A Theoretical Model of Heterospecific Group Study

Anastasia V. Nikolskaya 
(Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education, Russia)

Abstract: New theoretical and methodological prerequisites for the study of human-animal relationships are proposed. The prerequisites are as follows: an ontological paradigm in psychology, a systemic approach, social interactionism, the social construction of reality theory by Т. Berger и P. Lukhman and various types of interactions (subject-object and subject-subject interactions between humans and pets). Heterospecific group ontology from its formation to schismogenesis can be determined based on these prerequisites. The study of 1,000 cases proves that the model is a good theoretical instrument for use by behavioural practitioners in their work with small pets (i.e., the model will help them with differential diagnostics of the “disordered links” in heterospecific groups, such as “human-pet”), as well as by advisors and counsellors who might use human-pet interaction as a good diagnostic instrument and indicator of a therapeutic process’ success rate.

Key words: heterospecific group, interaction types, mental phenomena, heterospecific trust, attachment, communication, rules