Health Benefits' Coincide With Pet Companionship

There have been several studies conducted on the particular topic of finding out if ones pets effect their mood and happiness. Through a questionnaire the physical, behavioral and psychological dimensions of humans have been studied in order to examine their relationship with pets (Budge, Spicer, Jones and St.George 1998). The results indicated that people who are comfortable with their pets report better mental and physical health. Castelli, Hart and Zasloft (2001) examined the role cats' play in aiding human health versus the role in which dogs play. The results of this study concluded that the male subjects found cats more suitable to complement their companion needs. These results are very interesting since dogs are though to be "mans" best friend. Research was also conducted on middle aged adults by Jorm and Parslow (2003) to determine whether people who own pets differ from people who do not own pets or do not associate, on a regular basis, with animals. The results showed no correlation between pets and good health. Due to these unsatisfactory results Jorm and Parslow raised an argument. They argued most of the pet owners that had been interviewed were most likely in an adequate relationship with another person, or faced stress in the work place. Jorm and Parslow concluded that these two influences can provide extra strain on ones mental health. The effects of animal companionship on people taking part of a 12 week cardiac rehabilitation program was studied by Herrald, Medina and Tamaka (2002). The results of the study showed a positive correlation between pets and their owners. This study also found that pet owners had a higher rate of completion in the program than those who were unassociated with animals. Through the evaluation of all the studies, which have been attributed to pet ownership and good health a positive correlation has been discovered. It is possible that some aspects of having a pet may have undesirable effects on ones health; however, ultimately these studies provided the public with the information that owning a pet, or constantly being in the presence of a pet, can provide one with, or maintain ones, good health.

References

Budge, R.C., Spicer, J., Jones, B., & St. George, R. (1998). Health correlates of compatibility and attachment in human companionship and animal relationships. Society and Animals, 6, 219-234

Castelli, D., Hart,L. Zaloff, R. (2001). Companion cats and the social support system of men with AIDS. Psychological Reports, 89, 177-187.

Herrald. M., Medina., and Tamaka, J. (2002). Pet ownership predicts adherence to cardiovascular rehabilitation. Journal of Applied Psychology,32, 1107-1123.

Parslow, R. & Jorm, A. (2003) The impact of pet ownership on health and health service use: Results from a community sample of Australians aged 40-44 years. Mental Health, 16, 43-56.

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