While the research cited so far has focused on the potential role of pets in the
prevention of disease, a substantial number of studies have explored the
therapeutic effects of companion animals on people who live with a wide range of
illnesses and disabilities. Results of an investigation about children with
autism (Redefer & Goodman, 1989) suggest that a dog, when used as a component in
therapy, can have a strong impact on behavior. The introduction of a friendly
dog was associated with a significant increase in prosocial behavior and a
decrease in autistic behaviors such as self-absorption. The authors suggest that
the presence of the dog made therapy more pleasurable and productive and
therefore made it more likely that the children would continue and extend their
efforts. Because the presence of the dog was associated with improved
performance, it is unlikely that the dog was a simple distraction for the
children. Rather, it appears that the unique type of social support provided by
a dog influenced autistic children to perceive their therapeutic sessions as
more challenging than threatening.
The effect of dolphins on the cognitive performance of children with mental
disabilities has also been the focus of study (Nathason & de Faria, 1993). This
study compared children in water alone and with dolphins and found that,
relative to using favorite toys as reinforcement, interaction with dolphins as
reinforcement evoked a greater number and higher level of responses. The authors
interpret increased functioning levels as a function of children's reduction in
stress.
Traumatic brain injury or stroke causes dramatic changes in a person's
appearance, cognitive functioning, independence, and mobility. Wille (1984)
considered potential roles for companion animals in the rehabilitation of people
with neurological impairment and concluded that pets can play an important role
in helping a person with stroke or brain injury be accepted as "normal." Being
perceived as socially acceptable increases a person's self-esteem and
psychological well being, which in turn may make it more likely to perceive
stressful events as surmountable challenges rather than threatening
impossibilities. Reintegration into the community, which is one of the most
important measures of success in rehabilitation of people with neurological
impairment, has been associated with the presence of pets in the home (Allen,
1992).
& #9;Valentine, Kiddoo, & LaFleur (1993) retrospectively explored the
psychosocial implications of service dogs for people with mobility or hearing
disabilities, and found that all participants in their study reported "more
freedom to be capable" following the acquisition of a service dog. In addition,
participants said they were considerably less lonely, more assertive, safer, and
more independent Allen & Blascovich (1996a) conducted a randomized controlled
trial focused on the value of service dogs for people with severe ambulatory
disabilities and concluded that trained service dogs can be highly beneficial
and potentially cost-effective components of independent living for people with
disabilities. Within six months of being provided with a dog, participants in
this study showed significant improvements on measures of self-esteem, internal
locus of control, psychological well being, and community integration. In
addition, the presence of the dog resulted in a significantly reduced number of
hours of paid and family-provided assistance needed in activities of daily
living.
While some might argue that dogs trained as service dogs are not meant to be
pets or companion animals, people in this study regarded them as very helpful,
cheerful, best friends rather than assistive devices. Although people with
severe, permanent physical disabilities will never be cured by the presence of a
dog, they clearly perceive the world in a dramatically different way after
receiving one. As one participant summarized, "With my dog I feel safe and
capable, and I am no longer afraid of the future. Everyone needs someone to care
for, and we care for each other with dignity."
It is estimated that at least 40% of people with AIDS in the United States have
pets and Spencer (1992) has described the work of several non-profit
organizations that help people with AIDS keep their pets. Volunteers provide
food, veterinary care, in-home pet care, walks for dogs, and educational
materials regarding zoonoses. Carmack (1991) has considered the role of
companion animals for people with AIDS from a nursing perspective, and concludes
that a companion animal's ability to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
is of paramount importance. The most terrifying diseases are those perceived as
not just lethal, but dehumanizing as well (Sontag, 1990). Individuals with AIDS
experience just such a consequence and often lose their jobs, families, and
friends. Animals remain constant in their affection for people with AIDS even if
human relationships are lost to fear or ignorance. Carmack's descriptive study
(1991) documents through patient self-reporting the importance of animals in the
lives of people with AIDS, and emphasizes the stress reduction role that pets
can play. Respondents in this study talked to their animals at great length,
reported the pet as a reason to live, and felt needed. For people with AIDS pets
are perceived as a major, and sometimes the only, source of support, and they
increase the perception of having sufficient coping resources to deal with
stress.
More recently the relationship between AIDS, pet ownership and depression was
explored (Siegel, Angulo, Detels, Wesch, & Mullen, 1999). This study found that
persons with AIDS who had pets reported less depression than persons with AIDS
who did not have pets. This beneficial effect of pet ownership occurred
principally among individuals with few social contacts and others to confide in,
which suggests that enhancing the social environment with pets may help buffer
the stressful impact of AIDS.
Although there have been many anecdotal reports of the benefits of pets for
people with Alzheimer's disease, few research studies have been conducted. Manor
(1991) has provided a clinical nursing observation on how pets can be
therapeutic for patients with Alzheimer's disease, and suggests that pets help
alleviate loneliness and emotional isolation, increase communication, social
interaction, and sensory stimulation. In addition, they contribute to a
non-threatening, peaceful, homelike environment for residents of nursing homes.
Animals can also be beneficial for nursing home staff members who care for
patients with debilitating cognitive impairment because the presence of pets can
make the stressful job of caregiving more pleasant.
In addition, animals in nursing homes make it more likely that family members
will come to visit their relative with Alzheimer's disease. Providing home care
for relatives with Alzheimer's is stressful, as well as physically and
emotionally draining and Fritz, Farver, Hart, & Kass (1996) found that pets can
temper some of the psychological stress associated with such care.
Interestingly, in this study of caregivers, the positive influence of pets was
found with young females and males, but not middle-aged females.
