The Effect of Pets on Human Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia

Abstract

The adverse impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on mental and physical health has been witnessed across the globe. Associated mental health and wellbeing issues include stress, social isolation, boredom, and anxiety. Research suggests human–animal interactions may improve the overall wellbeing of an individual. However, this has been less explored in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and the present study examined the effect of pets on the mental health and wellbeing of Malaysians during the lockdown, or movement control order (MCO), due to COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, with 448 Malaysian participants, who completed online assessments for psychological outcomes, psychological wellbeing, positive–negative emotions, resilience, and coping self-efficacy. Results indicate that pet owners reported significantly better coping self-efficacy, significantly more positive emotions, and better psychological wellbeing, but contrary to expectations, there was no differences on other measures. Among pet owners, cat owners reported more positive emotions and greater wellbeing than dog owners. The results show that that pets have some impact on improved psychological health of their owners and could be integrated into recovery frameworks for promoting mental health and wellbeing.

A Remote Assessment of Anxiety on Young People: Towards Their Views and Their Different Pet Interaction

“…This third point of view is in line with other studies that indicate the usefulness of the pet in mitigating some psychological problems due to isolation during the pandemic, for example, with (I) the study by Gaifoner et al [38] indicating that pet owners reported significantly better coping self-efficacy, significantly more positive emotions, and better psychological wellbeing; (II) the study by Muller et al [42], highlighting that adolescents with pets reported spending more time with their pets during the pandemic, and frequently reported pet interactions as a strategy for coping with stress; (III) the study by Ratshen et al [48] highlighting that the human-animal bond is a construct that may be linked to mental health vulnerability in animal owners and showing that animal ownership seemed to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of COVID-19 lockdown; (IV) the study by Bowen et al [46] showing that the quality of life of owners was strongly influenced by the lifestyle and emotional effects of the confinement and that pets provided them with substantial support to mitigate those effects.…”

Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Perceptions among Lithuanian Adolescents

“…A study by Mueller et al [ 50 ] confirmed that adolescents having pets reported spending more time with their pets during the pandemic, and frequently reported pet interactions as a strategy for coping with stress—they suggested that future research should explore the role of pets in coping with stress and social isolation during the pandemic. Grajfoner et al [ 51 ] also revealed the pets’ positive impact on human mental health and well-being; therefore, they propose the integration of pets in prevention, recovery, and intervention programs to promote mental health and well-being, especially during periods of prolonged social isolation.…”

Building the Positive Emotion-Resilience-Coping Efficacy Model for COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Numerous methods have been used in various study groups to mitigate COVID-19 related psychological and mental health issues. These methods include animal accompanied ( Grajfoner et al, 2021 ), spiritual and telehealth for palliative care ( Palmer et al, 2020 ), network building intervention ( Nooraie et al, 2021 ), Yoga ( Sahni et al, 2021 ) and others. However, a purposeful model for COVID-19 based on positive psychology core values has not been established.…”