Scientists from the University of York have found that living with and bonding with a companion animal does not necessarily lead to significant improvements in the mental health of people with serious mental illness. Research published in the journal Human-Animal Interactions.
Scientists conducted a survey of 170 British people with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 81 participants reported owning at least one pet, and more than 95% reported that their pets provided them with a constant source of companionship in their lives and made them feel loved. Owning a pet was not associated with better well-being or less feelings of depression, anxiety, or loneliness.
In a 2021 survey involving the same group of participants, scientists found that owning a pet was actually associated with worse mental health in people with serious mental illness. This may be due to epidemic restrictions and problems in caring for the animal in isolation.
“It is now assumed that pets are beneficial to the mental health of all owners in most or all circumstances, but that may not be the case. The pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to take a closer look at this issue, and many participants with serious mental illness found their animals a lifeline during this time. “The added commitment, stress, anxiety caused by caring for an animal alone,” the scientists explained.
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