Save

The Nature and Psychological Impact of Child/Adolescent Attachment to Dogs Compared with Other Companion Animals

In: Society & Animals
Authors:
Janine C. Muldoon Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU), The University of St Andrews St Andrews Scotland

Search for other papers by Janine C. Muldoon in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Joanne M. Williams Clinical and Health Psychology, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Scotland

Search for other papers by Joanne M. Williams in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Alistair Lawrence Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Edinburgh Scotland

Search for other papers by Alistair Lawrence in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Candace Currie Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU), The University of St Andrews St Andrews Scotland

Search for other papers by Candace Currie in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

$40.00

Abstract

Building on a study examining children’s knowledge and care of companion animals, this paper examines emotional attachment to dogs. It uses a large-scale dataset on children’s health and well-being (n = 6,700) to explore the connection between attachment to dogs, compared with other companion animals, and a range of well-being indicators. Findings reveal stronger attachments to dogs that are linked with well-being. Some associations are also evident for children reporting a strong bond with small mammals. A mixed pattern of results is evident for cats, and no associations were apparent for those with fish, reptiles, or amphibians. Relationships with dogs appear distinctive; children’s sense of emotional reciprocity and shared enjoyment of play act as possible mechanisms by which attachment translates into benefits. Emotional connections to all types of animals investigated in this study weaken with age. This may be due to the changing nature of attachment as children move through adolescence.

Content Metrics

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3500 557 58
Full Text Views 457 29 5
PDF Views & Downloads 552 56 12