Bereavement for Companion Animals: Intensity, Moderating Variables, and Effects on Wellbeing

Abstract

This study examines the intensity of grieving experienced by volunteers from animal protection organizations in southern Spain. A total of 130 volunteers (86% female; M = 42.0 years) reported on their reactions to loss following the death of animals under their care, levels of empathy, anthropomorphism, and attachment experienced toward these animals, received social support, and overall health status. The results showed that 65.5% of participants displayed signs of general complicated grieving (83% on the grief scale; 40% on the anger scale; 47% on the guilt scale). The intensity of grief was associated with higher symptomatology (linear polynomial ANOVA, **p < .01). The linear regression analysis revealed a relationship between attachment levels, anthropomorphism, empathy, family support (inverse), and the intensity of grieving experienced (*p < .05). Taken together, these findings indicate the existence of complicated mourning reactions among volunteer staff in animal protection organizations, justifying the development of specific prevention programs.