The contributions of companion animals to overall family functioning and the
relationship between companion animals and human caregivers are discussed. With
the ever increasing population of elders in our society, more young adult and
middle-aged caregivers find themselves caught between the demands of parents,
in-laws, children, and career responsibilities. Titled the "sandwich generation"
and "crowded nest" syndrome (Financial Health, 1997), these individuals often
stagger under the burden of caring for growing children as well as chronically
ill or disabled older parents. With companion animals being commonplace among
households in the United States and considered to be vital family members,
companion animals may serve as a buffer in stressful caregiver situations.
Companion animals may also function as a temporary diversion away from the
emotional strain associated with caregiving.
Caregiving potentially impacts all aspects of the caregiver's life, with overall
family functioning being particularly affected by the strain and stress of
caring for others. Examination of family functioning from the Circumplex Model
(Olson et al, 1976, Sage Publications) highlights three concepts most central
and descriptive of family dynamics: cohesion, flexibility, and communication.
Within this model, each family member (potentially including the companion
animal) serves different functions within the family system. Although there is
limited empirical data on human-animal bonds within the context of the family
system, the emotional attachment between humans and the companion animal may
facilitate healthy family functioning and foster connectedness, flexibility, and
open communication within the family system. While the length and intensity of
caregiving along with a host of other factors impact how successfully caregivers
handle the strain associated with caregiving, insight into the role(s) and
functions(s) of companion animals may yield vital information for family
therapists and health care professionals working with family members.
