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Human–Animal Interaction and Perinatal Mental Health: A Narrative Review of Selected Literature and Call for Research

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  • Shelby E. McDonald

    (Children, Families, and Animals Research (CFAR) Group, LLC, Richmond, VA 23223, USA)

  • Camie A. Tomlinson

    (School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Jennifer W. Applebaum

    (Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Sara W. Moyer

    (School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA)

  • Samantha M. Brown

    (School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Sue Carter

    (The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Patricia A. Kinser

    (School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA)

Abstract

There is a paucity of research exploring how relationships with household pets may impact maternal mental health. We are unaware of any study to date that has examined associations between individuals’ relationships with their pets and psychological adjustment in the perinatal period. Using a biobehavioral lens, this paper provides a narrative overview of the literature on perinatal mental health and human–animal interaction (HAI). We focus on the role of social relationships, stress, and stress reduction in relation to perinatal mental health; the role of HAI in perceptions of social support, stressors, and stress reduction; and gaps in empirical knowledge concerning the role of HAI in perinatal mental health. Finally, we integrate contemporary biobehavioral models of perinatal mental health and HAI (i.e., Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period and the HAI–HPA Transactional Model) to propose a new conceptual framework that depicts ways in which HAI during the perinatal period may influence maternal and child health and wellbeing. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to consider the role of HAI in biobehavioral responses and mental health during the perinatal period. We conclude with recommendations for future research and improved perinatal care.

Suggested Citation

  • Shelby E. McDonald & Camie A. Tomlinson & Jennifer W. Applebaum & Sara W. Moyer & Samantha M. Brown & Sue Carter & Patricia A. Kinser, 2021. "Human–Animal Interaction and Perinatal Mental Health: A Narrative Review of Selected Literature and Call for Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-26, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10114-:d:643631
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Emma R. Power, 2017. "Renting with pets: a pathway to housing insecurity?," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(3), pages 336-360, April.
    4. Rebecca Purewal & Robert Christley & Katarzyna Kordas & Carol Joinson & Kerstin Meints & Nancy Gee & Carri Westgarth, 2017. "Companion Animals and Child/Adolescent Development: A Systematic Review of the Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-25, February.
    5. Cruwys, Tegan & Dingle, Genevieve A. & Haslam, Catherine & Haslam, S. Alexander & Jetten, Jolanda & Morton, Thomas A., 2013. "Social group memberships protect against future depression, alleviate depression symptoms and prevent depression relapse," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 179-186.
    6. Jeannette Milgrom & Yafit Hirshler & John Reece & Charlene Holt & Alan W. Gemmill, 2019. "Social Support—A Protective Factor for Depressed Perinatal Women?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-17, April.
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