Cited by 724Human-Animal Interaction StudiesAttachment and Relationship DynamicsAnimal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership.

McConnell, Allen R., Brown, Christina M., Shoda, Tonya M., Stayton, Laura E., Martin, Colleen E.·2011·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Abstract

Social support is critical for psychological and physical well-being, reflecting the centrality of belongingness in our lives. Human interactions often provide people with considerable social support, but can pets also fulfill one's social needs? Although there is correlational evidence that pets may help individuals facing significant life stressors, little is known about the well-being benefits of pets for everyday people. Study 1 found in a community sample that pet owners fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures. Study 2 assessed a different community sample and found that owners enjoyed better well-being when their pets fulfilled social needs better, and the support that pets provided complemented rather than competed with human sources. Finally, Study 3 brought pet owners into the laboratory and experimentally demonstrated the ability of pets to stave off negativity caused by social rejection. In summary, pets can serve as important sources of social support, providing many positive psychological and physical benefits for their owners.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1037/a0024506

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74 of 74 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Pets are often an integral part of the family structure.

    “As noted by Bowen [78] and others [43,44,54,79,80,81], pets are often an integral part of the family structure.”

    From Disenfranchised Guilt-Pet Owners' Burden. (2022) · cites this paper as [54]

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Authors
McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E.
Affiliations
  • Miami University (US)
  • Saint Louis University (US)
Venue
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Published
2011
Volume
101
Issue
6
Pages
1239-1252
ISSN
  • 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1315
OpenAlex
W2139320294
Cited by
704
References
76
Citations by year
2026: 60 · 2025: 59 · 2024: 75 · 2023: 64 · 2022: 57 · 2021: 69 · 2020: 52 · 2019: 53 · 2018: 51 · 2017: 40 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 26 · 2014: 26 · 2013: 26 · 2012: 11
FWCI
12.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Lewis Endowed Professorship
  • Dean’s Scholars Awards
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
Keywords
pet ownership, social support, well-being, social needs, self-esteem, physical activity, conscientiousness, fearful attachment, social rejection, human-animal relations, sense of belonging
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Animals, Human-Animal Bond, Cats, Conscience, Dogs, Female, Happiness, Humans, Loneliness, Male, Mental Health, Personal Satisfaction, Surveys and Questionnaires, Self Concept, Social Support, Exercise, Young Adult, Pets

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