Meredith Pamela, Strong Jenny, Condon Lara, Lindstrom Danica, Hill Jessica
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Occupational Therapy, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
Br J Occup Ther. 2023 Mar;86(3):205-214. doi: 10.1177/03080226221133036. Epub 2022 Nov 8.
Incorporation of animal-assisted services is an emerging field of occupational therapy practice. While the owner-dog relationship is an important component supporting positive outcomes, pets also represent an added responsibility, with pet care a little-understood role for occupational therapists. The present study drew on attachment theory to investigate associations between owner attachment pattern, care of the dog, relationship with and closeness to the dog and perceptions of the dog's personality.
Participants ( = 97) completed an online survey using standardised measures.
Quality of the relationship with the pet dog was associated with the level of care provided to the dog, with stronger relationships associated with higher levels of care. While owner attachment pattern was not directly linked with the care provided to the dog, it was related to distress at being separated from the dog and perceptions of the dog's personality.
The present study supports existing findings that an attachment bond is present between owner and dog, and that this bond is linked with the care provided to the dog. Occupational therapists may facilitate the developing relationships between dog owners and their dogs, as well as supporting care of the dog, to optimise outcomes for both.
将动物辅助服务纳入职业治疗实践是一个新兴领域。虽然主人与狗的关系是支持积极结果的重要组成部分，但宠物也意味着额外的责任，而宠物护理对于职业治疗师来说是一个不太被理解的角色。本研究借鉴依恋理论，调查主人的依恋模式、对狗的照顾、与狗的关系及亲密程度以及对狗性格的认知之间的关联。
参与者（n = 97）使用标准化测量方法完成了一项在线调查。
与宠物狗的关系质量与对狗的照顾水平相关，关系越紧密，照顾水平越高。虽然主人的依恋模式与对狗的照顾没有直接联系，但它与与狗分离时的痛苦以及对狗性格的认知有关。
本研究支持现有研究结果，即主人和狗之间存在依恋关系，并且这种关系与对狗的照顾有关。职业治疗师可以促进狗主人与他们的狗之间的关系发展，同时支持对狗的照顾，以优化双方的结果。
