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Behavioural processes2015; 125; 114-121; doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.004

Exploring the existence and potential underpinnings of dog-human and horse-human attachment bonds.

Abstract: This article reviews evidence for the existence of attachment bonds directed toward humans in dog-human and horse-human dyads. It explores each species' alignment with the four features of a typical attachment bond: separation-related distress, safe haven, secure base and proximity seeking. While dog-human dyads show evidence of each of these, there is limited alignment for horse-human dyads. These differences are discussed in the light of the different selection paths of domestic dogs and horses as well as the different contexts in which the two species interact with humans. The role of emotional intelligence in humans as a potential mediator for human-animal relationships, attachment or otherwise, is also examined. Finally, future studies, which may clarify the interplay between attachment, human-animal relationships and emotional intelligence, are proposed. Such avenues of research may help us explore the concepts of trust and bonding that are often said to occur at the dog-human and horse-human interface.
Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.
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Publication Date: 2015-10-22 PubMed ID: 26470887DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper investigates the existence and nature of attachment bonds between humans and animals, specifically focusing on dogs and horses. The study considers characteristics of typical attachment bonds and assesses dogs and horses based on these parameters. While dogs demonstrate alignment with the features of attachment bonds, less so is observed in horses. Other factors such as emotional intelligence in humans and the domestication paths of the animals are also discussed.

Research Context

  • The article is centered on evaluating the existence and the potential basis of dog-human and horse-human attachment bonds.
  • Dogs and horses were selected as models because they share significant interaction with humans. However, the way they were domesticated and the roles they play in human lives differ, making a comparison insightful.

Attachment-Marking Features

  • The main characteristics being considered for the research are a distress reaction when separated, use of the attachment figure as a safe haven when threatened, use of the attachment figure as a secure base from which to explore, and a desire to maintain proximity with the attachment figure.
  • The research notes that these features are typically identified in human-infant attachment studies, but their application to human-animal bonds is relatively unexplored.

Evidences and Results

  • Evidently in dog-human bonds, all four characteristic features of attachment were observed. Dogs showed signs of distress when separated, sought comfort from humans when threatened, used humans as a base for exploring their environment, and desired to be near humans.
  • In contrast, horses did not consistently show these features suggesting a weaker or different form of bond.
  • Differences in the manifestation of attachment behavior in dogs and horses can be associated with their different domestication paths and different roles in human lives.

Role of Emotional Intelligence and Future Studies

  • The paper additionally explores the role of human emotional intelligence in moderating these attachment bonds. It is suggested that humans with higher emotional intelligence might facilitate stronger animal-human attachment.
  • The article concludes by proposing that future research should explore the interaction between emotional intelligence, attachment behaviors, and other factors that can influence human-animal interactions.

Conclusions

  • Through the comparison of dog-human and horse-human relationships, the study contributes to a better understanding of what constitutes an inter-species attachment bond and how it manifests.
  • This research provides a basis that can be used in the development of a larger framework for studying human-animal relationships.

Cite This Article

APA
Payne E, DeAraugo J, Bennett P, McGreevy P. (2015). Exploring the existence and potential underpinnings of dog-human and horse-human attachment bonds. Behav Processes, 125, 114-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.004

Publication

Behavioural processes
ISSN: 1872-8308
NlmUniqueID: 7703854
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 125
Pages: 114-121
PII: S0376-6357(15)30049-8

Researcher Affiliations

Payne, Elyssa
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science (B19), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Electronic address: epay1031@uni.sydney.edu.au.
DeAraugo, Jodi
  • School of Health Sciences and Psychology, Federation University, University Drive, Mount Helen, VIC 3350, Australia.
Bennett, Pauleen
  • School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia.
McGreevy, Paul
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science (B19), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Dogs / psychology
  • Horses / psychology
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Species Specificity

Citations

This article has been cited 28 times.
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