Browsing by Author "Wright, Simonne L."

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    The relationship between pet attachment, perceived stress and life satisfaction: An online survey
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Wright, Simonne L.; Le Roux, Marieanna C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: International research on pet ownership has found a wide array of physical, psychological and social benefits as a result of human-animal interaction (HAI) (Beetz, Uvnäs-Moberg, Julius, & Kotrschal, 2012). In spite of South Africa’s declining economic situation, South Africa has a flourishing pet care market (Maharaj, 2017). By gaining literature in South Africa on pet ownership and pet attachment, we can gain greater insight into the nature of this complex relationship. The current study used a quantitative, survey design to investigate whether there is a relationship between pet attachment, perceived stress, and life satisfaction in South African pet owners. It also investigated whether there is a difference in perceived stress and life satisfaction between South African pet owners and non-pet owners. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted to determine if pet attachment, perceived stress, and life satisfaction differed according to age, gender, marital status, and type of pet. As a preliminary step, a pilot study was conducted. The pilot study sample comprised of 59 South African adults. The respondents were mostly white (89.8%), female (55.9%) pet owners (76.3%). The Cronbach’s alphas were calculated for all three standardised questionnaires used in the survey. Both versions of the CCAS, PSS and SWLS were found to have a high degree of internal reliability. Data was collected by means of an online survey, which was distributed using Facebook and electronic mail. The survey included a demographical and pet ownership questionnaire, and three standardised self-report measures, namely the Comfort from Companion Animal Scale (CCAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). The main study sample comprised of 3 329 South African adults. The respondents were mostly white (92.7%)), female (86.5%) pet owners (97.7%). Pearson’s correlations and one-way ANOVAS were then used to address the research questions and additional exploratory analyses. Effect size, using Cohens d (d) was calculated for all significant between group differences. The coefficient of determination (r2), was calculated for all significant relationships. Findings in the present study do not support the notion that pet attachment is directly related to perceived stress or life satisfaction in South African pet owners. Additionally, no significant difference was found between pet owners and non-pet owners in terms of perceived stress and life satisfaction. The additional exploratory analysis found that age was related to pet attachment, perceived stress, and life satisfaction. It also found significant differences in pet attachment, perceived stress, and life satisfaction between groups based on gender, marital status, and type of pet owned. The current study contributes to filling a gap in South African literature, with regards to pet ownership, pet attachment, perceived stress, and life satisfaction. However, there is still a need for further investigation of pet ownership and attachment within a South African context in order to gain a better understanding of this complex relationship.