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

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 SCIREA Journal of Medicine http://www.scirea.org/journal/PM