Human-animal bonds I: the relational significance of companion animals

Author:
WALSH Froma
Journal article citation:
Family Process, 48(4), December 2009, pp.462-480.
Publisher:
Wiley

The importance of human-animal bonds has been documented throughout history, across cultures, and in recent research. However, attachments with companion animals have been undervalued and even pathologised in the field of mental health. The aim of this overview paper is to stimulate more attention to these vital bonds in systems-oriented theory, practice, and research. The article looks at the history of human-animal bonds, reviews research on their health and mental health benefits, and examines their profound relational significance across the life course. The emerging field of animal-assisted interventions is described, noting applications in hospital and elder care settings, and in innovative school, prison, farm, and community programmes. The author argues that human-animal bonds merit greater attention in mental health research, theory and practice, particularly in family systems and relational approaches. The article concludes that research has demonstrated increasing evidence that companion animals provide many important physiological, psychological, and relational benefits, and that clinical practice could be enriched through a more holistic and open-minded view of the potential contribution of animal bonds to human healing and well-being.

Subject terms:
intervention, mental health care, pets, therapies, therapy and treatment, animal assisted therapy;
Content type:
research review
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1545-5300
ISSN print:
0014-7370

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