Pet ownership did not improve mental health symptoms during COVID – 19 pandemic

You are currently viewing Pet ownership did not improve mental health symptoms during COVID – 19 pandemic
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* New research challenges the “Lassie effect” and “cat lady” myth. * The study found no significant association between living with a pet and improved mental health outcomes during the pandemic. * The study was conducted in a large UK longitudinal sample.

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The potential benefits of meditation for individuals with hypertension have been a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Four variables that were theoretically or empirically linked to pet ownership including symptoms of anxiety, depression, anhedonia, and loneliness were examined for an overall “pet effect.” After the first assessment, three-, six-, and 12-month follow-up visits were conducted. These visits allowed researchers to examine the “Lassie effect” during COVID-19, whereby dog owners are expected to exercise more and have a better daily structure as compared non-owners, both of which are important factors closely related to mental health. The “cat lady” notion was also tested, which suggests that cat owners are at a greater risk of negative mental health outcomes. Symptoms of mental health disorders were assessed through a patient questionnaire.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep duration and various aspects of well-being, including physical health, mental health, and social connectedness. The study was conducted in a community setting. The study participants were recruited through a variety of methods, including online surveys, social media platforms, and local community centers. Recruitment strategies were designed to ensure broad representation of the general population, aiming to minimize bias in the sample.

A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between pet ownership and mental health. Researchers analyzed data from a large sample of adults, examining the impact of pet ownership on various mental health indicators. The study found that pet ownership was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. **Detailed Analysis:**

The study’s findings suggest a strong correlation between pet ownership and improved mental health.

Higher loneliness was observed among non-parents as compared to parents. Over time, a medium-sized reduction was noted in depression and anxiety symptoms. Smaller reductions were noted in loneliness and anhedonia symptoms. Lower loneliness was observed among those living with pets, of an older age, who completed higher education, and parents. Controlling for confounding factors, cat and dog owners living alone had lower loneliness scores than non-pet owners living alone. A statistically significant association was observed between exercise frequency and dog ownership. However, no difference in maintaining a daily structure was observed between dog owners and non-dog owners. Females were more likely to own cats, which motivated research on the interaction effects between cat ownership and gender on outcomes of mental health. No significant interaction effect was observed between cat ownership and gender on depression, anxiety, loneliness, and anhedonia symptoms, thereby providing evidence against the “cat lady” effect.

Initial levels of depression, anxiety, anhedonia, or loneliness at the baseline did not predict subsequent pet adoption at the 12-month follow-up.

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