Benefits derived from companion animals, and the use of the term "attachment"

Authors: Crawford, Emily K.; Worsham, Nancy L.; Swinehart, Elizabeth R.

Source: Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 19, Number 2, 2006 , pp. 98-112(15)

Publisher: Berg Publishers

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Abstract:

Researchers have discovered that companion animals can physically and psychologically benefit their owners, and some argue that one's attachment to a companion animal influences those benefits. However, those studying the human-companion animal bond have used measures of attachment that may not be congruent with the school of attachment theory as it is applied to human-human relationships. We propose that the term "attachment" applied to human-companion animal relationships in research to date may share aspects of traditional attachment theory, but does not necessarily parallel attachment theory accurately. This paper provides a discussion of the similarities and differences between traditional attachment theory and measurements of human-companion animal attachment, and a review of the literature on physical and psychological benefits derived from companion animals. We conclude with a brief discussion of new research and future directions.

Keywords: ATTACHMENT; COMPANION ANIMALS; HEALTH; PETS

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-01-01

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