Attachment to Pet Dogs and Depression in Rural Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to learn more about the relationship between pet attachment, the ability to care for a pet, and depression in older adults. One hundred and seventeen Caucasian, older, adult dog owners in rural, south-central Pennsylvania were recruited using non-random sampling methods through veterinary offices and dog grooming salons in south-central Pennsylvania, USA. They completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, which was returned by mail. Half of the respondents were female, 74% were married, and 27% were employed. Attachment to pet dogs was measured by the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Regression analysis revealed that higher levels of pet attachment and widowhood were associated with higher levels of depression, and the ability to care for the dog and satisfaction with human relationships were associated with lower levels of depression. Higher levels of pet attachment may indicate that the pet plays a central role in the older adult's life and may substitute for human companionship.

Fostering the Human-Animal Bond for Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities

“…For older adults this may be especially true due to declines in health, functional ability, mobility, and the contraction of social support systems. As one study pointed out, pets may substitute for human companionship for older adults when spouses and friends die (Miltiades & Shearer, 2011). Pet ownership may also serve as a buffer from stressful situations and events for older adults-a key finding given the changes and losses that are often associated with aging.…”

The Short Attachment to Pets Scale (SAPS) for Children and Young People: Development, Psychometric Qualities and Demographic and Health Associations

“…Among children there is evidence of a lower risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children exposed to pet allergens (Nafstad et al 2001;Ownby et al 2002) and lower absenteeism from school due to illness in children and young people who live with pets (McNicholas et al 2005). Other studies have found no impact or even negative effects on quality of life of pet ownership and attachment to pets in adults (Gilbey et al 2007;Herzog 2010;Miltiades and Shearer 2011;Parker et al 2010;Wright et al 2007) and undergraduate students (Straatman et al 1997). Although Herzog (2011) has concluded that the link between human-pet relationships and health benefits is not clear given the huge amount of contradictory results, our research suggests that pet ownership and attachment to pets may have a potential impact on children's and young people's health and wellbeing, thus making this area worthy of further research.…”

Is Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Linked to Positive Youth Development? Initial Answers

“…We need to also ask questions about whether HAI may be related to problematic developmental outcomes. While people prefer to hear about the positive aspects of animal ownership (Herzog, 2011), several studies have in fact noted that pet owners (and, in particular, individuals who demonstrated an extremely high level of attachment to their pets) displayed higher levels of psychological problems such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety than nonpet owners (Miltiades & Shearer, 2011;Müllersdorf, Granström, Sahlqvist, & Tillgren, 2010). Whereas the present paper focused on the positive outcomes that may be associated with animal interaction, it is important to note that HAI may not be universally beneficial.…”