Browsing by Author "Gerber, Michelle"
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- ItemQuality of life of tertiary students and their attachment to a companion animal(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Gerber, Michelle; Le Roux, Marieanna C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of PsychologyENGLISH ABSTRACT : Companion animals have become an important aspect in the lives of many individuals (Serpell, 2010). It has been shown that attachment to a companion animal may have a beneficial impact on several aspects of an individual’s life (O’Haire, 2010). Collectively, these aspects can influence an individual’s assessment of their quality of life (Bourssa et al., 2015). The primary aim of the study was to determine the relationship between attachment to companion animals and quality of life of companion animal owning students at a local university. A secondary aim was to investigate the difference between companion animal owners and non-owners with regards to their quality of life. Three theories were utitlised in the current study namely attachment theory (Kurdek, 2009), social support theory (Lakely & Cohen, 2000) and the biophilia hypothesis (Amiot & Bastian, 2014). Quantitative data was collected through self-report questionnaires, namely the Lexington Attactment to Pets Scale (LAPS) and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) and was analysed in order to answer the research questions. Data was collected from 276 students at a local university in the Western Cape. The participants ranged between 18 and 56 years, with an average age of 23 years. The participants were mostly white, female and undergraduate students. The majority of the participants were currently companion animal owners (n=211). The results revealed no significant correlation between attachment to a companion animal and quality of life total scores. Significant correlations were found between the general attachment subscale of the LAPS and the social relationships subscale of the WHOQOL-BREF. Significant correlations were also found between the animal rights subscale of the LAPS and psychological health subscale of the WHOQOL-BREF, as well as the WHOQOL-BREF (Total score). It was also found that companion animal owners scored significantly higher on their quality of life total scores than non-owners. Women scored significantly higher than men on the LAPS. Men scored signficantly higher on the WHOQOL-BREF (Total score) than women. Limitations of the current study and recommendations for future study are discussed.