Companion animals and child development outcomes: longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of a UK birth cohort study.

Background: Research into the impact of social relationships on childhood and adolescent health and wellbeing has been largely limited to children's relationships with other humans, while studies into the impact of pet ownership are sparse and have generally not adjusted for potential confounders. This study aimed to investigate the association between pet ownership and a range of developmental outcomes in childhood and adolescence.

Methods: Data were self-reports and direct assessments of approx.

Do metacognitive beliefs predict rumination and psychological distress independently of illness representations in adults with diabetes mellitus? A prospective mediation study.

Objective: Adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) experience high levels of depression and anxiety that are not always effectively ameliorated by current therapeutic approaches. The Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model, which underpins metacognitive therapy (MCT), posits that depression and anxiety become persistent when stored metacognitive beliefs guide an individual to respond to common thoughts and feelings in a certain way. We hypothesized that (i) metacognitive beliefs would predict depression and anxiety independently of participants' representations of their illness; and (ii) rumination would mediate independent prediction of depression and anxiety by metacognitive beliefs.

Dogs and the Good Life: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between the Dog-Owner Relationship and Owner Mental Wellbeing.

Dog ownership is believed to benefit owner wellbeing but, contrary to popular belief, there is limited evidence to suggest that simply owning a dog is associated with improved mental health. This mixed-methods study investigates whether dog owners with stronger relationships with their dogs experience better mental health. Participants ( = 1,693, adult United Kingdom dog owners) completed an online survey.

Socio-demographic factors associated with pet ownership amongst adolescents from a UK birth cohort.

Background: In developed nations, pet ownership is common within families. Both physical and psychological health benefits may result from owning a pet during childhood and adolescence. However, it is difficult to determine whether these benefits are due to pet ownership directly or to factors linked to both pet ownership and health.

The contribution of illness perceptions and metacognitive beliefs to anxiety and depression in adults with diabetes.

Aims: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with diabetes (PwD). The most widely used psychological model to explain anxiety and depression in PwD is the Common-Sense Model, which gives a central role to illness perceptions. The Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model proposes metacognitive beliefs are key to understanding the development and maintenance of emotional disorders.

Companion Animals and Child/Adolescent Development: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.

Childhood and adolescence are important developmental phases which influence health and well-being across the life span. Social relationships are fundamental to child and adolescent development; yet studies have been limited to children's relationships with other humans. This paper provides an evidence review for the potential associations between pet ownership and emotional; behavioural; cognitive; educational and social developmental outcomes.