Depression, loneliness, and pet attachment in homebound older adult cat and dog owners
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| Category | Journal Articles |
|---|---|
| Abstract |
Background: Companion animals may reduce depression and loneliness in socially isolated homebound older adults. However, whether owning a cat or dog is more beneficial in this population remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Pet attachment and the levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness were examined in 39 homebound older adults who exclusively owned a cat(s) or a dog(s). Cat owners (n = 12) and dog owners (n=27) were assessed for depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form), loneliness (R-UCLA Loneliness Scale), and attachment to pets (Likert scale). Results: Cat owners reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than dog owners (t= 2.12; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between cat owners and dog owners in regards to levels of loneliness (t = -0.83; p = 0.41). Both cat owners and dog owners reported a high level of attachment to pets (Median=10 of 10). Conclusions: Although this study provides preliminary evidence that owning a cat to which one is attached is associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms than owning a dog to which one is attached in homebound older adults, the findings should be replicated with longitudinal studies. Findings from such studies may assist homebound older adults in selecting either a cat or dog as a companion pet. |
| Submitter |
Mason N McLary HABRI Central |
| Date | 2017 |
| Publication Title | Journal of Mind and Medical Science |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 38-48 |
| Publisher | Valparaiso University |
| Location of Publication | Valparaiso, Indiana |
| DOI | 10.22543/7674.41.P3848 |
| URL | http://scholar.valpo.edu/jmms/vol4/iss1/8/ |
| Language | English |
| Additional Language | English |
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