An Examination of the Potential Role of Pet Ownership, Human Social Support and Pet Attachment in the Psychological Health of Individuals Living Alone

Abstract

While researchers have examined the relationship between pet ownership and psychological health among individuals in the general population, the few studies that have examined the possible psychological health benefits of pet ownership for individuals living alone have primarily been conducted among subgroups such as seniors. Using a community sample of adults who were living alone, we hypothesized that pet ownership (pet vs. no pet), emotional attachment levels to pets, and human social support would interact to predict scores on measures of loneliness and depression. A sample of 132 Canadian dog and cat owners as well as non-owners who lived alone completed an on-line survey containing measures of human social support, emotional attachment to pets, loneliness, and depression. Results revealed that neither pet ownership nor attachment to pets predicted the loneliness or depression levels of individuals living alone. However, when we examined the interaction of pet ownership and human social support in the prediction of psychological health, simple effects revealed that dog owners with high levels of human social support were significantly less lonely than non-owners. Furthermore, when we examined the interaction of attachment and human social support in the prediction of psychological health, simple effects revealed that among pet owners with low levels of human social support, high attachment to pets predicted significantly higher scores on loneliness and depression. These findings highlight the complex nature of the relationship between pet ownership and psychological health.

Factors and Convergent Validity of The Pet Attachment and Life Impact Scale (PALS)

“…Women tend to score higher than men on perceived social support from significant other and from friends, though there is little gender difference in perceived support from family (Zimet et al, 1988). In previous research, the MSPSS has shown some relationship with pet attachment, though the interaction may be complex (Antonacopoulos & Pychyl, 2010).…”

“…This may be because of social support aspects and anthropomorphizing aspects of relationships with dogs over other types of animals (Antonacopoulos & Pychyl, 2010). Reasons for these differences are only speculative at this point.…”

“…In one study, authors speculated that dogs may be a source of extra social support for people who already had enough skills and resources to have sufficient human social support. For people with low levels of social support from humans, dogs may not provide enough support to compensate for the overall lack of support in peoples' lives (Antonacopoulos & Pychyl, 2010). Whether a pet serves as a source of support may depend on aspects of the humananimal relationship.…”

Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

“…There is some evidence to suggest that, for individuals with poor support networks, strong attachment to companion animals is co-associated with the experience of greater levels of stress and depression (Antonacopoulos & Pychyl, 2010). These findings could indicate that those who rely on a companion animal as a key support may require additional assistance from human services.…”

Older Adults and Pets—Physical and Psychological Benefits

“…Several studies have found that pets play an important role in the lives of older adults (Gulick and Krause-Parello 2012;Krause-Parello 2008, and especially, those living alone (Antonacopoulos and Pychy 2010;Stammbach and Turner 1999;Johnson et al 1992;Adamelli et al 2005). Pets can serve as a buffer against feelings of loneliness and may compensate for low (human) social connectedness (Barker and Wolen 2008;Garrity et al 1989).…”