Pet Bereavement and Families; A Qualitative View (PDF)

PET BEREAVEMENT AND FAMILIES: A QUALITATIVE VIEW (PROJECT HURRICANE D. PETRICH) A Dissertation Presented to The Graduate Faculty of The University of Akron In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Deirdre K. Petrich August, 2008  ii PET BEREAVEMENT AND FAMILIES: A QUALITATIVE VIEW (PROJECT HURRICANE D. PETRICH) Deirdre K. Petrich Dissertation Approved: Accepted: ______________________________ ______________________________ Advisor Department Chair Dr. Patricia E. Parr Karin Jordin ______________________________ ______________________________ Committee Member Interim Dean of the College Dr. Suzanne MacDonald Cynthia F. Capers ______________________________ ______________________________ Committee Member Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Sandy Perosa Dr. George R. Newkome ______________________________ ______________________________ Committee Member Date Dr. Cynthia Reynolds ______________________________ Committee Member Dr. Linda Perosa  iii ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the loss of a companion animal/pet family member within the context of a family. In order to better understand the nature of bereavement upon the loss of a pet family member it was essential to first grasp the nature of attachment to the companion animal. Five families were selected to participate in this qualitative research study which examined the nature of attachment to the family member pet and the loss that was experienced when that pet family member passed away. These families were all unique in that they had all lost their pet which they had considered a family member within one month of their first interview, yet all families were also unique in how this loss affected the dynamics and structure in their respective families. The similarities and distinctiveness of these families, and their bereavement responses were highlighted in this body of work. Attachment Theory, Marriage and Family Therapy Theories, and also various Bereavement Theories were addressed in this study in order to more fully understand the scope of the loss that was experienced by these families. Specifically, the nature of pet bereavement and attachment were investigated in order to better comprehend the familial loss of a pet family member. This information is valuable to many disciplines such as marriage and family therapists, counselors, veterinarians, scholars, and even laypersons struggling with the loss of a pet that they had considered to have been a family member.  iv DEDICATION This dissertation study is dedicated to my father, ANDREW J. KOCJAN III, the person who has most influenced my life and the way that I look at life. As it is said, children learn by what they see, not by what they hear. My father, or Daddy as he is fondly called, provided an enormous amount to see, and to take notice of as I grew and now as a grown woman. His extreme respect for others, his commitment to hard work, sacrifice to family, and most of all the time and energy that he expended on his four children are all pillars of his constitution. Superheroes are not only in the movies, they are the fathers that are there when their children need them, regardless of the circumstance and irrespective of the sacrifice it takes to be there for that child. I do remember all the times that you have been there for me and I am still in awe of the love that you provided to me, as well as to your entire family and friends. How does one measure success? I would say that having four grown children who love you, respect you, consult you, and admire you must be a glowing reflection of all that you have done. You were right when you always answered my childhood questions with “Because I’m the father, and I said so”; you certainly are, and I am certainly blessed. I love you very much, Your eldest.  v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In undertaking an endeavor such as this there are so many people that have helped me to complete Project Hurricane D. Petrich. I owe much to those people and am humbly appreciative. Firstly, thank you Heavenly Father for allowing me to commemorate my son, Hurricane D. Petrich, in such a fitting way. You made this all possible. Jon, this project began with a simple card that read “To My Mommy, Love Hurricane.” Without your trust that allowed me to become his Mommy, my heart would have never reached its full capacity. Thank you for being a great Daddy to Hurricane D., Tornado Jude, and Blizzard Leigh. . . . Your convictions of faith helped to make this a reality. Hurricane, Tornado, and Blizzard: I am honored to be your Mommy and you make all of my days sunny and memorable. Thank you for stretching me to be a better person. To my Girls, Lesa-Rae, Trisha, and Kathleen: Thank you for loving, caring, listening, supporting, and pushing me. Every woman should have best friends like you. Friend is a rather broad word but unquestionably means “I love you as sisters.” You are the wind beneath these proverbially moving wings. Kandace and AJK IV: Thank you for being my towers of strength when I needed it most. I know that I could always turn to you both for a pep talk. I am proud to be your big sister.  vi Gale: Thank you for sharing your support, wisdom, and children with me. Friendship and professionalism make a great combination. You have proven that. Daddy, Gram, Aunt Toots: You have all shown me the merit of love mixed with determination. Thank you so much for being my role models. Brittany, Kurt, Chelsea, Joey, and of course, Anastasia: I hope that this labor of love projects the idea that a person can do anything they dream of. Being your aunt has been a role that has given me immeasurable pride and my best title. Thank you all for teaching me so much. Dr. Patricia Parr: Every endeavor starts with someone who believes in you. This would have been impossible without the belief that I always felt from you in firmness, professionalism, and kindness. I know you put your heart into this and helped to take it from dream to reality. The UA marriage and family students are so fortunate to have you as their leader. Dr. MacDonald: I know you went above and beyond to help me and I so appreciate it. Thank you. Dr. Linda Perosa, Dr. Cynthia Reynolds, and Dr. Sandy Perosa: Thank you for your expertise, and guidance. To my UA friends who were always there for me: Bridget Weidenborner and Michele Hieberling. Your friendship and support truly made the difference. Thank you. Dr. Charles Moxley: Your help made this a great project that reflected your commitment to the field of veterinary medicine. I consider myself blessed for your assistance and for your dedication to Hurricane, Tornado, and Blizzard.  vii Mr. Nunzio Ventura: I so wish you were here for me to tell you that you could finally call me “Doctor.” I hope you know that I would never have allowed you to call me anything but your fourth daughter. We miss you. Dr. Shannon Dermer: I know that you lit the fire under me to start this incredible journey. How fortunate I was to partake in your guidance and support. You truly embody the essence of a marriage and family therapist and educator. To Sara and Santana: Thank you for listening to my first run defense speech, things only got better from there. Your support has been invaluable to me in so many ways. To Janice and Darlene (From the University of Akron Counseling Department ): I don’t think you both realize the amazing effect that your courtesy, professionalism, and thoughtfulness has meant to this project. I always knew I could count on you and that is a great feeling.  viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAPTER I. THE PROBLEM ..................................................................................................1 Introduction.....................................................................................................1 Pet Loss and Families .....................................................................................2 Statement of the Problem................................................................................6 Significance of the Study................................................................................6 Research Questions.........................................................................................7 Operational Definitions...................................................................................7 Parameters of the Study..................................................................................8 Summary.........................................................................................................8 II. LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................10 Introduction...................................................................................................10 Pet Ownership...............................................................................................10 Health and Psychological Benefits of Pet Ownership ..............................13 Pet Ownership and Children.....................................................................15 Pet Manipulation.......................................................................................16 Attachment Theory .......................................................................................17  ix Attachment and Pets .................................................................................21 Pet Attachment and Pet Behavior .............................................................24 Pet Attachment and Dissociation..............................................................25 Pet Ownership and Attachment: A Summary...........................................26 Pet Attachment and Bereavement.............................................................27 Pet Bereavement ...........................................................................................28 Humans and Bereavement: Kubler-Ross..................................................28 Stages of Pet Bereavement: Quackenbush and Graveline ........................31 Unique Aspects of Pet Grieving ...............................................................34 Conclusions of Pet Bereavement Literature .............................................39 Implications for the Field of Counseling......................................................39 Implications for Marriage and Family Therapists ........................................41 Summary.......................................................................................................42 III. METHODS AND PROCEDURES ....................................................................44 Restatement Purpose.....................................................................................44 Methodological Framework..........................................................................45 Sample ..........................................................................................................46 Participant Definition................................................................................46 Participant Recruitment ............................................................................47 Data Management.........................................................................................50 Data Collection .........................................................................................50 Data Analysis............................................................................................52 Measures of Soundness.................................................................................55  x Risks, Benefits, and Ethics ...........................................................................56 Risks to Participants..................................................................................56 Benefits to Participants .............................................................................57 Ethical Issues ............................................................................................58 Pilot Study ....................................................................................................59 IV. RESULTS...........................................................................................................60 Review of Research Questions .....................................................................60 Overview of Research Study Participants ....................................................61 Family One: Tom and Jane.......................................................................61 Family Two: Mary, Tori, and Darla..........................................................62 Family Three: Rob and Helena.................................................................63 Family Four: Fiona and Susan ..................................................................64 Family Five: Linda and Victor..................................................................65 Overview of Core Attachment Themes ........................................................66 Core Theme One: Unconditional Acceptance .........................................69 Unconditional Acceptance: Literature Comparison..................................74 Core Theme Two: Comfort.......................................................................76 Comfort: Literature Comparison...............................................................82 Core Theme Three: Mutualism.................................................................84 Mutualism: Literature Comparison...........................................................90 Core Theme Four: Inclusion .....................................................................92 Inclusion: Literature Comparison .............................................................99 Summary.....................................................................................................100  xi V. RESULTS.........................................................................................................102 Overview of Core Pet Bereavement Themes..............................................102 Pet Bereavement Core Themes...................................................................104 Core Theme One: Guilt...........................................................................104 Guilt and Literature Comparison ............................................................109 Core Theme Two: Emotional Distress....................................................110 Emotional Distress: Literature Comparison............................................117 Core Theme Three: Individual Grief Processing....................................119 Individual Grief Processing: Literature Comparison..............................125 Core Theme Four: Attempts at Consolation...........................................127 Attempts at Consolation: Literature Comparison ...................................136 Summary of Pet Bereavement Themes.......................................................137 VI. SUMMARY, IMPLICATIONS, AND DISCUSSION....................................139 Summary of the Study ................................................................................139 Overview of Methodology: Collection and Analysis .................................141 Overview of Attachment Core Themes ......................................................144 