Life After Loss: Psychodynamic Perspectives on a Continuing Bonds Approach with “Pet Companion”

Abstract

(from the chapter) As evident in the chapters that make up this anthology, there has been an evolving perspective in the field of mental health regarding pet loss as a significant clinical matter. Attachment and loss issues related to a pet companion seem to have gained greater awareness, if not acceptance, in some parts of society, based on the recent volume of journal articles, book chapters, and books written for a professional audience. In order to provide the best therapeutic care, various clinical and research approaches may be reexamined in light of those working with pet-related issues. One goal of this chapter is to review theories that we will place under the broad category of psychodynamic/psychoanalytic theory (e.g., ego psychology, attachment theory, self-psychology). A psychodynamic perspective is argued to be pertinent for understanding the significance of the human-animal bond. In particular, how grief work may lead to achieving an ongoing bond with the pet companion that has passed. Research suggests that a high percentage of owners endorse an amicable, if not familial, sentiment toward pets. In research studies, between 87 and 99% of pet owners defined their pets as being like a friend or family member (Cain, 1983; Voith, 1985). Given that there may be a deep sense of attachment, one may also expect one's grief upon loss of a pet to be substantial (Field, Orsini, Gavish, & Packman, 2009). When losing a pet, the intensity and duration of some pet owners' mourning mirrors or even surpasses the grief experienced when losing a human companion (Gosse & Barnes, 1994; Planchon & Templer, 1996; Quackenbush, 1982; Wrobel & Dye, 2003). Therefore, theoretical consideration for attachment and loss regarding a pet companion is of clinical importance. Finally, it is also argued in this chapter that clinical implications derived from psychodynamic theory will be of assistance in forming a continuing bond with a pet companion, thereby allowing the connection established in life to be sustained in a meaningful way after the pet's passing. To date, only one empirical study has been conducted, considering the significance of continuity and the loss of pet companions (Field, Gao, & Paderna, 2005; Field, Orsini, Gavish, & Packman, 2009). Field et al. suggested that forming a continued bond represented an adaptive component of grief. Within the clinical realm, there is strong relevance for utilizing a continuing bonds approach concerning pet loss, but this topic has largely remained unexplored. In this chapter, pertinent clinical implications are addressed that include a pet companion as a significant object, internalization and integration of the pet object, and the import role of context in research and clinical work. Each topic has direct application for the grieving client's ability to sustain a sense of continuing bonds with a pet companion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)