No Loss of Support if Attached: Attachment Not Pet Type Predicts Grief, Loss Sharing, and Perceived Support

References

• Adams, C. L., Bonnett, B. N., & Meek, A. H. (2000). Predictors of owner response to companion animal death in 177 clients from 14 practices in Ontario. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 217(9), 1303–1309. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2000.217.1303
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Arahori, M., Kuroshima, H., Hori, Y., Takagi, S., Chijiiwa, H., & Fujita, K. (2017). Owners’ view of their pets’ emotions, intellect, and mutual relationship: Cats and dogs compared. Behavioural Processes, 141(3), 316–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2017.02.007
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Azevedo, A., Guimarães, L., Ferraz, J., Whiting, M., & Magalhães-Sant’Ana, M. (2022). Understanding the human–reptile bond: An exploratory mixed-methods study. Anthrozoös, 35(6), 755–772. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2022.2051934
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Barnard-Nguyen, S., Breit, M., Anderson, K. A., & Nielsen, J. (2016). Pet loss and grief: Identifying at-risk pet owners during the euthanasia process. Anthrozoös, 29(3), 421–430. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2016.1181362
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brennan, K. A., Clark, C. L., & Shaver, P. R. (1998). Experiences in close relationships inventory [Database record]. APA PsycTests. https://doi.org/10.1037/t23266-000
   Google Scholar
• Brown, B. H., Richards, H. C., & Wilson, C. A. (1996). Pet bonding and pet bereavement among adolescents. Journal of Counseling & Development, 74(5), 505–509. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1996.tb01901.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brown, C. A., Wilson, D. M., Carr, E., Gross, D. P., Miciak, M., & Wallace, J. E. (2023). Older adults and companion animal death: A survey of bereavement and disenfranchised grief. Human–Animal Interactions, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2023.001
   Google Scholar
• Coe, J. B., Young, I., Lambert, K., Dysart, L., Nogueira Borden, L., & Rajic, A. (2014). A scoping review of published research on the relinquishment of companion animals. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 17(3), 253–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2014.899910
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cordaro, M. (2012). Pet loss and disenfranchised grief: Implications for mental health counseling practice. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34(4), 283–294. https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.34.4.41q0248450t98072
   Google Scholar
• Cowles, K. V. (1985). The death of a pet: Human responses to the breaking of the bond. In M. B. Sussman (Ed.), Pets and the family (pp. 135–161). Routledge.
   Google Scholar
• Crossley, M. K., & Rolland, C. (2022). Overcoming the social stigma of losing a pet: Considerations for counseling professionals. Human–Animal Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2022.0022
   Google Scholar
• DiGiacomo, N., Arluke, A., & Patronek, G. (1998). Surrendering pets to shelters: The relinquisher's perspective. Anthrozoös, 11(1), 41–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.1998.11425086
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Doka, K. J. (1999). Disenfranchised grief. Bereavement Care, 18(3), 37–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/02682629908657467
   Google Scholar
• Doka, K. J. (2008). Disenfranchised grief in historical and cultural perspective. In M. S. Stroebe, R. O. Hansson, H. Schut, & W. Stroebe (Eds.), Handbook of bereavement research and practice: Advances in theory and intervention (pp. 223–240). American Psychological Association.
   Google Scholar
• Field, N. P., Orsini, L., Gavish, R., & Packman, W. (2009). Role of attachment in response to pet loss. Death Studies, 33(4), 334–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481180802705783
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gosse, G. H., & Barnes, M. J. (1994). Human grief resulting from the death of a pet. Anthrozoös, 7(2), 103–112. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279394787001970
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Green, J. D., Coy, A. E., & Mathews, M. A. (2018). Attachment anxiety and avoidance influence pet choice and pet-directed behaviors. Anthrozoös, 31(4), 475–494. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2018.1482117
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Habarth, J., Bussolari, C., Gomez, R., Carmack, B. J., Ronen, R., Field, N. P., & Packman, W. (2017). Continuing bonds and psychosocial functioning in a recently bereaved pet loss sample. Anthrozoös, 30(4), 651–670. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2017.1370242
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hayes, A. F. (2018). Partial, conditional, and moderated mediation: Quantification, inference, and interpretation. Communication Monographs, 85(1), 4–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2017.1352100
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hicks, S. (2018). Grief severity after the loss of a pet [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Texas State University.
