Frequency of Neurotic Symptoms Shortly after the Death of aPet

[摘要] References(29)Some individuals manifestpsychosomatic symptoms after the death of their pets. A survey was conducted at fourpublic and commercial animal cremation service centers in Japan. In each center, aquestionnaire was distributed to 100 individuals (400 in total). The questionnaireconsisted of the 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28), the socialreadjustment rating scale (SRRS) and a series of questions regarding demographicinformation and the circumstances of their pet’s death. In total, 82 returnedquestionnaires were available for analysis. GHQ28 proved the existence of neuroticsymptoms in 46 responses (56.1%; 95% confidence interval: 44.7%�?67.0%). Analysis of theresponses using the GHQ28 subscales with a Likert scoring system demonstrated more somaticdysfunction in females (GHQ-A: P=0.04). Furthermore, significantcorrelations were identified among the following factors: owner’s age (GHQ-A:ρ=�?0.60, P=0.01; GHQ-B: ρ=�?0.29,P=0.01; GHQ-C: ρ=�?0.32, P<0.01;GHQ-D: ρ=�?0.42, P<0.01), SRRS score (GHQ-A:ρ=0.32, P<0.01; GHQ-B: ρ=0.25,P=0.02; GHQ-D: ρ=0.30, P=0.01) andanimal’s age (GHQ-D: ρ=�?0.26, P=0.02). The death ofindoor pets caused deeper depression (GHQ-D: P=0.01) than that of outdooror visiting pets. The results revealed neurotic symptoms in almost half of the pet ownersshortly after their pet’s death.

[学科分类] 兽医学

[关键词] bereavement reaction;grief;neurotic symptoms;pet los