Young adults who take care of animals could have stronger connections with other people and even their communities.
"Our findings suggest that it may not be whether an animal is present in an individual's life that is most significant but rather the quality of that relationship," said the paper's author, Megan Mueller, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and research assistant professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University said in a news release. "The young adults in the study who had strong attachment to pets reported feeling more connected to their communities and relationships."
The team looked at 500 participants between the ages of 18 and 26. The study subjects (who were mostly female) were surveyed in their relationship with animals. They were also tested on "positive youth development" including traits such as "competence, caring, confidence, connection, and character."
Those who cared for animals were found to participate in more "contribution" activities for their communities, friends, and family members. The more actively the subjects participated in pet care the higher their contribution scores tended to be. This could include helping out with problems, assisting in tasks, and showing leadership.
"We can't draw causal links with this study but it is a promising starting point to better understanding the role of animals in our lives, especially when we are young," Mueller said.
"To learn more about how and if interacting with animals is linked with positive youth development future studies need to look at specific features of human experiences with animal experiences, as well as how these relationships develop over time, and include a larger, more diverse sample," the news release reported.
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, was led by Tufts Professor of Child Development Richard Lerner, Ph.D., and funded by the National 4-H Council, according to the news release.