   Google Scholar
• Higgs, M. J., Bipin, S., & Cassaday, H. J. (2020). Man's best friends: Attitudes towards the use of different kinds of animal depend on belief in different species’ mental capacities and purpose of use. Royal Society Open Science, 7(2), 191162. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191162
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hirschman, E. C. (1994). Consumers and their animal companions. Journal of Consumer Research, 20(4), 616–632. https://doi.org/10.1086/209374
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Holcomb, R., Williams, R. C., & Richards, P. S. (1985). The elements of attachment: Relationship maintenance and intimacy. Journal of the Delta Society, 2, 28–34.
   Google Scholar
• Hunt, M., & Padilla, Y. (2006). Development of the Pet Bereavement Questionnaire. Anthrozoös, 19(4), 308–324. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279306785415493
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Khalid, A., & Naqvi, I. (2016). Relationship between pet attachment and empathy among young adults. Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 26(1), 66–82.
   Google Scholar
• King, L. C., & Werner, P. D. (2012). Attachment, social support, and responses following the death of a companion animal. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 64(2), 119–141. https://doi.org/10.2190/OM.64.2.b
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Knight, S., Vrij, A., Cherryman, J., & Nunkoosing, K. (2004). Attitudes towards animal use and belief in animal mind. Anthrozoös, 17(1), 43–62. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279304786991945
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Konok, V., Kosztolányi, A., Rainer, W., Mutschler, B., Halsband, U., & Miklósi, Á. (2015). Influence of owners' attachment style and personality on their dogs'(Canis familiaris) separation-related disorder. PLoS ONE, 10(2), e0118375.
   Google Scholar
• Kwan, J. Y., & Bain, M. J. (2013). Owner attachment and problem behaviors related to relinquishment and training techniques of dogs. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 16(2), 168–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2013.768923
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• le Roux, M. C., & Wright, S. (2020). The relationship between pet attachment, life satisfaction, and perceived stress: Results from a South African online survey. Anthrozoös, 33(3), 371–385. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2020.1746525
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Luiz Adrian, J. A., Deliramich, A. N., & Frueh, B. C. (2009). Complicated grief and posttraumatic stress disorder in humans’ response to the death of pets/animals. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 73(3), 176–187. https://doi.org/10.1521/bumc.2009.73.3.176
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Martens, P., Enders-Slegers, M. J., & Walker, J. K. (2016). The emotional lives of companion animals: Attachment and subjective claims by owners of cats and dogs. Anthrozoös, 29(1), 73–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2015.1075299
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Martin, A. L., Kelling, A. S., & Mallavarapu, S. (2021). Attitudes toward dog relinquishment as assessed through a survey of university students. Anthrozoös, 34(2), 201–215.
   Google Scholar
• McCutcheon, K., & Fleming, S. (2002). Grief resulting from euthanasia and natural death of companion animals. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 44(2), 169–188. https://doi.org/10.2190/5QG0-HVH8-JED0-ML16
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miller, H., Ward, M., & Beatty, J. A. (2019). Population characteristics of cats adopted from an urban cat shelter and the influence of physical traits and reason for surrender on length of stay. Animals, 9(11), 940.
   Google Scholar
• Mondelli, F., Prato Previde, E., Verga, M., Levi, D., Magistrelli, S., & Valsecchi, P. (2004). The bond that never developed: Adoption and relinquishment of dogs in a rescue shelter. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 7(4), 253–266. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327604jaws0704_3
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Nilsson, K. M. (2005). Pet bereavement and avenues of support [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. The Wright Institute.
