Animal Companions and Human Well-Being: An Historical Exploration of the Value of Human—Animal Relationships

Publisher Summary For most of human history, animals have occupied a central position in theories concerning the ontology and treatment of sickness and disease. Offended animal spirits were often believed to be the source of illness, injury, or misfortune, but, at the same time, the assistance of animal guardian spirits—either one's own or those belonging to a medicine man or shaman—could also be called on to mediate in the process of healing such afflictions. Recent interest in the potential medical value of animal companionship was largely initiated by a single study that appeared to demonstrate life-prolonging effects of pet ownership among heart attack sufferers. This study has since prompted many others, most of which have demonstrated either short-term, relaxing effects of animal contact, or long-term health improvements consistent with a view of companion animals as sources of social support. Despite these findings, the positive therapeutic value of animal companionship continues to receive little recognition in mainstream medical literature, and as a field of research it is grossly undersupported by government funding agencies. Hopefully, with the gradual demise of this old-fashioned and prejudiced mind-set, one can return to a more holistic and open-minded view of the potential contribution of animals to human well-being.