The State of Research on Human–Animal Relations: Implications for Human Health
Open accessAbstract
Since the late 1970s, scientific evidence has accumulated showing that pet ownership can have positive effects on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. This paper reviews the current state of affairs regarding the relationship between companion animals and human health, focusing on both the physical and psychological health outcomes related to human–animal interactions. Although designed to set the general scene on the link between animals and human wellbeing, research specific to older adults is highlighted where relevant. A particular emphasis is placed on disorders prevalent in modern-day society, notably cardiovascular disease and depression. The possible mechanisms by which companion animals might be able to enhance human wellbeing and quality of life are discussed, focusing on routes including, amongst others, the provision of companionship, social lubrication, and improvements to physical fitness. The role of the social bonding hormone, oxytocin, in facilitating attachment to our pets and the implications for human health is also discussed. Inconsistencies in the literature and methodological limitations are highlighted throughout. It is concluded that future human–animal interaction experiments should aim to account for the confounding variables that are inherent in studies of this nature.
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Some authors doubt the generalized pet-effect on human mental and physical health because of conflicting results and lack of publication of negative results.
“Some authors doubt the generalized pet-effect on human mental and physical health because of conflicting results that are prevalent in this area of science and the lack of publication of negative results [13,104,105,106].”
From A One Health Perspective on the Human-Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects. (2020) · cites this paper as [106]
Cites
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234 · Cited by 904 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Studies now suggest that interactions with our pets can also trigger the release of OT, and that this hormone may be behind some of the health benefits arising from interactions with animals and pet ownership (for review see Beetz et al., 2012).”
BackgroundAllen, K. (2002) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/01.psy.0000024236.11538.41 · Cited by 561 · see citing works
Dog ownership and physical activity: a review of the evidence.
Christian, H. E., Westgarth, C., Bauman, A., Richards, E. A., Rhodes, R. E., Evenson, K. R., Mayer, J. A., & Thorpe, R. J. (2013) · Journal of Physical Activity and Health · doi:10.1123/jpah.10.5.750 · Cited by 316 · see citing works
Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., Thomas, S. A., Wells, D. L., & Lange, R. A. (2013) · Circulation · doi:10.1161/cir.0b013e31829201e1 · Cited by 299 · see citing works
Headey, B. (1999) · Social Indicators Research · doi:10.1023/a:1006892908532 · Cited by 201 · see citing works
DiSalvo, H., Haiduven, D., Johnson, N., Reyes, V. V., Hench, C. P., Shaw, R., & Stevens, D. A. (2006) · American Journal of Infection Control · doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2005.06.005 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
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Overgaauw, P. A. M., Vinke, C. M., van Hagen, M. A. E., & Lipman, L. J. A. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17113789 · Cited by 301 · see citing works
- Authors
- Wells, D. L.
- Affiliations
- Queen's University Belfast (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Wells, Deborah L.
- ORCID
- Wells, Deborah L.
- Venue
- Anthrozoös
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2019-03-04
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 169-181
- ISSN
- 0892-7936 (ISSN-L)
- 1753-0377
- OpenAlex
- W2924731899
- Cited by
- 172
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 20 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 22 · 2022: 45 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 6
- FWCI
- 12.66
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Anthrozoös (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Research Portal (Queen's University Belfast) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Urban Green Space and Health
- Keywords
- human-animal relations, companion animals, pet ownership, human health, psychological well-being, physical health, cardiovascular disease, depression, older adults, physical fitness, oxytocin, quality of life, confounding variables
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