Human-Animal Interaction and Perinatal Mental Health: A Narrative Review of Selected Literature and Call for Research.

ABSTRACT: There is a paucity of research exploring how relationships with household pets may impact maternal mental health. We are unaware of any study to date that has examined associations between individuals' relationships with their pets and psychological adjustment in the perinatal period. Using a biobehavioral lens, this paper provides a narrative overview of the literature on perinatal mental health and human-animal interaction (HAI). We focus on the role of social relationships, stress, and stress reduction in relation to perinatal mental health; the role of HAI in perceptions of social support, stressors, and stress reduction; and gaps in empirical knowledge concerning the role of HAI in perinatal mental health. Finally, we integrate contemporary biobehavioral models of perinatal mental hea

SUBMITTER: McDonald SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8508333 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature