Effects of Dogs on Depression Levels of Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research study was to examine the link between being a primary caretaker of a dog and depression levels in clients who have a current diagnosis of cancer. The literature identifies a link between animal assistance and levels of depression among cancer patients. However, an area that was not fully examined in the literature was the relationship between being a dog owner, having a cancer diagnosis, and depression levels. This led to the researchers seeking an answer to the following question: In clients who have a current diagnosis of cancer, does having a dog have an effect on self-perceived symptoms of depression compared with clients who do not have a dog? This question can impact the profession of occupational therapy because if depression levels can be reduced, then quality of life and participation in daily activates will increase.

DESIGN AND METHOD: This study warranted an exploratory design with correlational methods in order to determine a relationship between the two variables: depression and dog ownership. This relationship was explored by comparing dog owners to non–dog owners with a cancer diagnosis. The Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI–II) was used to measure the level of depression in participants. Nine participants were recruited from a community-based center.

RESULTS: The findings of this study demonstrate that cancer patients who were caretakers of dogs experienced lower levels of depression: BDI–II scores ranged from 2 through 7, which correlate with normal ups and downs. On the contrary, the group without dogs experienced higher levels of depression: BDI–II scores ranged from 5 through 16. According to the BDI–II, a score between 11 and 16 is correlated with moderate mood disturbance. Although the results of this study demonstrate a difference in depression levels of both groups, the researchers were unable to find a significant difference due to population size. Moreover, the researchers gathered additional findings that were not the focus of this study; cancer patients without dogs also experienced increased concern about their physical health and decreased interest in sexual activity. Additionally, both groups experienced irritability and sleep problems.

CONCLUSION: Although animal-assisted therapy and pet therapy have been used in conjunction with cancer treatment, the use of being a caretaker of a pet dog had not specifically been researched until this current study was conducted. Considering the fact that individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer typically have comorbid depression, the researchers were interested in knowing if being a caretaker of a dog can reduce depression by providing a meaningful role for the individual. This is a cost-effective method for preventive and integrated cancer treatment.

References

Dobbs, B. M. (2003). The Chimo Project—Improving mental health through animal assisted therapy: Independent evaluator’s final report. Retrieved from http://www.angelfire.com/mh/chimo/pdf/Chimo-Final_Report-Revised.pdf

Gagnon, J., Bouchard, F., Landry, M., Belles-Isles, M., Fortier M., & Fillion, L. (2004). Implementing a hospital-based animal therapy program for children with cancer: A descriptive study. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 14, 217–222. https://doi.org/10.5737/1181912x144217222

Maharaj, N., & Haney, C. (2015). A qualitative investigation of the significance of companion dogs. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 37, 1175–1193. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945914545176