Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Mary Barnas

Abstract

Research has revealed the positive physical and the psychological aspects of pet ownership, suggesting that an individual’s attachment style can impact the kind of relationship they have with their pet. Two theories guided this qualitative study; the first was Bowlby’s attachment theory, which suggests that if a child feels that the attachment figure is attentive and accessible, the child will feel loved and secure. Another theory was Ainsworth’s attachment theory in which attachment figures are described as possessing four features: proximity maintenance, separation distress, secure base, and safe haven. This study consisted of 212 participants at least 18 years old owning a pet, either a cat or a dog, who were or had been in least one romantic relationship. Self-report measures were used to capture each research variable, which included the Relationship Structures Questionnaire, the Conflict Tactic Scale, and the Owner-Pet Relationship Scale. Each research question was tested with an analysis of variance to examine the relationship between attachment style and each outcome. The results revealed that participants with a dismissing-fearful avoidant attachment were closer to their pet when they had to negotiate better with their partner. Men with a secure attachment style that have high psychological aggression and women with a preoccupied attachment style that have high psychological aggression with family members were all likely to use their pet as a safe haven. This study may provide psychologists with insight regarding how pets can be a source of support during times of relationship stress leading to positive social change.

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