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Preadolescents' Relationships with Pet Dogs: Relationship Continuity and Associations with Adjustment
Kathryn A Kerns1, Amanda J Koehn1, Manfred H M van Dulmen1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University.
Insights
Children
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Human-animal interaction research in children often lacks integration with established theories of child development and relationships.
- Existing studies frequently examine child-pet relationships in isolation from crucial human social connections.
- A gap exists in understanding the interplay between a child's bond with a pet dog and their broader social and emotional well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between children's bonds with pet dogs and their human relationships, specifically parent-child attachments and friendships.
- To explore the connection between children's relationships with dogs and their overall psychological adjustment.
- To incorporate observational data of child-dog interactions alongside self-report measures.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 99 children aged 9–11 years completed questionnaires assessing relationships with pet dogs, parents, and friends.
- Observational assessments of pet dog interactions were conducted for half the participating children.
- Child adjustment was reported by children and their teachers.
Main Results:
- Stronger feelings of closeness to pet dogs correlated with secure attachment to mothers and fathers.
- Children with closer dog relationships reported higher quality friendships, characterized by more positive qualities and less conflict.
- Secure maternal attachment and greater dog companionship were linked to increased child-dog interaction frequency.
Conclusions:
- The quality of a child's relationship with their pet dog is associated with their human attachment security and social competence.
- While parental attachment and friendship quality significantly predict child adjustment, the pet dog relationship did not show a direct link in this study.
- Findings highlight the interconnectedness of a child's social world, including relationships with pets and family.
Abstract:
Research on human-animal interaction in children has been studied in isolation rather than integrated with core theories of children's relationships. This study is one of the first to examine how children's relationships with pet dogs are related to their human relationships (parent-child attachments, friendships) and to child adjustment, and to include observational assessment of children's interactions with their pet dog. Children (9 to 11 years old, n = 99) completed questionnaires regarding relationships with pet dogs, parents, and friends. Half the children were observed interacting with their pet dog. Children and teachers reported children's adjustment. Children who felt closer to their dogs were more securely attached to mothers and fathers, and reported more positive qualities and less conflict with friends. Children with more secure attachments to mothers, and greater companionship with dogs, interacted more with their dogs. Parental attachment and friendship quality, but not the pet dog relationship, were related to child adjustment.