   Google Scholar
• O’Connor, V. L., Vonk, J., & Compitus, K. (2022). When support is “pawsed”: Increased attachment mediates the association between loss of support and pet bereavement during the pandemic. Human Animal Interaction Bulletin, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2022.0020
   Google Scholar
• Packman, W., Field, N. P., Carmack, B. J., & Ronen, R. (2011). Continuing bonds and psychosocial adjustment in pet loss. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 16(4), 341–357. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2011.572046
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Park, R., & Royal, K. (2020). A national survey of companion animal owners’ self-reported methods of coping following euthanasia. Veterinary Sciences, 7(3), 89. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci7030089
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Patronek, G. J., Glickman, L. T., Beck, A. M., McCabe, G. P., & Ecker, C. (1996). Risk factors for relinquishment of dogs to an animal shelter. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 209(3), 572–581. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.1996.209.03.572
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Poresky, R. H., Hendrix, C., Mosier, J. E., & Samuelson, M. L. (1987). The Companion Animal Bonding Scale: Internal reliability and construct validity. Psychological Reports, 60(3), 743–746.
   Google Scholar
• Powell, L., Chia, D., McGreevy, P., Podberscek, A. L., Edwards, K. M., Neilly, B., Guastella, A. J., Lee, V., & Stamatakis, E. (2018). Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters. PLoS ONE, 13(7), e0200276.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Quackenbush, J. (1985). The death of a pet. How it can affect owners. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 15(2), 395–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-5616(85)50311-3
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Redmalm, D. (2015). Pet grief: When is non-human life grievable? The Sociological Review, 63(1), 19–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-954X.12226
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rollin, B. E. (1990). Animal welfare, animal rights and agriculture. Journal of Animal Science, 68(10), 3456–3461.
   Google Scholar
• Rujoiu, O., & Rujoiu, V. (2014). Pet loss and human emotion: Romanian students’ reflections on pet loss. Journal of Loss and Trauma: International Perspectives on Stress and Coping, 19(5), 474–483.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rusu, A. S., Costea-Barlutiu, C., & Turner, D. T. (2019). Interpersonal and pet attachment, empathy toward animals, and anthropomorphism: An investigation of pet owners in Romania. People and Animals, 2(1), 2575–9078.
   Google Scholar
• Schmidt, M., Naylor, P. E., Cohen, D., Gomez, R., Moses Jr, J. A., Rappoport, M., & Packman, W. (2018). Pet loss and continuing bonds in children and adolescents. Death Studies, 44(5), 278–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2018.1541942
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sharkin, B. S., & Bahrick, A. S. (1990). Pet loss: Implications for counselors. Journal of Counseling and Development, 68(3), 306–308. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1990.tb01378.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sharkin, B. S., & Ruff, L. A. (2011). Broken bonds: Understanding the experience of pet relinquishment. In C. Blazina, G. Boyraz, & D. Shen-Miller (Eds.), The psychology of the human-animal bond: A resource for clinicians and researchers (pp. 275–287). Springer.
   Google Scholar
• Shore, E. R. (2005). Returning a recently adopted companion animal: Adopters’ reasons for and reactions to the failed adoption experience. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 8(3), 187–198. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327604jaws0803_3
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Shore, E. R., Riley, M. L., & Douglas, D. K. (2006). Pet owner behaviors and attachment to yard versus house dogs. Anthrozoös, 19(4), 325–334. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279306785415466
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Smolkovic, I., Fajfar, M., & Mlinaric, V. (2012). Attachment to pets and interpersonal relationships: Can a four-legged friend replace a two-legged one? Journal of European Psychology Students, 3(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.5334/jeps.ao
   Google Scholar
• Spain, B., O’Dwyer, L., & Moston, S. (2019). Pet loss: Understanding disenfranchised grief, memorial use, and posttraumatic growth. Anthrozoös, 32(4), 555–568. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2019.1621545
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stallones, L., Marx, M. B., Garrity, T. F., & Johnson, T. R. (1990). Pet ownership and attachment in relation to the health of U.S. adults, 21 to 64 years of age. Anthrozoös, 4(2), 100–112. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279391787057206
   Google Scholar
• Stewart, C. S., Thrush, J. C., & Paulus, G. (1989). Disenfranchised bereavement and loss of a companion animal: Implications for caring communities. In K. J. Doka (Ed.), Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing hidden sorrow (pp. 147–159). Lexington Books/D. C. Heath and Company.
