Youths - Social, Ethical Development
A Survey of Pet- and Non-Pet-Owning Swedish Adolescents: Demographic Differences and Health Issues
Submitted on Feb 07, 2012 (Original item from 2012) Companion Animals | General Animal Protection
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This study examines the level of adolescents' attachment to companion animals and the effects of living with companion animals on self-rated health. Over 8,000 Swedish teens were surveyed about their health, activities and companion animals. Overall, those with dogs (male and female) and females with horses indicated the highest levels of attachment to their companion animals. Those without companion animals had higher levels of physical activity than those with companion animals. Those with companion animals who reported the highest levels of health, also attributed the most importance to their animal(s).
Bystander Apathy in Animal Abuse Cases: Exploring Barriers to Child and Adolescent Intervention
Submitted on Jan 28, 2012 (Original item from 2012) General Animal Protection
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Relying on in depth interviews with adolescents who had witnessed violence against animals but not intervened when it was occurring, this study seeks to understand impediments to advocating and intervening for the animal. The authors find that these adolescents act much like bystanders to violence against humans--being troubled by what that they see but not intervening. However, they differ in that violence against animals is normalized in their peer group as "play" activity. Implications for humane education needs are discussed.
Factors Influencing Primary School Children’s Knowledge of Wildlife
Submitted on Dec 26, 2011 (Original item from 2010) General Animal Protection | Wildlife and Exotics
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This study examined children's knowledge of wildlife by showing them a series of animal pictures and asking three questions: 1. What is this animal? 2. What does it eat? and 3. Where does it live? The authors found that, in general, school-aged children lacked knowledge of wildlife species, even those that were common and indigenous. The authors suggest this supports a need for more wildlife education in schools.
A First Look at Harm Toward Animals by Bahamians in Childhood
Submitted on Nov 03, 2011 (Original item from 2011) Companion Animals | General Animal Protection | Wildlife and Exotics
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This study examined the childhood home environment of people who had committed violence against animals as children and compared them to the home environments of those who had not hurt animals. The research found a link between experiencing domestic violence in the home and harming animals.
The Strange Animal Situation Test
Submitted on Nov 01, 2011 (Original item from 2011) Companion Animals | General Animal Protection
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This research examines how children react when faced with meeting an unknown animal, in this case a guinea pig. Researchers observed four distinct types of reaction, with a majority of children (64%) reacting in a "confident manner" by going directly to the guinea pig and touching him/her. About half of the children smiled upon seeing the guinea pig.
Attitudes Toward Animals: Age-related Development Among Children
Submitted on Oct 23, 2011 (Original item from 1985) General Animal Protection
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Researchers surveyed children in grades 2, 5, 8, and 11 regarding their knowledge of animals and attitudes toward animals. In general, the children knew little about animals, although there were significant differences by age, gender, and race.
First Strike: The Violence Connection
Submitted on Sep 02, 2011 (Original item from 2008) Companion Animals | General Animal Protection
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This report compiles research addressing the links between different forms of domestic violence against animals and children. The study also goes into detail to provide definitions for concepts such as abuse, neglect, and cruelty.
Herpetofauna Pet-Keeping by Secondary Students: Causes for Concern
Submitted on Aug 17, 2011 (Original item from 1992-1998) Companion Animals | General Animal Protection | Wildlife and Exotics
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This study examines the prevalence of youths "owning" herpetofauna (e.g. amphibians and reptiles), how the animals were obtained, and the level of care they receive. A survey of 2,530 secondary school children in Canterbury, England, revealed that most of the herpetofauna living with these children were captured from the outdoors and had higher mortality than they would in the wild.
The Pet Attitude Scale
Submitted on Aug 07, 2011 (Original item from 2011) Companion Animals | General Animal Protection
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This chapter evaluates the Pet Attitude Scale (PAS), first used in 1981 as a psychometric tool to measure attitudes toward companion animals. The authors conduct a review of past research to assess the validity of the scale, highlight the major findings from research using the scale, and suggest future avenues of research.
Europe’s Carnivores: A Survey of Children's Attitudes Towards Wolves, Bears, and Otters
Submitted on Jul 14, 2011 (Original item from 2000) Wildlife and Exotics
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This study by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) investigates the attitudes of children in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Spain toward carnivores. Specifically, respondents were asked about their attitudes toward, experiences with, and the importance of having habitat for otters, wolves, and bears.
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