Complexity and continuity in the human-animal bond - a thematic and storied exploration of companion animal bereavement

Czycholl, Joana

Abstract

The human-animal bond is receiving renewed attention from psychology researchers and practitioners alike, particularly in the context of our relationships with companion animals. This thesis explores the phenomenon of companion animal bereavement from the perspectives of those who have lost a companion animal. The thesis consists of a thematic analysis of data obtained through an online qualitative survey (n=31) and a narrative analysis of the stories of four participants who were interviewed with a view to obtain fuller accounts of companion animal bereavement and glean deeper insights into what has been described in the literature as ‘disenfranchised grief’ (Cordaro, 2012; Spain, O’Dwyer & Moston, 2019; Marr, Kaufman & Craig, 2022). The themes from the survey data give insight into the phenomenon of companion animal bereavement, specifically around the nuances and rituals of ‘disenfranchised grief’. The narrative analysis of the interviews illustrates how people construct deep and meaningful inter- and intra-connected relationships with their companion animals prior to and after their death. Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature from psychology, psychotherapy and anthrozoology before implications for future research and contemporary therapeutic practice are examined in the light of counselling psychology’s pluralistic framework.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 8, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 2, 2025
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12038747
• Award Date: Jan 2, 2025