Do Pets Make Their Owners Happy? New Study Says They Do Not |
Several studies suggest that owning a pet increases well-being
A study with Australian data analyzed the association of pet ownership and well-being in a sophisticated way
Owning a pet did not show any effects on life satisfaction, loneliness, mental health, or general health
Owning a pet can affect mental health both positively and negatively
Many pet owners would say that their pets are a great source of happiness for them and that they make them feel less lonely and generally better. Indeed, several psychological studies have shown the benefits of having a pet for both physical and mental health. However, pet owners can also face incredibly difficult situations that can have negative effects on their mental health. For example, it can be very frustrating if a dog is badly trained and aggressive and bites their owner or other people. Also, if a pet gets sick, the owner’s mental health may worsen since they worry so much. Last, but not least, sky-high vet bills can result in mental health challenges for some pet owners. So taken together, the relationship of owning a pet and psychological well-being may........