Human–Animal Interaction and Perinatal Mental Health: A Narrative Review of Selected Literature and Call for Research

Shelby E. McDonald, Camie A. Tomlinson, Jennifer W. Applebaum, Sara W. Moyer, Samantha M. Brown, Sue Carter and Patricia A. Kinser
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Shelby E. McDonald: Children, Families, and Animals Research (CFAR) Group, LLC, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
Camie A. Tomlinson: School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
Jennifer W. Applebaum: Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Sara W. Moyer: School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
Samantha M. Brown: School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Sue Carter: The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Patricia A. Kinser: School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-26

Abstract: There is a paucity of research exploring how relationships with household pets may impact maternal mental health. We are unaware of any study to date that has examined associations between individuals’ relationships with their pets and psychological adjustment in the perinatal period. Using a biobehavioral lens, this paper provides a narrative overview of the literature on perinatal mental health and human–animal interaction (HAI). We focus on the role of social relationships, stress, and stress reduction in relation to perinatal mental health; the role of HAI in perceptions of social support, stressors, and stress reduction; and gaps in empirical knowledge concerning the role of HAI in perinatal mental health. Finally, we integrate contemporary biobehavioral models of perinatal mental health and HAI (i.e., Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period and the HAI–HPA Transactional Model) to propose a new conceptual framework that depicts ways in which HAI during the perinatal period may influence maternal and child health and wellbeing. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to consider the role of HAI in biobehavioral responses and mental health during the perinatal period. We conclude with recommendations for future research and improved perinatal care.

Keywords: perinatal; human–animal interaction; pets; mental health; biomarkers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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