title: Why Psychology Matters in Veterinary Medicine.
abstract: As companion animals become more central to individuals and families, there are countless ways that veterinary medical practice can benefit from understanding human psychology. This article highlights how insights from the fields of health psychology and behavioral medicine might hold the potential to improve veterinary practice. We focus on key areas of care for companion animals that are integrally linked to their human caregivers׳ psychological reactions and behavior, including health maintenance, managing illness, and end-of-life care. We also note ways in which the challenges of skillfully negotiating interactions with companion animal caregivers and other stressful aspects of the veterinary profession may be informed by psychological and behavioral science expertise.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA. Electronic address: Samantha.siess@stonybrook.edu.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siess
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marziliano
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Sarma
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, North Haven, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Sikorski
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moyer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003142:Communication; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D057805:Pets; D010819:Physician's Role; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000523:psychology*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine
keywords: communication; coping; decision making; end of life; euthanasia; psychology