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

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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

DOI 10.1037/a0024506

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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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Authors: McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E.
Affiliations: Miami University (US)
Saint Louis University (US)
ORCID: McConnell, Allen R.
Brown, Christina M.
Stayton, Laura E.
Martin, Colleen E.
Venue: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2011
Volume: 101
Issue: 6
Pages: 1239-1252
ISSN: 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
1939-1315
DOI: 10.1037/a0024506
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 › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › 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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Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership.

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