   Google Scholar
• Su, B., Koda, N., & Martens, P. (2018). How Japanese companion dog and cat owners’ degree of attachment relates to the attribution of emotions to their animals. PLoS ONE, 13(1), e0190781.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Su, B., & Martens, P. (2020). Chinese companion animal caretakers’ attachment influences their attribution of emotions to their animals. Society & Animals, 30(2), 131–150. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341550
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Topál, J., Miklósi, Á, Gácsi, M., Dóka, A., Pongrácz, P., Kubinyi, E., Viranyi, Z., & Csanyi, V. (2009). The dog as a model for understanding human social behavior. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 39, 71–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-3454(09)39003-8
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tzivian, L., Friger, M., & Kushnir, T. (2014). Grief and bereavement of Israeli dog owners: Exploring short-term phases pre- and post-euthanization. Death Studies, 38(2), 109–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2012.738764
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vidović, V. V., Štetić, V. V., & Bratko, D. (1999). Pet ownership, type of pet, and socio-emotional development of school children. Anthrozoös, 12(4), 211–217. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279399787000129
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vonk, J., Bouma, E. M., & Dijkistra, A. (2022). A time to say goodbye: Predictors of end-of-life decisions by pet owners. Human Animal Interaction Bulletin, 13(1), 146–165.
   Google Scholar
• Vonk, J., Khalid, A., Johnson, A., Cameron, P., & Lee, E. (2023). Avoidant attachment mediates cultural differences in likelihood to surrender pets. Anthrozoös, 36(6), 1039–1059. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2023.2248764
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vonk, J., & Pappas, J. (2023). Borderline personality features predict empathy for animals but not children. International Journal of Personality Psychology, 9, 95–107. https://doi.org/10.21827/ijpp.9.41145
   Google Scholar
• Vonk, J., Patton, C., & Galvan, M. (2016). Not so cold-blooded: Narcissistic and borderline personality traits predict attachment to traditional and non-traditional pets. Anthrozoös, 29(4), 627–637. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2016.1228762
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Williams, B., & Green, R. (2016). Experiences of bereavement following the death of animals. Mental Health Practice, 19(9), 29–33. https://doi.org/10.7748/mhp.19.9.29.s21
   Google Scholar
• Wilson, D. M., Underwood, L., Carr, E., Gross, D. P., Kane, M., Miciak, M., Wallace, J. E., & Brown, C. A. (2021). Older women’s experiences of companion animal death: Impacts on well-being and aging-in-place. BMC Geriatrics, 21(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02410-8
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Winefield, H. R., Black, A., & Chur-Hansen, A. (2008). Health effects of ownership of and attachment to companion animals, in an older population. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 15(4), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705500802365532
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wrobel, T. A., & Dye, A. L. (2003). Grieving pet death: Normative, gender, and attachment issues. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 47(4), 385–393. https://doi.org/10.2190/QYV5-LLJ1-T043-U0F9
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zasloff, L. R. (1996). Measuring attachment to companion animals: A dog is not a cat is not a bird. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 47(1–2), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(95)01009-2
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zilcha-Mano, S., Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2011). An attachment perspective on human–pet relationships: Conceptualization and assessment of pet attachment orientations. Journal of Research in Personality, 45(4), 345–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2011.04.001
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zilcha-Mano, S., Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2012). Pets as safe havens and secure bases: The moderating role of pet attachment orientations. Journal of Research in Personality, 46(5), 571–580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2012.06.005
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar