Private Practice, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
J Elder Abuse Negl. 2009 Oct;21(4):307-24. doi: 10.1080/08946560903004839.
Substantial research and literature indicate how people and companion animals form relationships that are, for the most part, mutually beneficial. Yet there are highly dysfunctional human-animal relationships that do occur, meriting attention and remediation. One of the most perplexing and problematic human-animal relationships is encountered in cases of animal hoarding--a deviant behavior associated with extremely deleterious conditions of comorbid animal and self-neglect. Adult Protective Services workers often encounter theoretical and methodological dilemmas with these complex cases. To intervene most effectively, it becomes critical to elucidate some of the developmental factors of animal hoarding behavior and its correlation with self-neglecting behaviors in general. This article presents an in-depth diagnostic perspective as derived from the author's research and clinical experience. An analysis of the complex dynamics of the relationship between animal hoarders and their pets is presented in conjunction with accepted theories of self-neglect. With enhanced knowledge and understanding of animal hoarding, human service professionals will be better prepared to respond to these clients, evoke greater rapport and cooperation, and engage in the interdisciplinary efforts that are essential for optimal resolution.
大量研究和文献表明，人类和伴侣动物之间形成的关系在大多数情况下是互利的。然而，也确实存在高度功能失调的人类-动物关系，值得关注和补救。在动物囤积的情况下，最令人困惑和有问题的人类-动物关系之一是一种异常行为，与动物和自我忽视的极其有害的共病条件有关。成人保护服务工作者在处理这些复杂案件时经常会遇到理论和方法上的困境。为了最有效地进行干预，阐明动物囤积行为的一些发展因素及其与一般自我忽视行为的相关性至关重要。本文从作者的研究和临床经验中得出了深入的诊断视角。本文结合自我忽视的公认理论，对动物囤积者与其宠物之间复杂关系的动态进行了分析。通过增强对动物囤积的了解和认识，人类服务专业人员将能够更好地应对这些客户，唤起更大的融洽和合作，并参与到解决问题所必需的跨学科努力中。
