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Full-Text Articles in Social Work
Expanding The Ecological Lens In Child Welfare Practice To Include Other Animals, Christina Risley-Curtiss
Expanding The Ecological Lens In Child Welfare Practice To Include Other Animals, Christina Risley-Curtiss
The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare
Sixty-nine million U.S. households have companion animals and most of these families consider these animals to be family members. Research shows that children have powerful emotional connections with animals that can be both beneficial and harmful. Considerable research findings report that violence against animals often co-occurs with, indicates, or predicts other forms of family violence, including child abuse. A companion animal may be an abused child's confidante, and separation from that animal through foster care may be a source of stress and grief for that child. Child welfare agencies are slowly acknowledging some animal-human relationships, especially in regard to animal …
Relational Ecology: A Theoretical Framework For Understanding The Human-Animal Bond, Jennifer M. Putney
Relational Ecology: A Theoretical Framework For Understanding The Human-Animal Bond, Jennifer M. Putney
The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare
This qualitative study investigated the perceived impact of companion animals on the psychological well-being of lesbian women over age 65. Twelve women, ranging in age from 65-80, were interviewed with a semi-structured interview guide. Four thematic findings are highlighted: love and attachment, animals in transitional spaces, challenges and rewards of caregiving, and preparation for death. The author offers the term "relational ecology" to explain how animals contribute to well-being. This integrates the growth task model of human development, object relations theory, liminality, and deep ecology.