Study finds pets don’t aid severe mental illness.

A New Study Challenges the Belief in the Benefits of Companion Animals for Severe Mental Illness

A study published in the CABI journal Human-Animal Interactions has revealed that companion animals such as dogs, cats, fish, and birds may not significantly benefit the emotional health of owners with severe mental illness.

The Findings Counteract the Commonly Held View

The researchers followed up on a previous survey conducted in 2021 among the same cohort to assess the impact of animal ownership on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that owning an animal was not significantly associated with well-being, depression, anxiety, or loneliness scores for owners with severe mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder or psychosis. These findings challenge the commonly held view that animals are beneficial for the mental health of all owners.

The Research Method

The study involved surveying 170 UK participants, 81 of whom owned at least one animal. The researchers aimed to explore the connection between animal ownership and mental health in individuals living with severe mental illness and also examined whether the perceived strength of the bond between owner and animal was associated with mental health. They collected data after the removal of COVID-19 rules, allowing for a comparison of results with the earlier pandemic study.

Potential Factors Influencing the Results

The researchers suggest that the added responsibility of animal ownership may exacerbate other potential stressors experienced by people with severe mental illness, including financial costs, veterinary bills, and housing uncertainty. They also propose that the temperament and characteristics of the animal may play a role in its impact on mental health.

Insights on Trained Therapy Animals

The study suggests that trained therapy animals, known for their friendly, obedient, and relaxed personality traits, may enhance well-being for individuals diagnosed with mental health illnesses more effectively than companion animals. The researchers emphasize the need for future research to explore the complex relationship between humans and animals and better understand the specific requirements of those living with severe mental illness who own pets.

Attachment to Animals

Despite the findings, the researchers discovered high levels of attachment to animals among the participants. Over 95% reported that their animals provided them with companionship, a source of consistency in their lives, and a feeling of being loved. This suggests that animal ownership offers similar benefits for those living with severe mental illness as it does for the general population and may be a vital part of their social network.

Final Remarks

The researchers acknowledge that their findings, combined with prior research, suggest that the belief in the overall benefits of animals for well-being may not hold true for all individuals with severe mental illness in all contexts. They recommend future studies to include larger sample sizes and a wider range of animal species to gain further insights.