A comparative study of dog owners & non- dog owners in relation with psychological well being, stress and happiness

Abstract

The human bond with animals has had an increasing focus in the area of veterinary sciences to the extent that it has now become important to understand this bond in a variety of other disciplines specially in the field of social sciences where its psychological effects are now being assessed to learn its impact on the overall well-being of an individual. The current investigation, therefore, attempts to compare Dog Owners and Non-Dog Owners in relation with their Psychological Well Being, Stress and Happiness. For this purpose, standardized scales were used for administration. The sample comprised of 30 Dog Owners and 30 Non-Dog Owners between the age of 18-28 years. The findings of the study showed a positive correlation between Happiness and Psychological Well Being. There came out a significant difference between dog owners and non-dog owners in relation to Happiness. There also came out a significant difference between dog owners and non-dog owners in relation to Psychological Well Being. There came out no significant difference between dog owners and non-dog owners in relation to stress. Thus, this is an indication then having dogs at home place relates positively to Psychological Well-Being and Happiness.