Authors: Miltiades, Helen; Shearer, Juliette

Source: Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 24, Number 2, June 2011 , pp. 147-154(8)

Publisher: Berg Publishers

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.

Keywords: DEPRESSION; OLDER ADULTS; PET ATTACHMENT

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/175303711X12998632257585

Publication date: 2011-06-01

More about this publication?

• Anthrozoös is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal that has enjoyed a distinguished history as a pioneer in the field since its launch in 1987. The key premise of Anthrozosö is to address the characteristics and consequences of interactions and relationships between people and non-human animals across areas as varied as anthropology, ethology, medicine, psychology, veterinary medicine and zoology. Articles therefore cover the full range of human-animal relations, from their treatment in the arts and humanities, through to behavioral, biological, social and health sciences.
  
  Anthrozoös is published by Berg Publishers on behalf of the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ). Members receive the journal as part of their membership package. If you are an existing member, have recently been approved or would like to join the Society please go to the membership site.
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