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Benefits,challenges, and needs of people living with cancer and their companion dogs: An exploratory study |
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| Authors: | Kathleen M Ingram Jessye Cohen-Filipic |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology, Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA;2. Department of Psychology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, USA |
| Abstract: | Purpose/Objectives: The study examined whether the bond with a companion dog is associated with well-being among people with cancer, and described the perceived benefits, challenges, and needs accompanying the relationship with the dog. Design: The design was cross-sectional. Sample: Participants were 140 people recently diagnosed with cancer with at least one dog in their household. Methods: The online survey included measures of the human–pet bond, depressive symptoms, positive affect, and health-related quality of life, as well as open-ended questions about the experience of having a dog since being diagnosed with cancer. Findings: Although the bond with a companion dog was not directly linked with well-being, the association between the human–pet bond and depressive symptoms depended in part on treatment status. Conclusions: Companion dogs may play an important role in the lives of people recently diagnosed with cancer. Implications for psychosocial providers: Health care providers can help to support the bond with a companion dog. |
| Keywords: | anxiety/depression bonding human–pet quality of life survivorship well-being |
