Pet Dogs as Attachment Figures for Adult Owners

Pet Dogs as Attachment Figures for Adult Owners The fact that a large number of research articles have been published in the journal of Family Psychology cannot be refuted. It is notable that most of these articles focus on matters that directly or indirectly affect the family and other social sectors. One of the main articles that have been published in this journal is the article entitled “Pet dogs as attachment figures for adult owners”, authored by Lawrence A Kurdek, in the year 2009. The principle focus of this research outlined in this article was to assess the degree to which as well as under what circumstances people who own pet dogs turn to them for consolation and comfort in times of emotional distress. This research aimed to find out whether pet owners can develop attachment bonds with these animals.

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The study utilized evidence generated from earlier studies dealing with human animal relationships and attachment bonds. Some of the information used as evidence in this research point out that in spite of numerous studies pertaining human attachment to pets having appeared in literature, the family attention given to this subject remains minimal.

It is important to note that in order to avoid bias and other negative aspects associated with modern research, the researcher included a large number of participants from a large geographical and cultural divide. The total number of participants included in this research was 975. Approximately 75% of the participants were women whereas the rest comprised of men.

The actual number of men was 186 while that of women was 789 (Kurdek, 2009). The mean age of all participants was 47.95 years. The mode of selection for the participants was mainly based on one’s emotional attachment to pet dogs. Even though the study comprised of participants from all ethnic communities, a large proportion of participants were whites.

This study differed from others focusing on the same subject since it made use of an internet-based sample that comprised of adults whose ages varied widely. However, only persons who were identified as being relatively devoted to taking unlimited care for their pet dogs were selected. It should be noted that despite safe haven being one of the attachment figures made use of in this study, its significance cannot be compared to that of other figures. In the study, it was revealed that besides spending most of their time with pets, a large number of participants had a higher tendency of turning to their pet dogs for consolation whenever they were emotionally distressed as compared to turning to a close relative (Kurdek, 2009). However, it was found out that the tendency of turning to pet dogs for consolation was much lower as compared to turning to a romantic partner. Some of the characteristics unique to those who were included in the study were being widowed, highly sensitive with disclosure of personal information to others and

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highly engaged in the care of pet dogs and other animals in addition to many others. The fact that women are more emotionally attached to animals as well as certain situations provides the reason why a large number of the participants in this study were women. The high tendency of pet dogs strongly meeting particular needs of their owners heightened the probability of these dogs being turned to instead of turning to some human beings for consolation (Kurdek, 2009).

The main research methodology used in this study was survey. The total number of participants was made up of men and women who completed an online assessment and spent most of their time around pets. The availability of this survey was mentioned in a number of articles including the Ohio and some Canadian newspapers. Most of the articles summed up the findings on emotional attachment to pet dogs primarily on the ground of assessments completed by college students. These articles also hinted on the availability of an online assessment on pet dogs. Some of the articles appearing on the newspapers were as a result of the researcher contacting individuals associated with an online site for pet owners. It was clearly stated in the articles that all those who intended to take part in the study were to state their interest by contacting the researcher. Potential participants, who contacted the researcher, were sent a message describing the survey and also providing the link to the survey. The assessment was described as being devised to determine the magnitude of attachment to both people and pet dogs in addition to identifying the factors that influence the level to which an individual becomes strongly attached to a pet dog. The minimum age for the participants was set at 18 years and the length of the survey was at least 30 minutes. Participants were assured that in addition to their responses being respected, their confidentially would be maintained (Kurdek, 2009).

The study found out that besides the health as well as the economic benefits linked to ownership of pets, there appears to be a strong emotional bond developed between pet owners

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and their pets. A large number of participants were shown to form bonds with pet dogs in addition to putting a huge significance on their pet’s comfort and health. It was also revealed that most of the subjects were ready to incur extra costs to ensure their pet’s lifestyle was enhanced.

Many people take pet dogs as members of the family.

These results led to the conclusion that even though pet dog owners without doubt develop affectional bonds with their pets, the likelihood of these connections meeting the criterion for care giving is higher as compared to attachment bonds. Kurdek’s (2009) research on pet dog owners has been shown to raise a number of issues, most of which are provocative, concerning the type of attachment bonds as well as whether pet dogs can actually act as attachment figures for their owners. Theorists make it clear that it is necessary to differentiate attachment from other forms of affectional associations, which are motivated by reproductive and care giving concerns. It has also been pointed out that preference for affection figures are best evaluated in circumstances involving threats and also in circumstances in which inclinations are not mystified with the direct physical proximity.

The research methodology employed in this study might have impacted the results in a number of ways. Firstly, the study did not consider the fact that not all pet dogs may be used by owners as a source of consolation. Secondly, it is highly likely that a large percentage of people who have issues with pet dogs did not take part in the survey. There is also a likelihood that a variety of other factors may have resulted in psychological tranquility experienced when a distressed person turned to pet dogs for comfort. The fact that these aspects were not considered in the study might have led to a certain level of bias. However, the use of participants from diverse social, cultural, geographical and economic circles may be considered as one of the factors that resulted in the achievement of highly positive results. It is important to note that

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more research needs to be carried out on this subject in order to determine whether there is a scientific explanation for the reasons why some people seek solace in animals whereas others cannot even dare touch them. More research will also help identify the actual hormones responsible for the calming effect experienced when one closely associates with pets.

The results of this study are relevant in the modern world, which is characterized by emotionally in addition to psychologically traumatizing situations. It has been revealed that a large percentage of the world’s populace is at a high risk of developing emotional distress if not taken care of. Close association with pet dogs may come in handy and offer the much needed comfort for those suffering from various psychological distresses. There are a number of tasks carried out by pet dogs that result in the calming effect on people with emotional distress. They may for instance provide a cold nose, with intent of encouraging the distressed person to get out of bed. It, however, remains a mystery how pet dogs are able to detect that a person is distressed.

Reference Kurdek, A. L. (2009). Pet dogs as attachment figures for adult owners. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(4), 439-446.