The Relationship Between Companion Animals, Caregivers, and Family Functioning. S.L. Triebenbacher. Ph.D. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, U.S.A.; C.C. Wilson, Ph.D. & G. Fuller, M.D., Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A. 1998. (Presented at the 8th International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions, The Changing Roles of Animals in Society, September 10-12, 1998, Prague.)

The contributions of companion animals to overall family functioning and the relationship between companion animals and human caregivers are discussed. With the ever increasing population of elders in our society, more young adult and middle-aged caregivers find themselves caught between the demands of parents, in-laws, children, and career responsibilities. Titled the "sandwich generation" and "crowded nest" syndrome (Financial Health, 1997), these individuals often stagger under the burden of caring for growing children as well as chronically ill or disabled older parents. With companion animals being commonplace among households in the United States and considered to be vital family members, companion animals may serve as a buffer in stressful caregiver situations. Companion animals may also function as a temporary diversion away from the emotional strain associated with caregiving.

Caregiving potentially impacts all aspects of the caregiver's life, with overall family functioning being particularly affected by the strain and stress of caring for others. Examination of family functioning from the Circumplex Model (Olson et al, 1976, Sage Publications) highlights three concepts most central and descriptive of family dynamics: cohesion, flexibility, and communication. Within this model, each family member (potentially including the companion animal) serves different functions within the family system. Although there is limited empirical data on human-animal bonds within the context of the family system, the emotional attachment between humans and the companion animal may facilitate healthy family functioning and foster connectedness, flexibility, and open communication within the family system. While the length and intensity of caregiving along with a host of other factors impact how successfully caregivers handle the strain associated with caregiving, insight into the role(s) and functions(s) of companion animals may yield vital information for family therapists and health care professionals working with family members.