Abstract
We examined the extent to which a pet functions as an attachment figure. In Study 1, 165 pet owners performed a goal exploration task, assessing the number of life goals generated and confidence in goal attainment. In Study 2, 120 pet owners performed a distress-eliciting task while assessing blood pressure. In both studies, participants were divided into three conditions: pet physical presence, pet cognitive presence, and no pet presence. As compared to no pet presence, physical or cognitive pet presence increased the number of life goals generated and self-confidence in goal attainment and reduced blood pressure during the distress-eliciting task. The findings confirm the ability of a pet to provide a safe-haven and a secure-base and the moderating role of attachment insecurities.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 571-580 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Research in Personality |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attachment
- Cardiovascular reactivity
- Exploration
- Human-animal bond
- Human-animal interactions
- Pet
- Stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- General Psychology