The Human–Animal Bond and Grief and Loss: Implications for Social Work Practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 104438942110151
Author(s):  
Ellen E. Whipple
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Grief And Loss ◽  
Disenfranchised Grief ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

The human–animal bond (HAB) is a powerful emotional attachment which often elevates pets to the status of a family member. Because companion animals typically live much shorter lives than humans, grief and loss is a problem that is frequently encountered. Disenfranchised grief over the loss of a companion animal is an area that is often overlooked by mental health professionals. Sife has developed a model for the stages of grief and loss specific to companion animals. Questions about pets should be a part of every initial assessment done on a client. Effective interventions include understanding the significance of the HAB and grief and loss; bibliotherapy; psychoeducation; the importance of rituals; and the use of pet loss support groups.

scholarly journals Animals and social work: An emerging field of practice for Aotearoa New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 24-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Walker ◽  
Jenny Aimers ◽  
Claire Perry
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

Social work is traditionally human-centered in practice, even though for many the bond between humans and animals is the most fundamental of daily-lived experiences. The intent of this paper is to reflect on the predominant humanistic basis of social work and to consider the growing evidence for developing a wider perspective to incorporate the human-animal connection into social work practice. Joanne Emmens (2007:9) observes that the human-animal bond is considered by some as ‘…too mainstream (in the sense of being lightweight, cliché or sentimental), or as not mainstream enough…as substantial material worthy of study.’ In this article we argue that the human-animal bond is neither sentimental nor fringe and that our attitudes toward this relationship is based on a construction of western thought. To support this we offer a review of literature that provides evidence of good practice that can move social work beyond a purely humanistic approach to a more holistic view resulting in a more comprehensive toolkit for practice. We explore the literature and practice surrounding the place of animals in social work, both in New Zealand and internationally. In addition, we identify some of the ways the human-animal bond is currently utilised in rehabilitation, therapy, as animal assistants and as an indicator of domestic violence within New Zealand. We argue that this area of research and practice is highly relevant for social work as evidence-based practice. The paper con- cludes by offering some suggestions for discussion within the social work profession, and considerations for social work educators, researchers and theorists. 

In Good Company

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Fraser ◽  
Nik Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Human Animal

Companion animals play an important role in many human’s lives, including many Australian social workers and clients. Yet Australian social work has been slow to address the burgeoning area of human-animal studies. In this embryonic research, we focus on women’s close relationships with companion animals and some of the broad implications this has for social work practice. We analyze some of the themes expressed by women who participated in three focus groups we conducted: two on a university campus and another in a community welfare agency setting. We also examine how the women interacted with each other as they spoke of “their pets,” as these dynamics point to a potentially important source of inspiration and energy that social workers may wish to harness in their day-to-day work with women.

scholarly journals Recognizing Animals as an Important Part of Helping

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darlene Chalmers ◽  
Colleen Dell ◽  
James Dixon ◽  
Trisha Dowling ◽  
Cassandra Hanrahan
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Human Animal

The beneficial role of companion animals on human health and wellbeing across the life span is well documented in the rapidly expanding multi disciplinary body of literature known as human animal interactions (HAI). Social workers practice at the interface of people and their diverse environments. The presence of human animal bonds (HAB) within client systems, between people and companion animals in particular, are increasingly acknowledged and valued by social workers. Additionally, some social workers incorporate animals in their practice through animal assisted interventions (AAI). However, there is a paucity of empirical literature on social workers’ knowledge about and experiences with the inclusion of animals. We conducted a survey across three prairie provinces in Canada, replicating a study that was first implemented nationwide in the U.S. and later in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The survey explored social workers’ knowledge of HAI in social work. The results, similar to the Nova Scotia and U.S. findings, suggest that s social workers have general knowledge about HAI and the HAB, and that some do incorporate animals in practice. Social workers seem to have increasing knowledge and skills about HAI. While this is a positive trend, there is nonetheless a need for specialized education and training on the beneficial impact that companion animals can have on social work practice. In this paper, the application of zooeyia within social work is adopted as one approach to understanding HAB. Important implications for human health and wellbeing and social work practice at the practitioner and organizational levels are discussed.

scholarly journals Learning with dogs: Human–animal bonds and understandings of relationships and reflexivity in practitioner-research

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerilee Ceatha
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Practitioner Research ◽  
Social Work Practitioners ◽  
Human Animal

INTRODUCTION: This article highlights the importance of ethnographic observations of human–animal bonds (HAB) to inform social work practice and applied social research. It explores the relationship between the author and Bruno, a rescue dog, through conventional ideas on attachment theory, connectedness and containment.METHODS: These perspectives are applied to the author’s experiences of undertaking a PhD on the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing. This emphasises reflexivity as an integral component of practitioner research, with the potential to explore the complexities and subjectivities of our emotional lives.FINDINGS: Through recognition of the dynamics of attachment, our roles as companion-carers prompt help-seeking to ensure reflective practice and effective caregiving. Our relationships with companion-animals resonate with the process of undertaking a PhD, through prioritising self-care and seeking work–life balance. These ideas are also relevant for collaborative studies underpinned by an iterative research process, described by a Consulting, Conducting, Collaborating and Checking cycle.CONCLUSION: The article concludes with an appeal to social work practitioners and practitioner- researchers to discover ways in which concepts of HAB, and our interconnectedness with all living beings, can be applied to policy, practice and research with those whom we work with, their families and within our broader communities.

