Crawford, E. K.; Worsham, N. L.; Swinehart, E. R.;
Anthrozoos. 2006. 19: 2, 98-112.
Researchers have discovered that companion animals can physically and psychologically benefit their owners, and some argue that one's attachment to a companion animal influences those benefits. However, those studying the human-companion animal bond have used measures of attachment that may not be congruent with the school of attachment theory as it is applied to human-human relationships. We propose that the term "attachment" applied to human-companion animal relationships in research to date may share aspects of traditional attachment theory, but does not necessarily parallel attachment theory accurately. This paper provides a discussion of the similarities and differences between traditional attachment theory and measurements of human-companion animal attachment, and a review of the literature on physical and psychological benefits derived from companion animals. We conclude with a brief discussion of new research and future directions.