| This study examined the relationship between the human-animal bond and level of human-oriented empathy in preadolescents. The level of empathy was determined by scores on the Marzullo Measure of Empathy in Children (MMEC), and the presence of animal bonding was indicated by scores on the Pet Bonding Scale (PBS). Previous studies examining these relationships using the Bryant (1982) Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents (IECA) have yielded conflicting results, along with the validity and reliability of the measure being questioned. Hypotheses regarding the impact of bonding to an animal on a preadolescent's personality development regarding empathy were studied. The effects of selected characteristics---specifically, gender, number of companion animals in the household, and species of the animal, were also examined. The participants in this study were 30 children from two public parks located in Southern California. Participants included both children who owned or have owned animals, as well as those who did not own an animal. The sample represented children from diverse backgrounds and ages. Data was collected in each park in one phase. All participants completed a demographic survey and an empathy measure (MMEC). In addition, children who owned animals completed a measure on pet bonding (PBS). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Pearson product-moment correlations, and a one-way MANOVA. |
