The Well-Being of Older Women: The Importance of Pet and Human Relations

Miller, Melody; Lago, Dan

doi:10.2752/089279390787057504

Cited by 38 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…For example, the benefits of pet visitation programs may depend on the personality type of those being visited (Colby and Sherman 2002). Other studies indicate animal visits or pet ownership has no effect on elderly residents and there is evidence of AAT/AAA causing decreased morale and health in some populations (Lago, Knight and Connell 1983;Ory and Goldberg 1983;Miller and Lago 1990;Stallones et al 1990). Wilson and Barker (2003) point to the potential problems in the methodology of existing research that claims therapeutic effectiveness in human-animal interactions.…”

Section: Existing Aat/aaa Researchmentioning

confidence: 96%

The View from All Fours: A Look at an Animal-Assisted Activity Program from the Animals' Perspective

Hatch

2007

Anthrozoös

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In recent decades, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animalassisted activity (AAA) programs have gained in popularity. A growing literature documents the benefits of AAT/AAA for humans. The prevalent perspective for AAT/AAA research is "what can non-human animals do for us?" with no apparent consideration to what such programs may do for, or to, the animals involved. Ample research reveals that animals are minded actors with the capacity to feel complex emotions. Consequently, AAT/AAA programs should benefit the animals as well as the humans involved. Based on interviews with human volunteers in an animal shelter's AAA program and participant observation in the same program, this paper investigates the animals' experience in AAA. Specifically, this study discusses the use of shelter animals as "volunteer therapists" and concludes that AAT/AAA programs raise numerous concerns for the animals involved. These findings indicate the need for more attention to the experience of animals in AAT/AAA programs.

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Section: Existing Aat/aaa Researchmentioning

confidence: 96%

The View from All Fours: A Look at an Animal-Assisted Activity Program from the Animals' Perspective

Hatch

2007

Anthrozoös

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“…However, other work has found no relationship between pet attachment and psychological status (Friedmann, Katcher, Eaton, & Berger, 1984). Another study found that pet attachment was unrelated to depression among elderly women but was associated with fewer physical limitations (Miller & Lago, 1990).…”

Section: Pets and Well-beingmentioning

confidence: 98%

Reigning Cats and Dogs: A Pet-Enhancement Bias and Its Link to Pet Attachment, Pet-Self Similarity, Self-Enhancement, and Well-Being

El-Alayli¹,

Lystad²,

Webb³

et al. 2006

Basic and Applied Social Psychology

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“…Also, pet ownership (Crowley-Robinson and Blackshaw 1998) and pet attachment were not found to be related to life satisfaction among older adults (Raina et al 1999). Still other studies of older women have found no relationship between pet attachment and depression (Miller and Lago 1990).…”

mentioning

confidence: 96%

Attachment to Pet Dogs and Depression in Rural Older Adults

Miltiades

Shearer

2011

Anthrozoös

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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.

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The Well-Being of Older Women: The Importance of Pet and Human Relations

Cited by 38 publications

References 12 publications

The View from All Fours: A Look at an Animal-Assisted Activity Program from the Animals' Perspective

The View from All Fours: A Look at an Animal-Assisted Activity Program from the Animals' Perspective

Reigning Cats and Dogs: A Pet-Enhancement Bias and Its Link to Pet Attachment, Pet-Self Similarity, Self-Enhancement, and Well-Being

Attachment to Pet Dogs and Depression in Rural Older Adults

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