Exploring dog-parent guilt: Do human attachment styles play a role?

Abstract

Given the prevalence of pet ownership in homes, understanding and acknowledging the role of human-animal relationships within the family is critical. Many pet owners identify as “pet parents” and actively pamper their pets with human-grade food, have birthday parties, schedule play dates, and dress them up in clothes and accessories. More homes in the United States have pets than children. In this study, a sample of 332 dog owners from the United States, stratified according to age and sex, completed an online survey. This study used several instruments such as the CENSHARE pet attachment scale, guilt about dog-parenting scale, work-dog conflict scale, making-up behavior scale, and revised adult attachment scale. Correlation analyses and linear regressions were conducted to determine the nature of the relationships between the variables. As predicted, this study found that stronger pet attachment increased dog-parent guilt, work-dog conflict, and make-up behaviors. Moreover, those with an anxious attachment style were more likely to experience dog-parent guilt, also known as disenfranchised guilt. This parental type guilt is when parents feel that work or life demands interfere with their ability to fulfill their role as parents. Pet-parent guilt was similar to that found in parents with human children. Correlation analysis revealed no relationships of pet attachment with any demographic variables, which included sex, age, race, relationship status, household income, and education and parental status. These findings were consistent with a previous study revealing that pet parents who had a strong attachment to their pets experienced dog-parent guilt and work-dog conflict. In addition, this was the first study to examine dog-parent guilt, make-up behaviors, and human attachment styles. Perhaps utilizing a multi-system approach involving educators, mental health professionals, veterinarian professionals, advocates, and organizations can help pet parents feel validated and supported regarding their feelings of guilt. Building a support network for pet parents to connect with others who share similar experiences can validate their feelings and help those who feel isolated.