Un viaje multiespecie: animales de compañía y evolución familiar desde una perspectiva de trayectoria vital

Javier López-Cepero-Borrego; Alicia Español; Ángel Rodríguez Banda

doi:10.22325/fes/res.2025.252

Authors

Javier López-Cepero-Borrego University of Seville
Alicia Español University of Seville
Ángel Rodríguez Banda University of Seville

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2025.252

Keywords:

family transitions, life-course perspective, companion animals, thematic analysis, animal turn

Abstract

This study provides information about the role of companion animals in the life courses of the family from a developmental approach, conceiving the bond between species as the intersection of journeys of humans and companions. Three online focus groups were conducted. A thematic analysis was performed, using an experiential and constructivist perspective. Four themes referred to moments of co-existence: 1) the arrival of the companion, 2) the joint maturation of the relationship, 3) changes related to family transitions, and 4) the end of the relationship. These themes describe how the selfhood of the companions and the identity of the family coevolves along the life-course and highlight the challenges the families face. These findings contribute to the literature that questions dominating social discourses and show emerging models of multispecies families.

Author Biographies

Javier López-Cepero-Borrego, University of Seville

Personality, Assessment & Psychological Treatment Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville.

Alicia Español, University of Seville

Experimental Psychology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville.

Ángel Rodríguez Banda, University of Seville

Personality, Assessment & Psychological Treatment Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville.

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