The Experts below are selected from a list of 51105 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Rebecca A. Johnson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Dog Walking, the Human–Animal Bond and Older Adults’ Physical Health
The Gerontologist, 2017Co-Authors: Angela L. Curl, Jessica Bibbo, Rebecca A. JohnsonAbstract:Purpose of the study This study explored the associations between dog ownership and pet Bonding with walking behavior and health outcomes in older adults. Design and methods We used data from the 12th wave (2012) of the Health and Retirement Study which included an experimental Human-Animal interaction module. Ordinary least squares regression and binary logistic regression models controlling for demographic variables were used to answer the research questions. Results Dog walking was associated with lower body mass index, fewer activities of daily living limitations, fewer doctor visits, and more frequent moderate and vigorous exercise. People with higher degrees of pet Bonding were more likely to walk their dog and to spend more time walking their dog each time, but they reported walking a shorter distance with their dog than those with weaker pet Bonds. Dog ownership was not associated with better physical health or health behaviors. Implications This study provides evidence for the association between dog walking and physical health using a large, nationally representative sample. The relationship with one's dog may be a positive influence on physical activity for older adults.
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TigerPlace: Training Veterinarians about Animal Companionship for the Elderly
Journal of veterinary medical education, 2008Co-Authors: Rebecca A. Johnson, Marilyn Rantz, Charlotte A. Mckenney, Krista M.c. ClineAbstract:Students learn more effectively when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Therefore, case studies have become increasingly popular as a way to teach students about a representative subject. This article discusses the benefits of case studies, with a primary focus on how case studies can help veterinary medical students learn about the human–animal Bond. The discussion is particularly aimed at veterinary medicine instructors and discusses how case studies can be used and why they are important. TigerPlace, a pet-friendly, innovative housing facility for older adults, is used as an example of a case study that can be used to teach about, and to study, the human–animal Bond. In particular, the article addresses the special advantages of TigerPlace to students with respect to learning about older adults and the Bond they have with their pets.
Daniel S. Mills - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Human-Animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness
PloS one, 2020Co-Authors: Elena Ratschen, Emily Shoesmith, Lion Shahab, Karine Silva, Dimitra Kale, Paul Toner, Catherine Reeve, Daniel S. MillsAbstract:Background The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans and animals play in the context of widespread social distancing and isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the Human-Animal Bond, and Human-Animal interactions; and to explore animal owners' perceptions related to the role of their animals during lockdown. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the Human-Animal Bond and Human-Animal interactions. Results Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one companion animal. Most perceived their animals to be a source of considerable support, but concerns were reported related to various practical aspects of providing care during lockdown. Strength of the Human-Animal Bond did not differ significantly between species. Poorer mental health pre-lockdown was associated with a stronger reported Human-Animal Bond (b = -.014, 95% CI [-.023 - -.005], p = .002). Animal ownership compared with non-ownership was associated with smaller decreases in mental health (b = .267, 95% CI [.079 - .455], p = .005) and smaller increases in loneliness (b = -.302, 95% CI [-.461 - -.144], p = .001) since lockdown. Conclusion The Human-Animal Bond is a construct that may be linked to mental health vulnerability in animal owners. Strength of the Human-Animal Bond in terms of emotional closeness or intimacy dimensions appears to be independent of animal species. Animal ownership seemed to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of Covid-19 lockdown. Further targeted investigation of the role of Human-Animal relationships and interactions for human health, including testing of the social buffering hypothesis and the development of instruments suited for use across animal species, is required.
