Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts Honours
Faculty
Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences
First Supervisor
Dr Lynne Cohen
Second Supervisor
Dr Elizabeth Kaczmarek
Abstract
Companion animals have been identified as improving the physical and emotional health of some older adults (Collis & McNicholas, 1998). This qualitative study explored the psychological impact of owning a cat or a dog for persons aged 65 or older who resided alone. Nine participants, two male and seven female, were recruited through local media advertisements in the Guildford area to participate in a semi-structured interview about their relationship with their pet. Following transcription the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis (Aronson, 1994). Four major themes emerged with participants reporting their pets provided satisfaction that impacted on several areas including companionship, social support, affectionate bonds and as a combat against loneliness.
Recommended Citation
Reed, T. (2003). The psychological Impact of Companion Animals for Older Adults who Reside Alone. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/938