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Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo
Pets, wellbeing and living with HIV
28 October 2009
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| Vicki Hutton |
Monash PhD student Vicki Hutton is exploring the role of companion animals for people living with HIV in an Australian-first study.
The behavioural studies student will survey people with HIV about their feelings of wellbeing and social inclusion and for those with pets, the impact the pet has on their lives.
She will then interview pet owners to discuss in depth their experiences of pet ownership and living with HIV.
"Research over the last few decades has confirmed that becoming attached to a pet can offer physical, psychological and social benefits," she said.
"During my honours year I explored the role of pet ownership among older people finding that for some, pets played a significant role in their overall wellbeing, especially those at risk of social isolation.
"For some, the responsibility of pet ownership provided a reason to get up in the morning."
Vicki said her PhD research would build on this, focusing on people with HIV, another population group at risk of social isolation.
"Being diagnosed with HIV does not mean an automatic death sentence. This highlights the need to understand, maintain and improve quality of life, especially where a person perceives a stigma, or blame, attached to their condition," Vicki said.
"Results from a national study about living with HIV in Australia found almost half of all participants lived with a pet and among these more than 60 per cent rated their pet as providing a lot of support, second only to partner/spouse, and above doctors and close friends.
"While it's still early in my research, the depth of feeling in comments I have received from participants so far indicates that on an individual level at least, pets can play an important role for those living with HIV."
Vicky will be discussing her research today at the annual postgraduate symposium hosted by the School of Political and Social Inquiry at the Clayton campus. All are welcome to attend. For more information visit the Symposium website.
Vicki is being supervised by Dr Francesca Collins from the School of Political and Social Inquiry in the Faculty of Arts. |
