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The Benefits of Giving as well as Receiving Need Support in Human–Pet Relations

Author

Listed:
  • Yaniv Kanat-Maymon

    (Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology)

  • Shira Wolfson

    (Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology)

  • Rinat Cohen

    (Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology)

  • Guy Roth

    (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)

Abstract

Dog owners often ascribe human qualities to their dogs and, as such, view them as close others and a source of need support that fosters psychological well-being—this is called the pet effect. In this work, we went beyond the effect of what owners receive from their dogs and examined the benefits of giving need support. Applying self-determination theory’s conceptualization of basic psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence, we designed a 21-daily diary study (n = 104). Results showed giving need support to a dog contributed to owners’ well-being, lessened their psychological distress, and led to greater closeness to the dog, beyond the contribution of receiving need support. Similar to previous research, we observed benefits for receiving need support. In addition, well-being and closeness increased the tendency to care for a dog. These results support the notion that giving daily need support to a close other, a dog in this case, is beneficial to psychological wellness.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaniv Kanat-Maymon & Shira Wolfson & Rinat Cohen & Guy Roth, 2021. "The Benefits of Giving as well as Receiving Need Support in Human–Pet Relations," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1441-1457, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00279-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00279-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Lucas & M. Brent Donnellan, 2012. "Estimating the Reliability of Single-Item Life Satisfaction Measures: Results from Four National Panel Studies," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 105(3), pages 323-331, February.
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    1. Ana Maria Barcelos & Niko Kargas & John Maltby & Sophie Hall & Phil Assheton & Daniel S. Mills, 2021. "Theoretical Foundations to the Impact of Dog-Related Activities on Human Hedonic Well-Being, Life Satisfaction and Eudaimonic Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-17, November.

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