Pets and Personality Development

Abstract

Man has had animal companions since prehistoric times, as reflected in folklore, legends, and literature. In an urban, technological society such as ours, closeness to animals can reduce alienation. Development over the life cycle can be favorably influenced by close association with an animal companion, particularly during middle childhood and old age. The development of empathy, self-esteem, self-control, and autonomy can be promoted in children through raising pets, while the loneliness of old age can be eased and deterioration warded off by nurturing an animal. Psychologists have not studied animal-human relationships to date, and such research is long overdue.

The Socioemotional Effects of a Computer-Simulated Animal on Children's Empathy and Humane Attitudes

“…The possibility that animals may have the potential to contribute to children's development of empathy has been suggested by research including Levinson (1972Levinson ( , 1978, George (1999), Myers (1998), andPaul (2000). Other research (Dias et al, 2006;Scheeff et al, 2002) have found that virtual characters can elicit emotional and empathic responses from children.…”

“…Animal research studies have suggested that animals could play effectual roles in enhancing children's empathic development or abilities that relate to empathic development (Ascione, 1992(Ascione, , 2005Ascione & Weber, 1996;George, 1999;Levinson, 1972Levinson, , 1978Myers, 1998). Research studies on virtual characters have suggested that virtual characters may be able to evoke empathic responses by children (Dias et al, 2006;Scheef et al, 2002).…”

“…Numerous studies have suggested that animals may be able to enhance children's humane attitudes and empathic development, as well as abilities that relate to empathic development (Ascione, 1992(Ascione, , 2005Ascione & Weber, 1996;George, 1999;Levinson, 1972Levinson, , 1978Paul & Serpell, 1993;Thompson & Gullone, 2003 ). The positive influence of animals on empathic development and humane attitudes was also supported by Paul (2000), who concluded that there is "significant correlations between level and intensity of childhood pet relationships, concerns for the welfare of animals and empathy with humans" (p. 174).…”

“…A review of the literature, which studied the influence of animals on children's enhancement of humane attitude and development of empathy, generally support the theory that interacting with animals can provide children with opportunities to practice role taking and perspective taking abilities. In order to communicate with animals, children also gained opportunities to practice language and learn how to perceive cues through interaction (Levinson, 1978;Myers, 1998). Through animals, Levinson suggested that children could be guided to progress away from egocentric thinking.…”

“…that include role taking, perspective taking, and language skills (Levinson, 1978;Myers, 1998;Nielsen & Delude, 1989). Furthermore, children are provided with opportunities to experience different emotions (Melson, 2003;Myers, 1998;Nielsen & Delude,1989;Rost & Hartmann, 1994).…”