How pets affect depression and stress in people
Mechanistic pathways of the effects of human-animal interaction on depression and psychosocial stress
This study is looking at how having pets might help improve mental health, especially for people dealing with depression and stress, by examining their health over time and collecting some samples to see how their bodies are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041024 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of having pets on mental health, specifically focusing on depression and psychosocial stress. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind these effects by studying stress biomarkers and the gut microbiome in a large population over time. Participants will include individuals from ongoing studies who have pets, allowing researchers to analyze data on lifestyle and psychological factors. The study will collect stool samples and follow participants to assess changes in their mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of all ages who have pets and experience symptoms of depression or stress.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have pets or are not experiencing mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how pet ownership can improve mental health and inform therapeutic approaches for depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated positive effects of pet ownership on mental health, but this study aims to explore these effects in a novel longitudinal manner.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schernhammer, Eva S — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schernhammer, Eva S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.