2023-07-19 03:55:55
A study from the University of York (UK) suggests that companion animals, including dogs, cats, fish and birds, do not significantly benefit the emotional health of people with severe mental illness.
The researchers, who followed up on a previous survey carried out in 2021 within the same cohort to assess animal ownership and mental health during Covid-19, say their findings counter the widely held view that animals are beneficial to the mental health of all owners.
The researchers surveyed 170 participants from the United Kingdom. Of these, 81 owned at least one animal and most perceived a strong human-animal bond with their closest companion animal.
The researchers surveyed 170 participants from the United Kingdom. | Photo: Getty Images
Their aim was to explore, in the first study of its kind, the connection between pet ownership and mental health in people with severe mental illness, and whether the perceived strength of the bond between owner and animal was related to health. mental and the species of the animal.
In the 2021 study, they found that pet ownership was associated with self-reported mental health decline, which might be due to pandemic restrictions and the challenges of caring for your animal in lockdown.
“In the absence of covid-19 restrictions, a possible explanation for our current results might be that the added responsibility of animal ownership may still exacerbate other potential stressors experienced by people living with severe mental illness,” they explained. the researchers.
“This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills and uncertainty regarding accommodation. Our findings may also imply that animal ownership and the perceived strength of the human-animal bond are not enough to benefit the well-being of participants, but that the animal’s temperament and characteristics also need to be taken into account,” they added.
The current data was collected following the removal of the covid-19 rules and although there was a marginal increase in well-being scores, it was not possible to compare depression and anxiety scores. | Photo: Getty Images
This might also explain why trained therapy animals, unlike companion animals, often improve the well-being of people diagnosed with mental illness, as they are typically selected and taught to be friendly, obedient, and have a trait relaxed personality.
Despite their findings, the researchers found “peak levels” of attachment to their animals. For example, more than 95% said that their animal provided them with companionship, was a source of coherence in their lives, and made them feel loved.
The researchers argue that these results may suggest that animal ownership offers similar benefits to those with severe mental illness and to the general population. | Photo: Silvia Jansen
*With information from Europa Press
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