
Groundbreaking research has uncovered direct scientific proof that attachment to a pet significantly improves the psychological health of children and young people. This revelation comes from the preliminary findings of a study supported by Ceva Santé Animale and conducted by registered psychologist Daniëlle Groenewoud as part of her PhD research.
The study, presented under the auspices of the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organisations (IAHAIO), focuses on the bond between 9–17-year-olds and their dogs and cats. In her oral presentation at the 2024 IAHAIO Conference in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, sponsored by Ceva, Daniëlle shared key insights from her research titled: “Whiskers, Wagging Tails, and Emotional Bonds: Investigating the Relationship Between Children’s Socio-Emotional Health and Their Attachment to Dogs and Cats.”
One of the most significant findings is the correlation between a child’s attachment to a companion animal and reduced anxiety, which in turn contributes to better overall health. The study also found no difference between owning a dog or a cat, or between boys and girls, when it comes to the positive psychological impact of pet attachment.
Daniëlle emphasized that this evidence could have a profound influence on therapeutic practices, saying:
“I don’t know a lot of therapists who include companion animals in therapy sessions. I think, if you do, it could be helpful because we now know from this study that it’s beneficial when a child has a secure bond with their pet. This attachment figure provides comfort and reliability, so incorporating them into therapy or coaching could be quite valuable.”
Following the IAHAIO Conference, Daniëlle plans to conduct further analysis on her study before completing her PhD. Her work represents an important step in the ongoing research surrounding the human-animal bond and its impact on mental well-being, particularly in younger populations.
2024 IAHAIO Conference Overview
Experts from around the world gathered to discuss the latest scientific developments on the human-animal bond at the 2024 IAHAIO Conference, sponsored by Ceva Santé Animale. The event, titled “The Power of Human-Animal Interactions in Times of Crisis,” took place in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania, and was hosted by the University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine. The university recently launched a new Masters degree in “Ethology and Human-Animal Interaction.”