Companion Animals Research Paper

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the important human and animal bonds in a systems-oriented practice, research, and theory. The article tells us about the fact that animal and human bonds have been just as important throughout history and different cultures as it is today. People now and in the past been able to relate with animals even when they are incapable of relationships with humans. These relationships with animals help them open up and even enable them to begin relationships with other humans. It also tells of the mental health benefits of animal assisted programs.

Key Points: Companion animals are progressively more important to people in America. Many Americans love and care for their pets as if they are members of the family. Many people even give their pets Christmas gifts. People are

Over the last decade people have spent double what they have in the past, on their pets. Studies have shown that companion animals are have beneficial effects on people with serious illnesses and even mental illnesses. The studies even show that companion animals lower blood pressure, serum triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Just playing with a companion animal has been shown to promote improvement of the human immune system, and neurochemicals related to bonding and relaxation. Pets have even been shown to help with the functioning of people with developmental disabilities. People with disorders such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia have also been helped by animals. The mental health field has failed to appreciate the importance of the bonds between patients and their pets. Many mental health professionals have viewed people, whose closest relationships are with pets, are socially incompetent. However, studies show that animals actually help with