Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239397
• Publication Date: 2020-09-25T17:30:59Z
• Authors: Elena Ratschen; Emily Shoesmith; Lion Shahab; Karine Silva; Dimitra Kale; Paul Toner; Catherine Reeve; Daniel S. Mills
• Keywords: Companion animal

The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans animals play in context of widespread social distancing isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links mental health loneliness, companion animal ownership, human-animal bond, interactions; explore owners' perceptions related their during lockdown.A cross-sectional online survey UK residents over 18 years age was conducted April June 2020. questionnaire included validated bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures outcomes health, wellbeing loneliness; bond interactions.Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one animal. Most perceived be a source considerable support, but concerns were reported various practical aspects providing care lockdown. Strength did not differ significantly species. Poorer pre-lockdown associated with stronger (b = -.014, 95% CI [-.023 - -.005], p .002). Animal ownership compared non-ownership smaller decreases .267, [.079 .455], .005) increases loneliness -.302, [-.461 -.144], .001) since lockdown.The is construct may linked vulnerability owners. terms emotional closeness or intimacy dimensions appears independent seemed mitigate some detrimental psychological effects Further targeted investigation for human including testing buffering hypothesis development instruments suited use across species, required.