[Montreal children taking the Test of Animal Affinities]

Research on the role of the animal in the development of the child does not seem to amount to a comprehensive study of the problem, although animals have a place in our lives from the early origins of the human species. An exploratory inquest in Montreal in 1980 indicates that most children desire to possess animals on a personal basis, these pets covering needs not otherwise satisfied. After that, the Test of Animal Affinities of P. Bour was used. The results of this testing with one hundred and twenty-four children aged from six years and three months through thirteen years and eight months are presented. Only the age variable is considered in this paper. Results relating to sex will be presented later. Different animals seem to characterize an age group as against the other. We have, for instance, those expressing a search for love and security and those which symbolize liberty and independance. Distinction must also be made between animals valued for companionship and those translating desires more or less conscious. The child's approach through the animal surrogate seems to lead to a better comprehension of functions to be served by animals in reeducation and psychotherapy. This would of course require a better understanding of non verbal communication and new insights into the nature of the relation established between the child and the animal.