Pet Attachment Life Impact on Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults

Abstract

This study investigated how emotional bonds with pets influence the psychological well-being of 300 young adults navigating transitional life stages. Data were collected via online and physical surveys using the Pet Attachment Life Impact Scale (PALS; α=.92) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS; α=.74). Statistical analyses in SPSS—simple linear regression and t-tests—revealed a significant positive impact of pet attachment on overall well-being, specifically boosting self-acceptance, environmental mastery, and positive social connections. The study also identified a gender difference, showing that women exhibit greater pet attachment than men, a difference likely driven by gender-based attitudes toward companion animals. Ultimately, these findings suggest that close relationships with pets foster mental health and emotional resilience in young adults. This highlights the importance of recognizing the human-animal bond as a valuable resource for promoting psychological well-being.