Deborah L. Wells

Bio: Deborah L. Wells is an academic researcher from Queen's University Belfast. The author has contributed to research in topics: Animal welfare & Gorilla. The author has an hindex of 34, co-authored 84 publications receiving 4001 citations.

The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well-Being

Abstract: Substantial sums of money are invested annually in preventative medicine and therapeutic treatment for people with a wide range of physical and psychological health problems, sometimes to no avail. There is now mounting evidence to suggest that companion animals, such as dogs and cats, can enhance the health of their human owners and may thus contribute significantly to the health expenditure of our country. This paper explores the evidence that pets can contribute to human health and well‐being. The article initially concentrates on the value of animals for short‐ and long‐term physical health, before exploring the relationship between animals and psychological health, focusing on the ability of dogs, cats, and other species to aid the disabled and serve as a "therapist" to those in institutional settings. The paper also discusses the evidence for the ability of dogs to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of specific chronic diseases, notably cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes. Mechanisms underlying the ability of animals to promote human health are discussed within a theoretical framework. Whereas the evidence for a direct causal association between human well‐being and companion animals is not conclusive, the literature reviewed is largely supportive of the widely held, and long‐standing, belief that "pets are good for us."

Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States.1 Despite efforts promoting primary and secondary CVD prevention,2–8 obesity and physical inactivity remain at epidemic proportions, with >60% of Americans adults overweight or obese and >50% not performing recommended levels of physical activity.9 Similarly, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and other CVD risk factors remain poorly controlled in many Americans. Despite numerous pharmacological and device-based advances in the management of patients with established CVD, morbidity and mortality associated with this condition remain substantial. Hence, a critical need exists for novel strategies and interventions that can potentially reduce the risk of CVD and its attendant morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between pet (primarily dog or cat) ownership and CVD, with many reporting beneficial effects, including increased physical activity, favorable lipid profiles, lower systemic blood pressure, improved autonomic tone, diminished sympathetic responses to stress, and improved survival after an acute coronary syndrome. Accordingly, the potential cardiovascular benefits of pet ownership have received considerable lay press and medical media coverage and attention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention10 and have been the focus of a meeting sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.11 The purpose of this American Heart Association Scientific Statement is to critically assess the data regarding the influence of pet ownership on the presence and reduction of CVD risk factors and CVD risk. Some, but not all, studies of pet ownership and systemic blood pressure have found an association between pet ownership and lower blood pressure. An Australian study of 5741 participants attending a free screening clinic found that pet owners had significantly ( P =0.03) lower systolic blood pressures than pet nonowners despite similar body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic profiles.12 In a study of 240 married couples …

Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin

Abstract: During the last decade it has become more widely accepted that pet ownership and animal assistance in therapy and education may have a multitude of positive effects on humans. Here, we review the evidence from 69 original studies on human-animal interactions (HAI) which met our inclusion criteria with regard to sample size, peer-review, and standard scientific research design. Among the well-documented effects of HAI in humans of different ages, with and without special medical, or mental health conditions are benefits for: social attention, social behavior, interpersonal interactions, and mood; stress-related parameters such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure; self-reported fear and anxiety; and mental and physical health, especially cardiovascular diseases. Limited evidence exists for positive effects of HAI on: reduction of stress-related parameters such as epinephrine and norepinephrine; improvement of immune system functioning and pain management; increased trustworthiness of and trust toward other persons; reduced aggression; enhanced empathy and improved learning. We propose that the activation of the oxytocin system plays a key role in the majority of these reported psychological and psychophysiological effects of HAI. Oxytocin and HAI effects largely overlap, as documented by research in both, humans and animals, and first studies found that HAI affects the oxytocin system. As a common underlying mechanism, the activation of the oxytocin system does not only provide an explanation, but also allows an integrative view of the different effects of HAI.

Colour appeal in website design within and across cultures: A multi-method evaluation

Abstract: Colour has the potential to elicit emotions or behaviors, yet there is little research in which colour treatments in website design are systematically tested. Little is known about how colour affects trust or satisfaction on the part of the viewer. Although the Internet is increasingly global, few systematic studies have been undertaken in which the impact of colour on culturally diverse viewers is investigated in website design. In this research three website colour treatments are tested across three culturally distinct viewer groups for their impact on user trust, satisfaction, and e-loyalty. To gather data, a rich multi-method approach is used including eye-tracking, a survey, and interviews. Results reveal that website colour appeal is a significant determinant for website trust and satisfaction with differences noted across cultures. The findings have practical value for web marketers and interface designers concerning effective colour use in website development.

Human-animal bonds I: the relational significance of companion animals.

Abstract: The importance of human-animal bonds has been documented throughout history, across cultures, and in recent research. However, attachments with companion animals have been undervalued and even pathologized in the field of mental health. This article briefly surveys the evolution of human-animal bonds, reviews research on their health and mental health benefits, and examines their profound relational significance across the life course. Finally, the emerging field of animal-assisted interventions is described, noting applications in hospital and eldercare settings, and in innovative school, prison, farm, and community programs. The aim of this overview paper is to stimulate more attention to these vital bonds in systems-oriented theory, practice, and research. A companion paper in this issue focuses on the role of pets and relational dynamics in family systems and family therapy (Walsh, 2009a).

Gender Differences in Human–Animal Interactions: A Review

Abstract: I review the direction and magnitude (effect sizes) of gender differences that have been reported in several areas of human–animal interactions. These include: attitudes toward the treatment of animals, attachment to pets, involvement in animal protectionism, animal hoarding, hunting, animal abuse, and bestiality. Women, on average, show higher levels of positive behaviors and attitudes toward animals (e.g., attitudes towards their use, involvement in animal protection), whereas men typically have higher levels of negative attitudes and behaviors (e.g., hunting, animal abuse, less favorable attitudes toward animal protection). The effect sizes of gender differences range from small (e.g., attachment), to medium size (e.g., attitudes toward animal use) to large (e.g., animal rights activism, animal abuse by adults.) In most areas, there is considerable overlap between men and women, with much greater within-sex than between-sex variation. Research on the roles of gender in human–animal relationship...