Young People’s Well-Being and their Relationships with their Dogs: Exploring the Role of Perceived Human-Dog Personality Matching and Attachment

Abstract

Studies focused on emerging adulthood during stressful periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic can shed light on potential stressors and protective factors involved in shaping young people’s physical and psychological well-being. For instance, in the context of dog ownership, it is important to understand if and how undesired behaviours in dogs are associated with young people’s emotions and quality of life. This analysis is relevant because if can offer a more holistic perspective of dog ownership. This type of analysis helps to understand potential issues associated with dog ownership. My dissertation research examines the impact of dog ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic on young people’s well-being and aspects of the dog-owner relationship. In Study 1, I used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine associations among dog personality, personality matching between dogs and young people, canine attachment and young people’s well-being. The study involved 401 participants. The findings indicated associations between canine attachment and young people’s well-being, but not between personality matching and young people’s well-being. In study 2, I examined two aspects related to dog ownership. This study involved 131 participants. To begin, I used an experimental design to examine associations among canine attachment, perceptions of personality matching between young people and their dogs, and young people’s momentary emotions. Additionally, I used linear regressions to assess the relationship between undesired behaviours in dogs and young people’s perceived quality of life in the context of dog ownership. Importantly, the findings did not support the hypothesis that personality matching or canine attachment would moderate young people’s momentary emotions. In study 3, I qualitatively explored how young people manage their companion dog’s undesired behaviours. The study involved seven participants and employed semi-structured interviews as a key method of data collection The following salient themes were identified through the analysis of the data: 1. Attachment Patterns, supported by the codes connection, kinship, and behaviours; 2. Synchrony/lack of Synchrony, supported by the codes reaction, and communication, and 3. Response to Challenging Situations, supported by the codes emotional reactions, coping styles and what they hope to change when responding to these stressful situations. Collectively, the results of these three studies will meaningfully inform the design of programs aimed at promoting positive relationships between young people and their dogs and the well-being of both young people and the dogs with whom they share their lives.