Pet ownership, pet attachment and prosocial behaviour

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between pet attachment and prosocial behaviour. It mainly explores whether a pet owner is more prosocial then a non-owner and more specifically whether pet attachment has any influences. The research also looks at whether the types of pets owned will have an influence upon prosocial- behaviour. It uses a quantitative approach and the factors studied are pet attachment, prosocial behaviour, pet types, pet quantities, age gender and schooling. Convenience and cluster sampling was used and questionnaires were administered to a total of 260 students, 45% males and 55% females between 11-15 years of age. Data Analysis consisted mainly of correlations and one-way Anovas. Main findings revealed that there was a very weak positive correlation between pet attachment and prosocial behaviour. Prosocial behaviours significantly differ with gender, age and schooling, and types of pets whilst pet attachment significantly differs with type and quantities of each pet.