A strong bond with pets, especially dogs, could help relieve anxiety and depression in women, especially those who had experienced childhood trauma, according to an American research.
Researchers said that while previous studies have looked at depression and anxiety among adult pet owners in mid-life and older, the findings have been “mixed”.
However, actively engaging with pets has been previously studied to lower anxiety and depression levels in patients with HIV/AIDS and terminal cancer.
The researchers, including those at Harvard University, said the positive influence of pets could be linked to levels of engagement and attachment to pets, rather than just owning them. They added that a stronger bond with pets is related with an insecure human attachment style.
In this study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, the researchers recruited over 200 women, of which close to 73 per cent were survivors of childhood physical or sexual abuse. On average, the women were aged 60 years.
The authors used questionnaires to assess the women’s pet attachment and psychological tests to gauge anxiety and depression levels.
Compared to participants with dog attachments, those attached to cats, on average, were more likely to have experienced life-threatening events, and less likely to have experienced childhood abuse, they claim.
The researchers also found that women with cat attachments scored typically higher on depression and anxiety, and were more likely to show clinical symptoms, compared to women with dog attachments.
Overall, however, a stronger attachment to dogs was found to be linked with lower distress levels, along with lower anxiety and depression scores.
The authors said that while not directly applicable to clinical practice, their results pointed to an important aspect of pet attachment as a factor in improving the psychological well-being of particularly vulnerable owners. Therefore, it will also be of value to clinicians.
The results add to research regarding the complex nature and consequences of human-animal bonds among those who may have developed an insecure human attachment style owing to childhood trauma, they said.
A pet a day
Consultant psychologist Madhuri Sarda says she has suggested patients get pets to help overcome loneliness and depression.
“People often feel they have no one to love or care for them. But a pet — provided they are not afraid of animals — can offer great companionship and a sense of belonging,” says Sarda, who is attached to ILS Hospitals and the Annantaa mental and emotional wellness centre in Sector V.
“Patients may feel dejected or frustrated by fellow humans, but in pets, they find loyalty and unconditional love. People with depression often lack routine, but with a pet, they must feed, bathe, and walk it, which introduces some structure into their lives,” says the psychologist, who herself had a Spitz till recently.
“While cats are more common abroad, in India, dogs are the most popular pets as the gestures they use to express affection — touching, hugging, licking, and even their facial expressions — are the most relatable to humans. Their presence triggers dopamine (the feel-good chemical) in the brain, which helps elevate mood,” she explains.
Deboleena Majumder of CD Block is the proud mother of six Shih Tzu dogs and just as many cats, including Siamese, Persian Punch Face, and Persian Doll Face. She believes that her pets keep her engaged and happy.
“During the pandemic, I didn’t have any pets and, like most people, was low and bored. I’m a school teacher and online classes were monotonous,” Majumder said. “But when pet shops reopened, I decided to get some furry companions. Now, with 12 pets, I feel complete. I’m constantly busy with their antics and love. In fact, I often give their kittens and puppies to my friends so they can enjoy their companionship as well. Pets undoubtedly lift spirits, and I highly recommend them to everyone.”