People who have strong bonds with their pets can still feel lonely: What pandemic tells us about loneliness

Having a pet can make your life better in many ways, but it doesn't mean that it will help you completely defeat loneliness.

A new study published on Plos One explains why people who have pets usually don't feel less lonely.

Let's find out more about that.

Pandemic times reveal new information

During the pandemic, many people formed stronger bonds with their pets, but it didn't necessarily alleviate their overall stress or loneliness, according to researchers. 

The research

A survey conducted by Purdue University explored the dynamics of pet ownership during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Over 4,200 participants shared their experiences before and during lockdown. 

The study found that cat and dog owners felt their bond with their pets grew stronger, possibly due to increased time spent at home. 

However, pets' impact on mental health was less clear. 

While pets were expected to alleviate stress and loneliness, pet owners reported similar or even higher stress levels compared to non-pet owners. 

Having a pet did seem to mitigate loneliness related to romantic relationships. 

Other results

The study also suggested that the financial burden of pet care, particularly during lockdown, could contribute to pet owners' stress. 

The findings highlight the complex nature of the human-animal relationship, where pets provide companionship but also come with added responsibilities.
 

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• pets
• pet owners
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• 21 June 2023

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