Thesis supervisor: József Topál
Location of studies (in Hungarian): MTA Természettudományi Kutatóközpont Kognitív Idegtudományi és Pszichológiai Intézet Abbreviation of location of studies: MTA
Description of the research topic:
"Ample evidence suggests that in a dysfunctional family, the weakest member of the social system (mostly the child) becomes “symptom bearer” and this may manifest itself in both behavioural disorders (e.g. aggression, anxiety, depression) and chronic health conditions (e.g. asthma, allergy).
It is increasingly assumed (but has not yet been investigated), that pet dogs are also able to fulfil this “symptom bearer” role in family systems. That is, behavioural disorders (e.g. aggression, fear, depression) and chronic health conditions (e.g. recurrent ear infections, skin problems) in dogs are, at least partly, caused by “symptom bearing”. The dog, in fact, can be seen as the result of a special behavioural evolutionary process (Miklósi és Topál, 2013); the child-like character of its social competence (social attraction and attachment to human, communication skills, synchronizing abilities) made it possible for the domestic dog, as a prototype of companion animals, to become fully integrated into the human social groups (Topál, Hernádi, 2011).
The aim of this research is to explore the correlation between the owners’ mental health problems (life-management difficulties, traumas, anxieties, mood disorders, personality disorders) and the somatization and behavioural disorders in their pet dogs. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys (e.g. questionnaires to assess the personality profile of the owners), in-depth interviews as well as behavioural observations of dog-human interactions (in both experimental and everyday situations). A further aim of this research is to develop behavioural therapy techniques that can help to reduce symptoms caused by “symptom bearing” in dogs
References
Topál J., Hernádi A. 2011. Gyógyító állatok: Tudomány vagy kuruzslás? Magyar Tudomány, 6, 678-686.
Miklósi Á, Topál J. 2013. What does it take to become ‘best friends’? Evolutionary changes in canine social competence. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(6), 287-294.
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Required language skills: angol, magyar Further requirements: dog training experience
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2019-05-31
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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