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Human-Animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: investigating links with mental health and loneliness
2020Co-Authors: Elena Ratschen, Emily Shoesmith, Lion Shahab, Karine Silva, Dimitra Kale, Paul Toner, Catherine Reeve, Daniel S. MillsAbstract:Background: The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans and animals play in the context of widespread social distancing and isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the Human-Animal Bond, and Human-Animal interactions; and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to the role of their animals during lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the Human-Animal Bond and Human-Animal interactions. Results: Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one companion animal. Most perceived their animals to be a source of considerable support, but concerns were reported related to various practical aspects of providing care during lockdown. Strength of the Human-Animal Bond did not differ significantly between species. Poorer mental health pre-lockdown was associated with a stronger reported Human-Animal Bond (b = -.014, 95% CI [-.023 - -.005], p = .002). Animal ownership compared with non-ownership was associated with smaller decreases in mental health (b = .267, 95% CI [.079 - .455], p = .005) and smaller increases in loneliness (b = -.302, 95% CI [-.461 - -.144], p = .001) since lockdown. Conclusion: The Human-Animal Bond is a construct of potential clinical importance to identify mental health vulnerability in animal owners. Animal ownership appeared to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of lockdown. Further targeted investigation of the role of Human-Animal relationships and interactions for human health, including testing of the social buffering hypothesis and the development of instruments suited for use across animal species, is required.
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Animal-assisted interventions: making better use of the Human-Animal Bond
The Veterinary record, 2014Co-Authors: Daniel S. Mills, Sophie HallAbstract:In the third of Veterinary Record 9s series of articles promoting One Health, Daniel Mills and Sophie Hall discuss the therapeutic effects of companion animals, the influence of pets on childhood development and how researchers are elucidating the true value of animal companionship.
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canine anxieties and phobias an update on separation anxiety and noise aversions
Veterinary Clinics of North America-small Animal Practice, 2008Co-Authors: Barbara L. Sherman, Daniel S. MillsAbstract:Companion dogs commonly experience states of anxiety, fears, and phobias. Separation anxiety and noise aversions, as discussed in this article, are especially prevalent. Veterinarians are encouraged to recognize and treat such conditions on first presentation to address welfare issues and optimize successful management. New data suggest new treatment modalities, including behavioral management, pharmacotherapy, and species-specific pheromone use. Failure to treat can result in disruption of the Human-Animal Bond and subsequent abandonment, relinquishment, or even euthanasia of the affected dog.
Anna Chur-hansen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Adult separation anxiety disorder: The Human-Animal Bond.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020Co-Authors: Elisha Dowsett, Paul Delfabbro, Anna Chur-hansenAbstract:Abstract Background The introduction of an adult onset Separation Anxiety Disorder in the DSM-V recognises that separation anxiety can occur at any stage across the lifespan. In this paper, we examine whether adult separation anxiety, which is known to occur when people are apart from other people close to them, can also develop when people are separated from animal companions. The social and individual psychological correlates of this reported phenomenon are examined. Methods Participants (N = 313, aged 18–76, M = 41.89 years), completed demographic information and questionnaires measuring separation anxiety from companion animals and humans, attachment towards companion animals and humans, and social support. Results Significant positive relationships were observed between separation anxiety from humans, people substitution and separation anxiety from animals. Participants with greater separation anxiety from animals also reported less social support and greater attachment anxiety involving humans. People substitution was also positively related to greater animal-related separation anxiety. Associations were generally weaker when cats were identified as the principal companion animal. Participants without children reported significantly less attachment-related avoidance (human); less perceived social support; greater people substitution; and, greater separation anxiety towards companion animals. Separation anxiety from humans, attachment avoidance, and attachment anxiety accounted for 41% of variance in separation anxiety from animals. Limitations The correlational design does not allow the investigation of causal associations. Conclusions A strong, positive relationship was observed between human-related separation anxiety and animal-related separation anxiety, which was significantly stronger for people with lower levels of social support.
Peter M. Rabinowitz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Pet Therapy: Helping Patients Cope.
American family physician, 2017Co-Authors: Alida Gertz, Peter M. RabinowitzAbstract:Animal-assisted therapy and the medical use of the Human-Animal Bond can be thought of as a form of alternative/complementary therapy.
