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Depression, Loneliness, And Pet Attachment In Homebound Older Adult Cat And Dog Owners, Sandy M. Branson, Lisa Boss, Stanley Cron, Dennis C. Turner
Depression, Loneliness, And Pet Attachment In Homebound Older Adult Cat And Dog Owners, Sandy M. Branson, Lisa Boss, Stanley Cron, Dennis C. Turner
Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences
Background: Companion animals may reduce depression and loneliness in socially isolated homebound older adults. However, whether owning a cat or dog is more beneficial in this population remains unknown.
Materials and Methods: Pet attachment and the levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness were examined in 39 homebound older adults who exclusively owned a cat(s) or a dog(s). Cat owners (n = 12) and dog owners (n=27) were assessed for depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form), loneliness (R-UCLA Loneliness Scale), and attachment to pets (Likert scale).
Results: Cat owners reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than dog …