Advancing Human–Animal Interaction to Counter Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19: A Model for an Interdisciplinary Public Health Consortium

Animals

Diana Martinez¹  Aubrey Fine¹  Lindsey Braun²  Alison Putnam³  Angela M. Hughes⁴ 

[1] Department of Education, College of Education and Integrative Studies, California Polytechnic State University Pomona, 3801 W. Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA;Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 1310 L St, NW, Suite 860, Washington, DC 20005, USA;Humane Rescue Alliance, 71 Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA;Mars Petcare, 18101 SE 6 Way, Vancouver, WA 98683, USA;

关键词: social isolation;    loneliness;    COVID-19;    human–animal interaction;    human–animal bond;    leadership consortium;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ani11082325

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The mental and physical human costs of social isolation and loneliness—and their possible amelioration through human–animal interaction (HAI)—have both received intense attention since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its lockdowns, quarantines, and related mitigation measures. Concern about society’s “loneliness epidemic”, however, predates the pandemic, as does serious inquiry into HAI as a positive intervention. Recognizing the potential of companion animals to make a difference on an important public health issue, the Consortium on Social Isolation and Companion Animals—a novel partnership of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare—launched a joint initiative in 2019 to advance HAI research, address barriers to HAI, and support best practices in bringing together animals and people to ease loneliness. Beginning with a first-ever summit of multidisciplinary thought leaders, this collaboration has already yielded actionable insights and research projects. As a novel partnership initiative in the HAI field, it offers a promising model for future cross-disciplinary forward thinking to elevate HAI for the mutual benefit of companion animals and their welfare, as well as vulnerable human populations.

【 授权许可】

Unknown