Companion Animals and Child/Adolescent Development: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Childhood and adolescence are important developmental phases which influence health and well-being across the life span. Social relationships are fundamental to child and adolescent development; yet studies have been limited to children’s relationships with other humans. This paper provides an evidence review for the potential associations between pet ownership and emotional; behavioural; cognitive; educational and social developmental outcomes. As the field is in the early stages; a broad set of inclusion criteria was applied. A systematic search of databases and grey literature sources found twenty-two studies meeting selection criteria. The review found evidence for an association between pet ownership and a wide range of emotional health benefits from childhood pet ownership; particularly for self-esteem and loneliness. The findings regarding childhood anxiety and depression were inconclusive. Studies also showed evidence of an association between pet ownership and educational and cognitive benefits; for example, in perspective-taking abilities and intellectual development. Evidence on behavioural development was unclear due to a lack of high quality research. Studies on pet ownership and social development provided evidence for an association with increased social competence; social networks; social interaction and social play behaviour. Overall, pet ownership and the significance of children’s bonds with companion animals have been underexplored; there is a shortage of high quality and longitudinal studies in all outcomes. Prospective studies that control for a wide range of confounders are required.

Compatibility of Cats With Children in the Family

“…With regard to children's pets, studies often have examined the development of empathy among children who nurture pets. Yet, as revealed in reviews, most of these studies do not treat dogs and cats separately, but rather lump dogs and cats together as companion animals or pets (4, 5), despite evidence that dogs and cats clearly differ (6). Often, dogs are emphasized as a major focus, perhaps because they frequently emerge as the preferred pet, as shown in an early study (7), and in examples from U.S. (8) and Holland (9).…”

Adolescents and Pets

“…These studies have indicated that these pets can act as counselors, confidants, best friends (Black, 2009;Cassels et al, 2017;Griffin-Shirley & Nes, 2005;Zilcha-Mano et al, 2012), or even considered a sibling (Cassels et al, 2017). Additionally, pets offer unconditional love and acceptance (Brown, Richards, & Wilson, 1996;Hanselman, 2001;Piper, 2014;Purewal et al, 2017), the experience of accepting and receiving physical touch (Cassels et al, 2017;Fine, 2010;Piper, 2014), an attachment to an object (Cassels et al, 2017;Marsa-Sambola et al, 2017;Piper, 2014;Zilcha-Mano et al, 2012), or may encourage physical activity or health (Cloutier & Peetz, 2016;Winerman, 2017;Yam et al, 2012). Furthermore, pets have been found to assist in emotional well-being (Black, 2009;Brown et al, 1996;Chandler, 2012;Piper, 2014;Purewal et al, 2017;Zilcha-Mano et al, 2012) and recovery from physical illnesses (Beetz, Uvnäs-Moberg, Julius, & Kotrschal, 2012;Cloutier & Peetz, 2016;Kyngäs, 2004).…”

“…According to Purewal et al (2017), several studies have demonstrated associations between adolescents' perspective taking, intellectual development, autonomy, and pet ownership. Purewal et al (2017) posit that pet ownership in adolescents correlates with increased social competence, social networks, social play behavior, and social interaction. Additionally, they state that as pets can give and receive affection, pets are able to contribute or somewhat fulfil adolescent attachment needs.…”

“…Additionally, they state that as pets can give and receive affection, pets are able to contribute or somewhat fulfil adolescent attachment needs. Furthermore, research has shown that having a pet in childhood or adolescence can assist in language acquisition, enhance verbal skills, and can elicit instant positive response in testing situations of memory, classification, and attention (Purewal et al, 2017).…”

Measuring animal exposure in Canada: Foodbook study, 2014–2015

“…In 2016, 41% of Canadian households owned at least one dog, and 37% owned at least one cat (Canadian Animal Health Institute, ). Animal companionship can have many physical and psychological benefits (Purewal et al, ); however, animals can also transmit zoonotic infections to people (Hoelzer, Switt, & Wiedmann, ). Humans can be exposed to zoonotic pathogens, including enteric pathogens, through animal bites or scratches, or contact with animals, their habitat, their waste or their food (Stull, Brophy, & Weese, ).…”