Award Date
May 2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Anthropology
First Committee Member
Peter Gray
Second Committee Member
Ivan Sandoval-Cervantes
Third Committee Member
William Jankowiak
Fourth Committee Member
Tiberio Garza
Number of Pages
170
Abstract
This dissertation utilized a mixed-methods approach which illustrated the potential benefits of HAI in addressing human health concerns, focusing on specific populations within the United States. The chapters presented in this dissertation provide insight into the complex relationships between humans and animals, including the roles of companion animals in promoting human well-being. Chapter three surveys 234 Americans observing COVID-19 stay at home isolation orders and findings suggest that the presence of companion animals alleviates stress and isolation by providing attachment figures and activities on which to focus one’s energy. Chapter four explores women’s oxytocin levels after interacting with their cat compared with a control condition. Results revealed OT concentrations in the cat condition were correlated to specific human and cat behaviors demonstrating the importance of the human-animal bond in human-health measures. Chapter five showcases the ability for virtual animal stimuli during academic advising sessions to increase students’ positive affect and influence students’ perception of their academic advising, making the use of virtual animal stimuli an accessible and complementary tool to promote well-being. These findings contribute to our understanding of anthrozoology and health, and emphasize the importance of continued interdisciplinary research.
Keywords
Anthrozoology; Companion Animal; Human-Animal Bond; Human-Animal Interaction; Oxytocin; Social Support
Disciplines
Animal Sciences | Zoology
File Format
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Repository Citation
Johnson, Elizabeth A., "How Animals Affect Us: Examining the Relationship between Human-Animal Interactions and Human Well-Being" (2023). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 4717.
http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/36114742
Rights
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