Disenfranchised Guilt—Pet Owners’ Burden

Abstract

Guilt refers to an unpleasant emotional state associated with one’s behaviors, thoughts, or intentions, and it is based on the possibility that one may be in the wrong or that others may have this perception. Parental guilt is one common subtype and is often associated with work–family conflict (WFC). WFC and related guilt have been found to be associated with depression and anxiety. Through an online anonymous survey, the current study was designed to explore dog owners’ guilt surrounding their dogs. Results suggest that dog owners’ guilt and WFC associated with their dog are at levels similar to those reported in human family studies. Additionally, the relationship between dog owners’ guilt and discrepancy between participants’ actual and ideal self, in regard to the role of a dog owner, also mirrored human-only family research. Because pet-related guilt is unrecognized, acknowledged, or supported, we suggest it is disenfranchised. As people return to work, in this period of post-COVID-19 pandemic time, it is paramount that companies and communities acknowledge pet owner guilt and WFC and help owners find practical, effective solutions.

Pet Death and Owners’ Memorialization Choices

“…Our findings, similar to earlier research, suggest that the most bereaved pet owners maintain ongoing, meaningful ties with their deceased pet (Carmack, 1985; Cowles, 1985; Kogan, Bussolari, et al, 2022; Packman et al, 2011). In addition to the reported use of CB practices, we found that participants reported that all of the CB expressions they chose were more comforting than distressing.…”

“…An increasing number of people view their pets as family members (Kogan, Bussolari, et al, 2022; Kogan, Wallace, et al, 2022; Rowan & Kartal, 2018) with studies consistently reporting that the depth of attachment and connection humans feel toward their pets parallels bonds between people (Archer, 1997; Behler, 2020; Carmack, 1985; Cowling et al, 2020; DeGroot, 1984; Field et al, 2009; Messam & Hart, 2019). Bowlby's attachment theory, although originally referring to the relationship between a child and a primary caregiver (Bowlby, 1973), has been frequently applied to better understand the human-animal attachment relationship (Jenkins et al, 2014; Peacock et al, 2012; Teo & Thomas, 2019).…”

Breast cancer treatment and recovery: pets’ roles as emotional buffers and stressors

“…Guilt refers to an unpleasant emotional state associated with one’s behaviors, thoughts or intentions and is based on the possibility that one may have wronged others, regardless of whether any actual physical, psychological, or emotional harm has taken place [ 138 – 140 ]. A recent study by Kogan et al [ 141 ] found that people with pets report guilt scores similar to those reported in studies assessing parents and their human children, with female pet owners reporting higher levels of guilt than male pet owners. Pet-related guilt is often unrecognized, yet, similar to parental guilt [ 142 – 144 ] it may lead to feelings of anxiety depression and poor psychological health [ 141 ].…”

“…A recent study by Kogan et al [ 141 ] found that people with pets report guilt scores similar to those reported in studies assessing parents and their human children, with female pet owners reporting higher levels of guilt than male pet owners. Pet-related guilt is often unrecognized, yet, similar to parental guilt [ 142 – 144 ] it may lead to feelings of anxiety depression and poor psychological health [ 141 ]. The guilt items endorsed the most frequently in the current study included ‘I feel guilty when I do not have the energy to fully engage with my pet because of my cancer’ (agree or strongly agree: 71%), ‘I feel bad that I am unable to spend more time with my pet because of my cancer’ (agree or strongly agree: 65%), and ‘I feel bad when I have to put my own needs ahead of my pet because of my cancer’ (64%).…”

Dog owner mental health is associated with dog behavioural problems, dog care and dog-facilitated social interaction: a prospective cohort study

“…not able to walk or feed the dog), was correlated with poorer owner well-being in all aspects assessed. The sense of failure to provide optimal care for the dog per se is an obvious explanation for poorer well-being, as it may contribute to guilt and bad feelings about the relationship with the dog 27 , 50 . It is also possible that factors such as repeated failure reflect a disturbed owner routine which counteracts the benefits to human well-being suggested by having a dog-related routine 4 , 5 , 25 , 51 , 52 .…”