Are stronger bonds better? Examining the relationship between the human–animal bond and human social support, and its impact on resilience

Abstract

The human-animal bond (HAB) has been shown to provide a buffering effect for stress and adversity, particularly when individuals experience lower social support networks. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the HAB, perceived human social support and resilience by assessing whether the HAB could moderate the impact of social support as a protective factor for resilience. Additionally, whether the relationship between the HAB and human social support may be curvilinear was explored. Method: A cross-sectional study of a large community sample of pet owners (n = 392) and non-owners (n = 146) provided information about their human social supports and resilience, and the strength of pet owners emotional bond to their companion animal. Results: There was no difference in levels of resilience between pet owners and non-owners, but social support was positively associated with resilience for both. The HAB was not a significant moderator between levels of social support and resilience for owners. However, there was a significant curvilinear relationship between the HAB and perceived human social support. Conclusion: The lack of evidence for HAB being a buffer between perceived human social support and resilience may partly be due to the curvilinear relationship between the strength of the HAB and perceived human social support. Extremely weak or strong HABs may be correlated with a reduced capacity to build resilience and process adversity. Therefore, this study highlights the complexities of the HAB and its relationship with human mental health, offering alternative considerations for future research.

The Experience of Teleworking with Dogs and Cats in the United States during COVID-19

“…Prior studies have identified that human–pet attachment relationships vary across dyads and are associated with pets’ behavioral characteristics [ 27 , 28 ]. Furthermore, the human–animal bond is complex, with evidence suggesting that there are negative associations between particularly strong or weak human-animal bonds and human well-being [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Buffering PTSD in Canine Search and Rescue Teams? Associations with Resilience, Sense of Coherence, and Societal Acknowledgment

“…This is in line with findings that a significant proportion of rescue workers experience stigma [ 8 ], which may also arise from their own families, thus compromising social support. The role of social support may be particularly important for voluntary dog handlers, as previous research suggests that dog affinity can enhance perceived social support in pet owners [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Finally, the current study did not consider the relationship quality between handlers and dogs. Relationship quality has been shown to have an important impact on perceived social support, such that individuals with either very weak or very strong human–dog bonds may show lower resilience [ 21 ]. This relationship quality may also influence other coping factors, such as manageability.…”

“…A beneficial effect of social support for preventing PTSD was also demonstrated in empirical studies with paramedics [ 3 , 7 ], as well as firefighters [ 18 ], and was shown in a recent review with mixed samples of rescue workers [ 19 ]. Studies further demonstrate that engaging with a pet leads to reduced stress and contributes to increased resilience in the face of adversity [ 20 , 21 ]. In addition, a study confirmed positive associations between dog affinity and perceived social support [ 22 ].…”

“…In addition, a study confirmed positive associations between dog affinity and perceived social support [ 22 ]. Dog owners have been shown to perceive the human–dog bond as a non-judgmental, empathic, and unconditional source of social support [ 21 ]. Anthropomorphism of their dogs is one possible explanation for this finding [ 23 ], however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear [ 21 ].…”