Alan M. Beck - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Human-Animal Bond and domestication: Through the ages … animals in our lives
Animal Frontiers, 2014Co-Authors: Steven A. Zinn, Alan M. BeckAbstract:As animal scientists, our lives and our livelihoods are intimately connected to animals. We study the physiology, nutrition, genetics, management, behavior and health and disease of livestock; companion, laboratory, and exotic animals; and wildlife. In this issue of Animal Frontiers, “The Human–Animal Bond and Domestication: Through the ages…Animals in our lives,” we explore the Bond between humans and animals and the domestication of cattle and dogs from their ancient predecessors to their modern counterparts. The study of the human–animal Bond or our psychological and social relationship with animals is a true scientific “animal frontier.” One of the more recent animal frontiers to be studied is the nature of the psychological and social relationship we have with the animals that share our world. In the late 1970s, the term “human–animal Bond” was coined by Leo Bustad and Michael McCulloch (Hines, 2003). Drs. Bustad and McCulloch were just developing the Delta Society, a society dedicated to understanding the relationship between animals, people, and the environment; hence, the delta. The term “the human–animal Bond” was unashamedly borrowed from the respected association found between parents and their offspring, the so-called “parent–infant Bond.” The human–animal Bond is now being recognized as a scientific discipline; it is a theoretic construct for the behavioral, psychological, physiological, ecological, social, and ethical consequences of the relationship between people and animals that is different from when either partner occurs independently. The new commitment to animals stems not only from our general sensitivity to the welfare of animals, but also from a newer appreciation of the many roles animals play in our lives. But we must remember that to be a “Bond,” the effect on each partner has to be mutually beneficial and significant. The association between humans and their animals is indeed mutually beneficial and significant.
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The biology of the human–animal Bond
Animal Frontiers, 2014Co-Authors: Alan M. BeckAbstract:Our relationship with domestic animals is rooted in evolutionary, psychological, and physiological processes. There are significant health benefits for people associated with their interaction with animals. There are significant health benefits for animals associated with their interaction with people. Animals can be effectively utilized in therapeutic settings that are cost effective and humane.
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The Human–Animal Bond: Essential Elements in Veterinary Education
Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 2008Co-Authors: Alan M. Beck, Andrew N. RowanAbstract:It was not much more than 30 years ago that Dean Leo Bustad of Washington State University said that ‘‘all the world’s researchers interested in the human–animal Bond could fit into one small office.’’ Although this mutual attachment between humans and animals is intuitive, during the ensuing years Bustad and other veterinary advocates of the human–animal Bond (HAB) formally brought the concept to the forefront as a professional responsibility, and colleges and schools of veterinary medicine officially endorsed the HAB as a fundamental topic in the veterinary medical curriculum.
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Current Human–Animal Bond Course Offerings in Veterinary Schools
Journal of veterinary medical education, 2008Co-Authors: Alan M. Beck, François MartinAbstract:The Human-Animal Bond (HAB) is viewed as growing in importance for practicing veterinarians, veterinary students, and society in general. The fields and activities concerning the HAB are interdisciplinary and varied. There is widespread belief that HAB programs are important for veterinarians, although many practitioners feel that their instruction on this topic was not as complete as desired. Most activities associated with the HAB are conducted in specific centers, but only about half of the veterinary schools in North America have such centers, and the instructional programs they offer to students show much variation. The purpose of this study was to survey North American veterinary schools and to document the activities related to the HAB and HAB centers that are available to veterinary students.
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future directions in human animal Bond research
American Behavioral Scientist, 2003Co-Authors: Alan M. Beck, Aaron Honori KatcherAbstract:Human-Animal contact can influence psychological and physiological parameters important to health and welfare; nevertheless, there has been relatively little research on the variables that influence or mediate those health consequences. In addition, little attention has been paid on how to create or alter the animal interactions for the betterment of people and their animals. The investigation can be guided by two theoretical perspectives, which make powerful but different and testable predictions: the biophilia hypothesis and social support theory. Along with this theoretically driven research, there is a need for replication of salient research findings to resolve important discrepancies in the literature. Last, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has to be placed in the context of alternative therapies now available to define its specificity, risks, and overall benefits.