New study raises questions about the benefits of pet ownership

There is a general understanding that pets have a positive impact on one's well-being. A new study by Michigan State University found that although pet owners reported pets improving their lives, there was not a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, assessed 767 people over three times in May 2020. The researchers took a mixed-method approach that allowed them to look at several indicators of well-being while also asking people in an open-ended question to reflect on the role of pets from their point of view. Pet owners reported that pets made them happy. They claimed pets helped them feel more positive emotions and provided affection and companionship. They also reported negative aspects of pet ownership like being worried about their pet's well-being and having their pets interfere with working remotely.

However, when their happiness was compared to nonpet owners, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and nonpet owners over time. The researchers found that it did not matter what type of pet was owned, how many pets were owned or how close they were with their pet. The personalities of the owners were not a factor.

People say that pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness, that doesn't appear to be the case. People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it's unlikely that it'll be as transformative as people think."

William Chopik, associate professor in MSU's Department of Psychology and co-author of the study

The researchers explored several reasons why there is not a difference between the well-being of pet owners and nonpet owners. One of them being that nonpet owners may have filled their lives with a variety of other things that make them happy.

"Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and is maybe costly given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness," added Chopik.

Source:
Journal reference:

Chopik, W. J., et al. (2023). The Perks of Pet Ownership? The Effects of Pet Ownership on Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. doi.org/10.1177/01461672231203417.

Comments

  1. Inanightmare Inanightmare United States says:

    Right now my cat is purring next to me. She wants my hand that I'm typing with. She keeps me from hari-kari.

  2. Mark Hinman Mark Hinman United States says:

    The personalities of the owners were not a factor...why? That's 99% of the felling of happiness. Happiness is a subjective emotion. You can give 2 people the exact same things. One will be happy the won't. Hence, personality is the main factor.

    Also, like has stated...if you are getting a pet to make you happy then please looked elsewhere. There are too many abuse furry babies out there.

  3. thorpej thorpej United States says:

    These results were "baked into the cake" as they say. The counterfactual is NOT people who do not want pets. The proper comparison are people who might want a pet but do not have one.

    The study was designed to answer the wrong question.

  4. Jay Norrington Jay Norrington United States says:

    I guarantee you, other humans don’t increase happiness either. At least the pet won’t destroy your credit, knock you up, and leave you

  5. Holly Rose Holly Rose United States says:

    I can only speak for myself but knows for a fact that I would be dead if it weren't for the unconditional love of animals.

    No offense to anyone reading this but my reality is that in spite of always being compassionate towards my fellow humans, with the exception of my Mother, they've only shown me arrogance and indifference. I see beauty in everyone but it's never reciprocated. I'm haven't given up but truly prefer to be around and have relationships with animals.

    I don't need any research to prove otherwise

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Data analysis sheds light on youth opioid overdose crisis