scholarly journals Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 100-108
Author(s):  
John Darroch ◽  
Carole Adamson
Keyword(s):  
Human Services ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Disaster Planning ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Conceptual Base ◽  
Ethical Imperative ◽  
Loss And Grief ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

INTRODUCTION: Companion animals have often been treated as an afterthought, or ignored, by those involved in planning for and responding to disasters. This omission in planning for the needs of companion animals has been predicated upon a failure to recognise the emotional bond between many people and their companion animals. This has resulted in significant costs for humans and animals in many disasters. This article serves to raise issues regarding the responsibilities of human service organisations (HSOs) for animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).METHOD: This article develops a conceptual base for the consideration of the inclusion of animals in disaster planning and response within human services organisations. By first establishing the legitimacy of the human–animal bond and the requirement for human services organisations to develop their disaster planning, an exploration of the literature explores the rationale for the inclusion of companion animals within DRR.FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: A clearly demonstrated relationship between DRR and the presence of companion animals is evidenced within the literature. Delays in evacuation due to the lack of facilities for companion animals, the loss and grief experienced by those forced to abandon their animals, and the particular vulnerabilities of those living in isolation or in homeless situations attest to the importance of animal-inclusive planning. Those living with animals may be more inclined to commit to DRR if the needs of their animals are included in planning. A mandate for organisational and professional responsibility for the inclusion of companion animals is established.CONCLUSION: For effective DRR, human services organisations have a professional and ethical imperative to include companion animals in their disaster planning and response. 

Rapid Assessment Instruments

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. McMurtry ◽  
Susan J. Rose ◽  
Lisa K. Berger
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
The Public ◽  
Unobtrusive Measures ◽  
Domain Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Accurate measurement is essential for effective social work practice, but doing it well can be difficult. One solution is to use rapid assessment instruments (RAIs), which are brief scales that typically require less than 15 minutes to complete. Some are administered by practitioners, but most are self-administered on paper or electronically. RAIs are available for screening, initial assessment, monitoring of service progress, and outcome evaluation. Some require author permission, others are sold commercially, and many more are free and in the public domain. Selection of an RAI should be based first on its psychometric strength, including content, concurrent, and known-groups validity, as well as on types of reliability such as internal consistency, but practical criteria such as readability are also important. And when used in practice settings, RAIs should be part of a well-rounded measurement plan that also includes behavioral observations, client logs, unobtrusive measures, and other approaches.

scholarly journals Evaluando la ayuda mutua en línea: respuestas ante la emergencia del Trastorno Disfórico Premenstrual

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 40-63
Author(s):  
Agustin Quilez-Clavero
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
The Social ◽  
On Line ◽  
Trabajo Social ◽  
La Red

Resumen: A través del análisis de contenido de dos foros de autoapoyo organizados, de modo espontáneo, por personas afectadas por trastorno disfórico premenstrual; se quiere llamar la atención a la profesión del Trabajo Social sobre la necesidad de promover iniciativas profesionales, en el ámbito virtual, en general; y con grupos de autoapoyo on line, en particular. Este trastorno, poco conocido, provoca graves consecuencias a las afectadas, que se deben enfrentar con frecuentes situaciones de incomprensión. Esa gravedad, en ocasiones, provoca no poder mantener un trabajo o romper relaciones de pareja o amistad. El autoapoyo supone un alivio para las afectadas que en la red se expresan con personas en su misma situación. Ha sido tarea del Trabajo Social el apoyo a grupos de personas que precisan organizarse para lograr un empoderamiento óptimo. Este reto, aplicado al mundo virtual, todavía está por acometer, por lo cual emerge una interesante oportunidad para el Trabajo Social del presente siglo. Through the content analyze of two Internet self-support forums, spontaneously organized by women suffering Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, it is wanted The Social Work to attract its attention about the need of taking up professional initiatives generally to online Social Work practice and particularly to online self-support groups.. This disorder is barely known. It causes serious consequences for the patients who have to tackle with frequent lack of understanding. This seriousness, often causes, affected are forced to drop out their jobs, or relationships like couples or friendships. Self-support becomes a relief to them who can express themselves on the Internet with people suffering the same situation. It has been a task for Social Work, supporting groups needing a convenient organization for obtaining an optimal empowerment. This challenge about Online Social Work practice is not common; consequently it is an interesting challenge for the Social Work of the beginning of the century.  

scholarly journals Environmental Aspects of Domestic Cat Care and Management: Implications for Cat Welfare

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith L. Stella ◽  
Candace C. Croney
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Felis Silvestris ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Environmental Aspects ◽  
Felis Silvestris Catus ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
The Us ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Human Animal

Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are the most commonly kept companion animals in the US with large populations of owned (86 million), free-roaming (70 million), research (13,000), and shelter (2-3 million) cats. Vast numbers of cats are maintained in homes and other facilities each year and are reliant on humans for all of their care. Understanding cat behavior and providing the highest quality environments possible, including positive human-cat interactions, based on research could help improve the outcomes of biomedical research, shelter adoptions, and veterinary care, as well as overall cat welfare. Often, however, cats’ needs are inadequately met in homes and some aspects may also not be well met in research colonies and shelters, despite the fact that similar problems are likely to be encountered in all of these environments. This paper provides a brief overview of common welfare challenges associated with indoor housing of domestic cats. Essential considerations for cage confinement are reviewed, along with implications of poor cat coping, such as weakening of the human-animal bond and relinquishment to shelters. The important role that environmental management plays in cat behavior and welfare outcomes is explored along with the need for additional research in key areas.

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