Monitor this situation.

Unsubscribe anytime.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 4 sources · 17 days · First seen 21 days ago · Last updated 5 days ago

Swiss study on pet ownership and health

Overview

Researchers from several institutions, including the University of Basel, conducted a study involving over 2,300 Swiss residents to examine the relationship between pet ownership and well-being. The findings challenge the assumption that owning a pet automatically improves physical or psychological health.

The study indicated no significant differences in loneliness, life satisfaction, or medical visits between pet owners and non-owners. Notably, pet owners reported slightly worse health states and higher average daily cigarette consumption.

Researchers suggested a ‘selection effect’ might occur, where individuals already facing health issues or loneliness are more likely to adopt pets. While general health benefits were not found, the quality of the human-animal bond appeared significant; those who spent more time with their animals, particularly dog owners, reported higher levels of perceived emotional support.

Entities

University of Basel · University of Lucerne · Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute · Switzerland · Rahel Marti

Timeline

5 days ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Swiss study challenges link between pet ownership and improved health
A Swiss study of 2,300 residents suggests pet ownership does not automatically guarantee better physical or mental health, noting that benefits depend heavily on the quality of the human-animal bond.
21 days ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Swiss Survey Finds No Health Benefits from Pet Ownership
A Swiss survey of 2,328 adults found pet ownership does not improve health or wellbeing; women and dog owners feel stronger bonds, but owners reported slightly poorer health and higher smoking rates.

Sources

blitzquotidiano.it · gpkmedia.com · studenti.it · thebrighterside.news