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Cited by 553Human-Animal Interaction StudiesPsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsAttachment and Relationship Dynamics

Human‐Animal Bonds I: The Relational Significance of Companion Animals

WALSH, FROMA·2009·Family Process
DOI 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01296.x
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Abstract

The importance of human‐animal bonds has been documented throughout history, across cultures, and in recent research. However, attachments with companion animals have been undervalued and even pathologized in the field of mental health. This article briefly surveys the evolution of human‐animal bonds, reviews research on their health and mental health benefits, and examines their profound relational significance across the life course. Finally, the emerging field of animal‐assisted interventions is described, noting applications in hospital and eldercare settings, and in innovative school, prison, farm, and community programs. The aim of this overview paper is to stimulate more attention to these vital bonds in systems‐oriented theory, practice, and research. A companion paper in this issue focuses on the role of pets and relational dynamics in family systems and family therapy ( Walsh, 2009a ).

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Authors
WALSH, F.
Affiliations
University of Chicago (US)
Corresponding author
WALSH, FROMA
ORCID
WALSH, FROMA
Venue
Family Process
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2009-11-23
Volume
48
Issue
4
Pages
462-480
ISSN
  • 0014-7370 (ISSN-L)
  • 1545-5300
DOI
10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01296.x
OpenAlex
W2135027935
Cited by
553
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 29 · 2025: 41 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 35 · 2022: 49 · 2021: 42 · 2020: 40 · 2019: 54 · 2018: 31 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 46 · 2015: 25 · 2014: 29 · 2013: 23 · 2012: 13
FWCI
2.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Family Process (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Keywords
human-animal bond, companion animals, pet attachment, animal-assisted interventions, mental health benefits, health benefits, life course, hospital settings, elderly care, school programs, prison programs, farm programs, community-based programs, family systems, family therapy
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Animals, Human-Animal Bond, Culture, Humans, Mental Health, Animal Assisted Therapy

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