Abstract
Research on the human–animal bond (HAB) has increasingly explored the role of companion animals in supporting psychological well-being and social connectedness. However, much of this work has been conducted in Western contexts, with limited insight into how these relationships operate in culturally and socioeconomically diverse settings, such as South Africa (SA). This study addresses this gap by examining the interrelationships between pet attachment, adult attachment styles, and psychological well-being among South African pet owners. This study is grounded in Attachment Theory, with contributions from the Biophilia Hypothesis and Social Support Theory.
Methods
: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using an online survey. Measures included the Pet Attachment and Life Impact Scale (PALS), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (R-AAS), and Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF-14). Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical multiple regression.
Results
: Among 1119 South African dog and/or cat owners, pet attachment was positively associated with psychological well-being, although the association was small in magnitude (
r
= 0.11,
p
< 0.001). Human attachment dimensions demonstrated substantially stronger associations, with higher levels of closeness (
r
= 0.45,
p
< 0.001), and dependence (
r
= 0.46,
p
< 0.001) associated with greater well-being and higher attachment-related anxiety associated with poorer well-being (
r
= −0.46,
p
< 0.001). Notably, while the association was small in magnitude, individuals with higher attachment-related anxiety reported stronger emotional attachments to their pets (
r
= 0.16,
p
< 0.001). In the final regression model, human attachment styles emerged as the most robust predictor of well-being, whereas pet attachment had a smaller but significant effect. Demographic variables, including older age, being employed, and larger household size were also positively associated with well-being.
Conclusions
: These findings suggest that companion animals may provide meaningful emotional support, but their contribution to psychological well-being is modest compared to that of secure human attachment styles. Pet relationships appeared to function as supplementary rather than substitutive sources of emotional support. Overall, the results highlight the importance of understanding HABs within broader relational and sociocultural contexts.