The mediating effect of pet attachment support between loneliness and general health in older females living in the community

J Community Health Nurs. 2008 Jan-Mar;25(1):1-14. doi: 10.1080/07370010701836286.

Abstract

The relationship between loneliness and general health was investigated in 159 older females living in the community. Pet attachment support, a variable tested as a mediator of this relationship, was examined also. Participants completed the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, a Pet Attachment scale, and the Psychological General Well-Being Schedule: general health subscale. A negative relationship between loneliness and general health decreased when controlling for pet attachment support as a coping mechanism. The findings from this study support that pet attachment support has a mediating effect on the relationship between loneliness and general health in this sample of older females. Implications for community health nurses and public policy are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Human-Animal Bond*
  • Humans
  • Loneliness / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • New Jersey
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women / psychology*