Human–animal interaction (HAI) denotes both the exchanges between people and other animals and the research field investigating them [1]. The interaction is the behavioural unit of analysis, repeated interactions build a relationship, and a relationship involving affective attachment is described as a bond [1]. Animals pervade human social life and influence runs in both directions, yet psychology has given human–animal relations little attention [2]. Companion animal research has emphasised benefits to people from pet ownership and animal-assisted interventions [3], whereas farm animal research has emphasised welfare consequences for the animals [1]. Such relationships are not uniformly benign, since dysfunctional empathy, attachment or anthropomorphism can cause suffering in animals [4].
- human–animal interaction
- human–animal relationship
- human–animal bond
- companion animals
- animal-assisted interventions
Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies • Small Animals • Veterinary • Health Sciences
References
- Geoff Hosey; Vicky Melfi; Human-Animal Interactions, Relationships and Bonds: A Review and Analysis of the Literature. Int. J. Comp. Psychol. 2014, 27, 117-142. [CrossRef]
- Catherine E. Amiot; Brock Bastian; Toward a psychology of human–animal relations.. Psychol. Bull. 2015, 141, 6-47. [CrossRef]
- Sandra McCune; Katherine A. Kruger; James A. Griffin; Layla Esposito; Lisa S. Freund; Karyl J. Hurley; Regina Bures; Evolution of research into the mutual benefits of human–animal interaction. Anim. Front. 2014, 4, 49-58. [CrossRef]
- Emanuela Prato-Previde; Elisa Basso Ricci; Elisa Silvia Colombo; The Complexity of the Human–Animal Bond: Empathy, Attachment and Anthropomorphism in Human–Animal Relationships and Animal Hoarding. Animals 2022, 12, 2835. [CrossRef]