemic

Cited by 4 publications

References 136 publications

Temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of pet ownership on mental health: A longitudinal survey

Temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of pet ownership on mental health: A longitudinal survey

Mammal Roadkills in Lithuanian Urban Areas: A 15-Year Study

Designing as Nature. Defining an ontological path

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