Unconditional Acceptance: Core Theme One ........................................144 Comfort: Core Theme Two.....................................................................145 Mutualism: Core Theme Three...............................................................146 Inclusion: Core Theme Four ...................................................................148 Overview of Bereavement Core Themes....................................................150 Guilt: Core Theme One...........................................................................150 Emotional Distress: Core Theme Two....................................................151  xii Individual Grief Processing: Core Theme Three....................................152 Attempts at Consolation: Core Theme Four ...........................................153 Implications for Clinical Practice ...............................................................155 Implications for Veterinarians ....................................................................158 Limitations..................................................................................................159 Implications for Future Research................................................................161 Researcher Transformation.........................................................................162 REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................164 APPENDICES ...........................................................................................................172 APPENDIX A INFORMED CONSENT TO ACT AS A RESEARCH PARTICIPANT............................................................................173 APPENDIX B LETTER TO VETERINARIANS ...............................................176 APPENDIX C FLYER TO RECRUIT PARTICIPANTS ...................................178 APPENDIX D INITIAL TELEPHONE INTERVIEW GUIDE..........................179 APPENDIX E FAMILY INTERVIEW GUIDE (FIRST INTERVIEW)............180 APPENDIX F CLIENT CODE __________ ......................................................182 APPENDIX G CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT WITH TRANSCRIPTIONIST................................................................185 APPENDIX H COUNSELOR REFERRAL LIST...............................................186 APPENDIX I CHILDREN’S ASSENT FORM .................................................187 APPENDIX J IRB APPROVAL LETTER.........................................................188  1 CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM Introduction The small church was packed to capacity with mourners, the bereaved parents sitting in the front pew next to the urn holding the ashes of their beloved, while the priest recited the benediction in earnest. The family had received over 80 sympathy cards and numerous flower arrangements to signify the feelings of empathy about the loss of someone so dear. Two local newspapers had featured stories about the volunteer work of the deceased as well as a senatorial citation being posthumously awarded for that same outstanding volunteer work. The parents mused that he had been featured on the front of the newspaper next to presidential hopefuls George Bush and John Kerry and was recognized for being the first one to introduce pet therapy to a local university. The deceased was obviously loved, well thought of, dearly missed, and not so obviously happened to be a dog of 12 years of age. The picture of bereavement may appear odd to some given that the parents were grieving for their family member, a shepherd-husky mixture, who had been a both a beloved family member and a renowned therapy dog. The scenario is atypical in that many families do not receive the support or funeral rites that Hurricane D. did. Oftentimes pet owners are left to mourn in private because of the lack of compassion from others and also the deficient amount of societal grieving rituals set in place for pets. Indeed for those families who consider their pet to be a member of  2 their family, there is little bereavement protocol or understanding about how that loss affects the entire family. The personal experience that I just shared moved me to examine the issue of pet bereavement and families as a dissertation topic. After my family lost our “son” Hurricane, we were astonished at the lack of customary grieving prodigals that were in place and the lack of societal understanding about how the loss had affected our family. We were fortunate in that Hurricane was a therapy dog and somehow managed to capture the hearts of our local community and subsequently we received more support than most families do when they lose a pet. This dissertation topic was spawned after our loss, and “Project Hurricane” as we refer to this study, is an intensive study meant to shed more light on the topic of pet bereavement and families. The death of a family member changes the lives of all family members, as they struggle to readjust their positions in the family in reaction to the loss. According to Nichols and Schwartz (2001), families maintain their interactions within a fixed range in order to remain stable under environmental stress, with a dual nature of homeostasis and changing. The homeostasis of a family may be altered by the death of a family member due to family members attempting to readjust their roles according to the changing circumstances. Families are diversified, complex, and often very unique in their composition and manner of grieving. Bereavement may become even more complicated and confusing when the family member who has passed away is a pet. Pet Loss and Families With 44 million Americans caring for the nations 65 million owned dogs (Gingold, 2005) and 70 million cats (WorldNetDaily.com, 2005), it is becoming more  3 important to understand the condition of bereavement to families who treat their pet as a family member. As reported by Anderson (1994), the death of a companion animal can be just as devastating as the loss of a human significant other, while Sife (1993) contended that losing a pet can be as devastating emotionally as losing a human. Although the loss of a pet may be as intense an experience for the owner as the loss of a significant other, the loss may be minimized or even go unacknowledged by others (Sharkin & Bahrick, 1990). Clements, Benasutti, and Carmone, (2003) suggested that this gap may be due to society trivializing the bereavement of an animal. Society’s message may be that “it’s just an animal,” but for many individuals, pets are significant members of their families. With the intensity and care noted that people feel for their companion animals, “it is surprising that pet loss has been virtually neglected in counseling literature and research” (Sharkin & Bahrick, 1990, p. 306). Many therapists and psychologists remain skeptical about the importance of the potential role they can play in helping their clients deal with this loss (Sharkin & Knox, 2003). Americans are elevating the pet service industry into the seventh largest retail segment according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA.com, 2005), spending $14.5 billion on pet food, $8.8 billion on supplies, and $8.6 billion on veterinary care per year. In this vein, Cohen (2002) purported that some people make the same sacrifices for their pet that they would for their family members. Coren (1997) posited that 80% of people with pet allergies refused to give up their pets even when faced with adverse health problems. The implication for all mental health workers, but particularly marriage and family therapists, is that this type of loss has the potential to disrupt a family’s functioning and structure.