The effects of dog-owner relationship on perceived stress and happiness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the pet-owner relationship on the perceived stress and subjective happiness of the owner, using structural equation modeling. A sample of 483 residents of Mexico, men and women, owners of at least one dog participated in this study. Data collection included The Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Subjective Happiness Scale and some questions regarding the daily dog-owner interaction. Within its primary results, this study showed a higher level of interaction in dyads and adequate relationships according to owners’ perception. The structural model revealed the owner-dog interaction as a predictor of the owner’s perception of their relationship; stressors and the dog-owner relationship as predictors of the owner’s perceived stress, and stress on subjective happiness. It is concluded that the benefits of the human-animal bond are mediated by the dog-owner relationships’ quality and this relationship is determined by their shared activities.