The influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

The modern lifestyle trend of pet ownership is undoubtedly beneficial for both physical and mental health. Research has shown a connection between pet ownership and staff self-compassion. However, there has not been any evidence linking pet ownership to self-compassion in the nurse population. To investigate the current status of pet ownership among nurses and explore the influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses. An online survey was conducted in July 2022 with 1,308 nurses in China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and a self-compassion scale. To compare categorical variables, the independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized. SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis. We found that 16.9% of nurses owned at least one pet, and dogs and cats were the primary pets. The t test for independent samples showed that pet owners and non-pet owners scored differently on self-compassion (t=3.286, p=0.001), self-kindness (t=3.378, p=0.001), common humanity (t=2.419, p=0.016), and mindfulness (t=2.246, p=0.025). One-way ANOVA revealed that the highest degree was an influencing factor of self-compassion (χ 2=1.386, p=0.019). Multiple linear regression showed that average monthly income, pet ownership, and highest degree were the factors that influenced self-compassion most significantly (F=8.335, p<0.001). The results revealed that nurses actually own pets as part of their modern lifestyle, which provides them with social support and potentially enhances their self-compassion. More efforts should be focused on the impact of pet ownership on nurses' physical and mental health, and pet-based interventions should also be developed.