You get what you give: Pet relationships in a communal orientation framework

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated the association between human communal relationships and well-being. We extend the previous research and view whether relationship orientation to pet relationships affords similar benefits. We examined this with question with two correlational studies. Study 1 viewed the correlations between pet relationship orientation and well-being measures, both before and after controlling for other features of one's relationship with their pet to determine the unique contribution of relationship orientation. In addition, Study 2 demonstrated that communal pet relationships were similar to communal relationships with a participant's romantic partner and platonic friend, although their contributions to well-being were out shadowed by those of interpersonal relationships. The current findings advance relationship orientation by providing evidence that relationship orientation can be applied to non-human relationships.