Siporin, S. (2012). Talking horses: Equine psychotherapy and intersubjectivity. Psychodynamic Practice, 18(4), 457-464.

Yorke, J. (2003),"The therapeutic value of the equine-human relationship in recovery from trauma: A qualitative analysis. Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). Retrieved from: http://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/168

The purpose of this research was to investigate the perceived impact of companion animals on the psychological well-being of older lesbian adults. This population is important because it is highly under-represented in empirical research; 44 percent of older LGBT adults have one or more companion animal (Fredriksen-Goldsen, et al., 2011); and older lesbian adults tend to be more isolated than their heterosexual counterparts and tend to feel deeply connected to ‘chosen family’, which can include animals.

The psychological well-being of this population was examined within the context of the human-animal bond because animals bolster well-being, particularly among older adults, and human-animal interaction is often overlooked in social work scholarship. Although the primary purpose of the study was not to investigate grief per se, a prominent thematic finding related to the respondents’ experiences of grief and loss, which connected in complex ways with their own experiences of illness and preparation for end of life.

Methods:

This was a non-probability sample gathered through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The sample consisted of 12 women who ranged in age from 65-80, with a mean age of 71. In-depth, semi-structured interviews included questions about the rewards and challenges of having an animal, the ways in which animals have been important over the life course, and the rewards and challenges of aging. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Constant comparison data analysis was used.

Results:

This presentation focuses on study results related to grief; specifically, the following four themes: (1) anticipation of losing an animal; (2) decisions related to euthanasia; (3) disruption and disequilibrium following the death of an animal; and (4) mourning. A major finding is that human-animal relationships took on pronounced significance while participants navigated life transitions and losses (such as terminal illness). Conversely, death of an animal precipitated substantial disorganization to respondents’ identity, sense of purpose, connectedness, and routine.

Conclusions:

Social workers are well positioned to validate the grief associated with death of an animal and provide supportive resources. Social workers who understand the complexities of human-animal interaction can provide older lesbian adults with comprehensive psychosocial care as they navigate end of life for themselves and their animals. Clinicians who include questions about animals during assessments are likely to discover sources of both strength and stress in a client’s life. Continued investigations into grief reactions related to the death or illness of an animal are indicated.

References

Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., Kim, H. J., Emlet, C. A., Muraco, A., Erosheva, E. A., Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Goldsen, J., & Petry, H. (2011). The aging and health report: Disparities and resilience among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults. Seattle: Institute for Multigenerational Health.

Background: Research has demonstrated an undeniable link between domestic violence and animal abuse. Currently, there are more than 71.4 million women in the United States who live in domestically violent households, while also owning at least one companion animal (Krienert,Walsh, Matthews & McConkey, 2012). Further research suggest that one-half to three-fourths of women who have fallen victim to domestic violence, have also reported that their companion animal(s) had been threatened, harmed or even killed by their abuser (Flynn, 2011).

Problem: Despite the quantitative and qualitative data supporting the correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse, there is a lack of research addressing the significance of the human-animal bond that forms between the victims (both human and non-human) of the perpetrated abuse.

Research: This study examines the role of the human-animal bond within domestically violent households, as well as the psychological and physiological affects this bond can have for women in domestic violent situations. In addition, this research demonstrates the correlation between the “perceived importance” of the human-animal bond by women in domestically violent households, and the likelihood that their abuser will seek out their companion animal(s) as an additional target for abuse. One study conducted in a women’s shelter found that the perceived importance of the human-animal bond was so significant that 40% of the shelter women who made the decision to leave their abuser admitted that they delayed their decision to leave due to concerns regarding the wellbeing of their pet(s), of these women, more than 60% of them delayed their decision by more than two months (Faver & Strand, 2003). Lastly, this study exposes the detrimental affects that can precipitate when women in domestically violent households are forced to abruptly end their relationship with their pet(s), due to violence or the necessary surrender of their companion animals as a means of seeking refuge from their abuser.

References

Faver, C. A., Strand, E. B. (2003). To leave or to stay?: Battered women's concern for vulnerable pets. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18. 1367-1377. doi:10.1177/0886260503258028

Flynn, C. P. (2011). Examining the links between animal abuse and human violence. Crime Law Soc Change, 55. 453–468. doi:10.1007/s10611-011-9297-2

Krienert, J.L., Walsh, J.A., Matthews, K., McConkey, K. (2012). Examining the nexus between domestic violence and animal abuse in a national sample of service providers. Violence and Victims, 27(2). 280-295.

Burrows, K. E. (2005). Service Dogs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Benefits, Challenges, and Welfare Implications (Unpublished Master’s Thesis). The University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Martin, F., & Farnum, J. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24, 657-670.

The possibility of CAs as fictive kin is explored as a means of normalizing the relationship between pets and their owners. We suggested that the fictive kin concept can be extended to describe those adoptive relationships in which a human being becomes the owner of an animal and in which their relationship holds great affection and significance in that person’s life. The ties that occur become very real and meaningful, making the relationship one of kinship, of seeing that animal as part of one’s family. Many ways of publicly manifesting that relationship can occur – including a pet’s name on a greeting card, taking a pet companion on family outings, even including that pet in the list of familial survivors when one dies. These animals have most likely been elevated to family status and may not be referred to as “pets” much of the time. To be listed in an obituary, is typically reserved for conventional kin, extends the concept of fictive kin to these animals that appear in the last tribute to their human companions. The familial theme is evident in the obituaries. On a macro level, examining obituaries raises the question of what might be changing in terms of societal norms that make this phenomenon more prevalent, even more acceptable. On a familial level, given the changing definitions of family and the multiple constellations of relationships, does this reflect a new or renewed role of the pet within the familial context? And on an individual level, does the public declaration of an animal companion as a survivor reflect the importance of attachment between humans and animals in a less conventional manner.

Finally, we explore the opportunity for veterinarians and veterinary social workers to assist clients in dealing with pet loss within the normal grieving process and “next steps” to be taken to extend these pilot data.