Parental Perceptions of Perceived Emotional QOL of Children with Cerebral Palsy In the Presence of a Family Dog

Volume 6, Issue 1, February 2022     |     PP. 15-26      |     PDF (198 K)    |     Pub. Date: February 10, 2022
DOI: 10.54647/pm31156    92 Downloads     106181 Views  

Author(s)

Esma Paljevic, Pace University, College of Health Profession, 163 William Street, 513, New York, NY 10038,United States
Joanne K. Singleton, Pace University, College of Health Profession, 163 William Street, 507, New York, Ny 10038,United States

Abstract
The environment plays a critical role in supporting quality of life for children living with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Animals may be part of the environment of children with CP and may influence their emotional quality of life. The naturally occurring environmental role of animals, specifically a family dog, and the quality of life of children with CP has yet to be fully explored. Exploring this role will help to begin to identify benefits of a family dog for the quality of life for children living with CP. Phase 1 of this pilot survey study explored the epigenetic influences on emotional quality of life for children living with CP. Eighty-nine parents of children with CP who live with a family dog completed survey questions about the child’s involvement and interaction with the family dog, and the PedsQL (Peds Quality of Life) 4.0, emotional quality of life parent-proxy sub-scale. Involvement with the family dog was reported by 88%. Overall, those who reported the child living with CP being involved with the family dog had higher mean scores on the PedsQL 4.0 than those who did not report family dog interaction. Types of interaction, including physical presence, verbal cues, or petting/ holding the family dog did not show significant differences in perceived emotional quality of life. While further study is needed it is promising to see that for children whose environment includes a family dog, the emotional quality of life may be positively influenced for those who interact with the family dog.

Keywords
cerebral palsy, emotional quality of life, family dog

Cite this paper
Esma Paljevic, Joanne K. Singleton, Parental Perceptions of Perceived Emotional QOL of Children with Cerebral Palsy In the Presence of a Family Dog , SCIREA Journal of Medicine. Volume 6, Issue 1, February 2022 | PP. 15-26. 10.54647/pm31156

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