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Posttraumatic Growth Following the Loss of a Pet

Bibliographic Data

ID13628866
AuthorsWendy Packman (Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA, corresponding author), Cori Bussolari (0000-0002-3136-2077, University of San Francisco), Rachel Katz (Hospice Caregiver, Zen Hospice Project, San Francisco, CA, USA), Betty J Carmack (University of San Francisco), Nigel P Field (Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA)
Year2016
Volume75
Issue4
Pages337-359
Publication date2016-10-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0030222816663411
PMID28792362
OpenAlexW2559993887
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited36

The current study examined posttraumatic growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of 308 participants who answered yes to a question about experiencing PTG. Within the five factors model of PTG, the most endorsed included the following: Relating to Others ( n = 76), Appreciation of Life ( n = 52), Personal Strength ( n = 51), Spiritual Change ( n = 32), and New Possibilities ( n = 29). Other themes not captured by the PTG included as follows: relating to animals ( n = 70), continuing bonds ( n = 53), attachment relationship ( n = 44), and unconditional love ( n = 13). Our findings support the notion that PTG occurs for people who have experienced pet loss, with new emergent themes

Posttraumatic growth · Qualitative research · Sociology · Clinical Psychology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology

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Unique citing works8
Citations per year1
Citation span2018 - 2026 (9)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 8
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