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This study examines the theory that companion animals may contribute to the work-related psychological health of Catholic parochial clergy in England and Wales as a possible antidote to the personal and social loneliness of single celibate men. Data were provided by a sample of 1,482 Catholic parochial clergy who completed the modified form of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the short-form Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire together with a question about the ownership of companion animals. The results indicated that, contrary to expectation, no psychological benefit accrued from owning a cat, while ownership of a dog was associated with statistically significant (but very small) increases in two aspects of professional burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization). These findings are interpreted in light of the pressures which may be experienced in Catholic parochial ministry today.
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Francis et al. (2007) studied this question.
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