![]() ![]() A majority of the studies seem to indicate that meaningful companionship with animals could result in an increase in resilience in combating isolation. Scientists have begun investigating the changes we are witnessing in the ways that people interact with their pets as a result of being sequestered. Furthermore, this belief holds true for various populations, such as the elderly and people with chronic health problems and disabilities. Additionally, many individuals, young and old, seek the comfort of their companion animals when they are feeling distress due to the relationships they have or to the lack of them. As we have witnessed during the pandemic, our pets tend to be more available compared to our human friends, which may be one reason we have witnessed an increase in people adopting pets from shelters. It is now more commonly accepted that animals have been recognized as providing social support through relationships with them. The social support theory appears the most relevant in conceptualizing the value of animal companionships during the pandemic. Today, there are numerous accepted theoretical models that explain our desire to interact with animals, including the attachment theory, the biophilia hypothesis, and the social support theory. Fine pointed out that the literature is now filled with studies highlighting how interacting with animals has helped people to feel less stress and anxiety and has supported some people in reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. The major impetus of this volume is to investigate the changing roles of animals during the pandemic and to get a clearer understanding of their impact. These strategies have acted as emotional and social supports helping them to get by. Some have developed coping strategies that have eased their distress during this period of time. ![]() Unlike hurricanes that leave physical devastation and destruction after they hit landfall, COVID-19 has left a trail of physically and mentally vulnerable people who feel alone and afraid. We have all witnessed the tragic impact that COVID-19 is having. The scientific community has earnestly been interested in understanding and providing solutions to support people who are living through this personal nightmare. The Roles of Animals Acting as Social Support It is also the intention of the articles within this issue to provide an overview of the current state of research being conducted on these roles and the roles that animals are taking on during the pandemic.Ģ. Animals represent a positive outlet to release some of the tensions and provide a healthy outlet for engagement. As one can only imagine, people are turning to their pets and other outlets to release their stresses associated with being confined. The intention of this Special Issue of Animals is to address some of the psychosocial stressors that many across the globe have experienced over the past year and to highlight the transforming roles of animal companions during this period. Learning from the past should help us to recognize that there are options that can be implemented to foster resilience in the face of catastrophes. Hopefully, we can learn from our history and put into place precautionary measures that will help humanity to persevere. I believe that we are experiencing another wake-up call with regard to learning from our past. Christakis believes that these are missed opportunities to learn from our lessons. It is apparent that different generations have suffered from various types of pandemics or tragic events, but unfortunately, humans tend to forget easily when the issues are abated, and we try to pick up our lives and move forward. Perhaps the most significant and overshadowing effect of the pandemic has been the growing confinement of individual humans.Ĭhristakis in his book Apollo’s Arrow discusses his belief that one of the major tragedies of humanity has been our struggle to learn from the past. As of this writing, there are over 450,000 deaths in the US alone, and although vaccines are now being dispensed, it is likely that many more will die because of this horrific deadly disease. Without exception, the pandemic has commanded the attention of the entire world. Not since the Spanish flu of the last century have citizens of the world been threatened with such global devastation and catastrophe. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization announced that COVID-19 was to be considered a worldwide pandemic. The year 2020 has been a dreadful one: a living nightmare that has changed and impacted the lives of many. ![]()
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