The relationship between pet bonding, self-esteem, and empathy in preadolescents

This investigation examined the relationship between the intensity of the companion animal bond and levels of self-esteem and empathy in dog-owning fifth-graders. Hypotheses regarding the impact of owning and bonding with a dog during preadolescence, as well as the impact of this relationship on self-esteem and empathy, were investigated. The effects of selected family characteristics---specifically, sibling status, parental martial status, and mother's work status---on the intensity of preadolescents' bonds with their dogs also were examined. Previous studies examining these relationships have yielded conflicting results.; The participants in this study were 126 volunteer students from three elementary schools located in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The sample consisted of 60 males and 65 females, ranging in age from 10 through 12 years, who were fifth-grade regular education students. Participants included both students who owned dogs (n = 95) and those who did not own dogs (n = 31). The sample represented a variety of ethnic groups and children from both single-parent and two-parent families.; Data were collected in students' classrooms in one phase. All participants completed a demographic survey, a self-esteem measure (Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, Short Form), and an empathy measure (Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents), and, in addition, dog owners completed a pet bonding measure (Pet Bonding Scale). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Pearson product-moment correlations, and a one-way ANOVA.; This study extended the research on the effects of pet bonding on self-esteem and empathy during the preadolescent stage of development. Results supported both mere pet ownership and the establishment of a strong bond with a dog as development-enhancing for ten-year-old dog owners. Both male and female dog owners had statistically significantly higher self-esteem and empathy scores than did participants without dogs. Children who were highly bonded to dogs also had statistically significantly higher self-esteem and empathy scores than children who did not own pets. The only family characteristic that affected companion animal bonding was the absence of siblings, or being an only child. Dog-owning children without siblings were significantly more bonded to their dogs than children with brothers and/or sisters. The results of this study strongly supported the positive benefits of dog ownership for preadolescents.