Pet Attachment in People with Neurological Conditions V1_10 of Jan2024
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Attachment to Companion Animals in People with Neurological Conditions
IRAS ID
331411
Contact name
Jacqui Ackermann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Special assistance animals are increasingly used for people with neurological conditions. However, training of such animals is time intensive and costly, posing a considerable barrier to accessing such services. Many people with neurological disorders have pets and develop close bonds with them. There is some evidence from recent research that the strength and quality of this bond, also referred to as attachment, may positively influence peoples’ mental wellbeing and quality of life.
Therefore, this project aims to investigate the following question: Is there a relationship between participants’ attachment to and comfort derived from their companion animals and their quality of life, coping ability and mental wellbeing?
A cross-sectional design will be utilised as data will be collected at one time point within a single population group. People aged 18 and above, have a neurological condition or diagnosis of such more than three months ago and have a companion animal at the point of participation will be invited to take part in the study. A neurological condition will be defined as a disorder affecting the central and peripheral nervous system (WHO, 2016).
Recruiting through signposting by NHS Fife Clinicians and online advertisement, participants are invited to take part in an anonymous online survey after giving informed consent. The survey will include questions about participants’ demographics, their relationship with pets, their mental health, quality of life and their perceptions of their neurological condition.
Findings of this project will be offered to academic journals for publication. The anonymous data set will be available for further research purposes via the University of Edinburgh’s online database.
The project aims to increase the current knowledge regarding the use of animals in therapeutic settings. Findings may contribute to developing therapies that are more easily accessible and less costly by incorporating peoples’ companion animals into the therapeutic process.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0064
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion