How Does Dog-Walking Influence Perceptions of Health and Wellbeing in Healthy Adults? A Qualitative Dog-Walk-Along Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2161967 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kate Campbell (University of Otago), Catherine M Smith (0000-0003-3959-8479, University of Otago), Cath Smith (0000-0001-6140-4058, corresponding author), Steve Tumilty (0000-0003-2456-7055, University of Otago), Carla Cameron (University of Otago), Gareth J Treharne (0000-0002-0065-2995, University of Otago) |
| Year | 2016 |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 181-192 |
| Publication date | 2016-05-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Anthrozoös (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0892-7936 • E-ISSN: 1753-0377 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08927936.2015.1082770 |
| OpenAlex | W2365446476 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 11 |
| References cited | 36 |
The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of health and wellbeing related to dog-walking in healthy adults. Ten self-reported healthy adult dog-walkers took part in one dog-walk-along interview, and nine of the 10 participants also attended one follow-up participatory analysis session. All interviews took place within the metropolitan area of Dunedin, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Dog-walk-along interviews were participant-led, audio and video recorded, and transcribed. Participants' input into the inductive generation of themes was sought during the follow-up participatory analysis session. Three themes were identified: participants had an "Emotional Connection" with their dog(s); dog-walking led to "Healthy Interactions" (social and environmental interactions); and participants had come to value dog-walking for its aggregate benefits for Psychological Wellbeing. Our dog-walk-along interviews have revealed novel insights about how the emotional connection between human and dog strengthens intrinsic motivation to exercise (through dog-walking) whilst concurrently enhancing human psychological wellbeing through the act of giving something that gives pleasure to the dog. Through the combined methods of dog-walk-along interviews and participatory analysis sessions, we were able to identify negative influences on human psychological well-being that included anxiety about both dog behaviors and social encounters with other humans. Positive and negative aspects of dog-walking that we identified can be used by health promotion advocates to refine dog-walking related advice, programs, and initiatives
Animal welfare · Animal-assisted therapy · Biology · HUBzero · Perception · Pet therapy · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Qualitative research · Sociology · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Gerontology
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| Unique citing works | 11 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1,22 |
| Citation span | 2017 - 2026 (10) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 11 |