Dissertation

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Child-Dog Relationship in Healthy Weight and Overweight/Obese Children

Linder, Deborah

2016

Overview

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern necessitating comprehensive treatment. The development of effective and sustainable interventions to treat obesity and the mental health effects of childhood obesity remain both a priority and a challenge. Previous studies show that dogs may provide social support in overweight adults, but the child-dog relationship is not as well understood. The goal of this study was to improve knowledge of the child-dog relationship among children to inform future childhood obesity interventions including dogs. A sequential mixed-methods approach utilized a cross-sectional survey study to test the hypothesis that overweight children are more attached to their pet dogs and have less perceived social support compared to healthy weight children, and also utilized semi-structured interviews in an exploratory method to better understand the child-dog relationship and engage stakeholders of potential future interventions. Children aged 8-13 with a dog in the household were surveyed on dog attachment (Pet Relationship Scale), perceived social support (Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale), and had height and weight measurements taken. A parent demographic survey was also conducted. Semi-structured interviews with child-parent dyads further investigated the child-dog relationship and perceptions about potential child-dog activity programs. The results of the survey showed that overweight/obese children (≥ 85th body mass index percentile) had greater attachment to their dog (p=0.039) and less perceived social support (p=0.016) compared to healthy weight children. Semi-structured interviews revealed that child-parent dyads were positive and enthusiastic about child-dog physical activity programs. Perceived barriers for programs included safety concerns in child-dog and dog-dog interactions. Perceived facilitators for programs included components that strengthen the child-dog bond, such as the addition of education, behavior training, or agility components. In conclusion, overweight/obesity in children was associated with greater dog attachment and less perceived social support, supporting the concept that pet dogs play a different role in overweight/obese children’s social support networks. Children and parent/legal guardians support child-dog activity programs that are safe and enrich the child-dog relationship. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of including pet dogs as additional mental health support in novel childhood obesity interventions.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Developmental psychology / Health sciences
• ISBN: 1339933837, 9781339933832