DOMESTIC PET LOSS AND SELF REPORTED DEPRESSION

A relationship has been shown to exist between the loss of a domestic pet due to death and ensuing feelings of depression (Katcher & Rosenberg, 1979; Nieburg, 1982). This study explores the relationship between pet loss and self-reported "state" depression.

In this study, a questionnaire was administered to 39 Ss (35 female, 4 male) who ranged in age from 21-64 years (mean = 42.56). Twenty Ss (51%) sustained loss of a pet within the year prior to testing. Seventeen Ss (43.6%) had received professional counseling in the past.

Test instruments consisted of the MMPI (K, D, Hy, Hs), and Beck Depression Inventory.

Thirteen of the pets who died were canine (65%) and seven were feline (35%). Most pets died as a result of trauma.

Data was analyzed using ANOVA technique. Correlation coefficients and chi square results were reported.

No significance was found as to the main effects. That is no significant correlations were observed between domestic pet loss and self-reported depression.

Discussion of the lack of significance in the results presented ideas relating to difficulty with tests, sample size, and geographic clustering effect.

Several areas of future research are explored.