Think again if you’re adopting a pet to beat loneliness – research warns it can seriously backfire

The complexity of the human-animal bond became clearer as the study explored various factors.

PUBLISHED 23 HOURS AGO

A sad-looking owner with her pet dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Eugenio Marongiu)

Pets are often considered a source of comfort, reducing stress and promoting well-being for their owners. Many believe that having a pet can help combat loneliness and anxiety, leading to a more fulfilling life. However, this widely held view overlooks the complexities of human-pet relationships. As reported by The Conversation, recent research has revealed that the impact of pets on our mental health is not always as positive as commonly believed.

A sad pet owner sitting on the floor next to her dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Sjale)

A study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada found some surprising results. The research involved over 2,400 adults (1,220 pet owners and 1,204 non-pet owners) and examined various factors like anxiety, stress, and happiness. Contrary to the common belief that pets improve mental health, the research found that owning a pet was linked to lower well-being and higher levels of loneliness, especially among women and parents, who reported feeling more isolated and stressed.

Sad-looking woman lying on the bed next to her dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Jessica Peterson)

The complexity of the human-animal bond became clearer as the study explored various factors, including the type of pet and the quality of the bond between owner and animal. Dog owners, in particular, reported higher well-being than those who owned other pets, likely because dogs are more interactive and emotionally responsive. The study also considered how pet ownership affected people in different situations. It found that pet ownership was associated with lower well-being among people with more than two children and those who were unemployed. These groups were already facing other challenges during the pandemic, and adding the responsibility of caring for a pet seemed to increase their stress rather than reduce it.

A tired woman holding her neck and her pet dog in her lap. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Jelena Lalic)

Another study emphasized that it is not just owning a pet that matters, but also the nature of the connection. People who felt secure in their relationship with their pets, those who did not worry about being apart or question their pet's affection, tended to report higher levels of happiness and mental well-being, compared to individuals who felt anxious or uncertain about their pet’s attachment.

In a different report, researchers found that when pet owners perceive their pets as unresponsive or insensitive to their needs, it leads to higher levels of loneliness and negative emotions. Similarly, excessive attachment to pets was also linked to increased feelings of isolation. This suggests that a healthy, balanced relationship with pets is key to mental well-being. Over-reliance on pets for emotional support could have unintended negative effects.

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According to another study, researchers found that some dog-related issues, like aggressive behavior, poor health, or not being able to control the dog, were linked to lower well-being. On the other hand, engaging in friendly conversations with others because of the dog, was associated with improved well-being. Furthermore, when dog owners were unable to take care of their dogs properly, like not being able to walk or feed them, it was linked to worse well-being in all areas. This feeling of not being able to care for the dog properly can lead to guilt and negative emotions, affecting the owner’s overall mood and mental health.