Pet Attitude Scale Research Articles

177 University students’ attitude toward horses improved with participation in an equine activity

The Michigan State University Horse Teaching and Research Center (HTRC) is open to the public every day. In 2022, 865 Michigan State University students took part in classes at the HTRC, representing only a fraction (1.74%) of the 49,696-student population. This study explored how student participation in a horse activity influenced their attitude toward horses. MSU students (n = 115) were recruited for this study using a campus wide poster campaign, Facebook posts, club and class announcements. Students were randomly divided into 3 activity groups: Guided walk primarily taking place on a farm lane with no opportunity to observe horses (n = 37); a self-guided tour of HTRC with the opportunity to both observe and interact with horses (n = 38); and grooming a horse (n = 40). Students completed a pre and post activity survey immediately before and after their 30-min activity. Both surveys included 8 questions regarding attitudes toward horses using a 5-point Likert scale. Five questions were modeled after the Pet Attitude Scale and 3 questions described what students might experience during their activity (do you like observing, caring for, or petting a horse). A repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS showed that mean horse attitude scores improved significantly between pre and post test overall (F(1, 112) = 39.879, P < 0.005) and there were no differences between activity groups. During registration,student demographics were collected, and students answered questions about their previous horse experience. Most students participating in this study were undergraduates (78.2%, n = 90). Participants represented 14 colleges across campus, with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources leading student participants at 36.5% (n = 42). Students described their horse experience as either inexperienced (34.8%, n = 40), novice (31.3%, n = 36), intermediate (14.8%, n = 17), experienced (9.6%, n = 11), or advanced (7.0%, n = 8). Most participants (82.6%, n = 95) strongly agreed they would recommend others to visit the HTRC. Participants in the study also planned to participate in a horse activity in the next year (70.4%, n = 81) based on their experience in this study. While it is estimated the HTRC has 30,000 visitors each year, there is not any information as to whether MSU students utilize the farm outside of classes and organized events. These results support the idea that a visit to the campus horse farm can have a positive impact on a student's attitude toward horses. This can be important as the equine industry investigates opportunities for individuals to engage in more horse-related activities.

The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Pet Attitude Scale

The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Pet Attitude Scale

THE INFLUENCE OF PETS ON THE EMOTIONAL STATE OF YOUTH DURING LOCKDOWN

Existing studies of correlation between the experience of owning and caring for a pet with the psycho-mental state of a person confirm the relevance of this scientific problem. It was substantiated that lockdown restrictions in this context turned out to be a significant factor, as they affect all parts of a personal life, in particular, psychological and social health. The empirical basis of the study is represented by methods: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; Zigmond &amp; Snaith), Budner's Intolerance of Ambiguity Scale (IAS), UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Loneliness Scale (D. Russell, L. A. Peplau, M. L. Ferguson), K. L. Milutina`s Responsible Pet Attitude Scale", author's questionnaire for understanding the pets behavior. For statistical data analysis we used Chi-square; descriptive statistics, Duncan's Multiple Range test (DMRT), Scheffé's Test for Multiple Comparisons contingency tables, One-way ANOVA, Fisher's F-test, Spearman rank correlation coefficient, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (KS test), Livigne's homogeneity criterion. The study sample consisted of 79 people, their age ranged from 16 to 26 years. Sex distribution: men - 20.2% (16), women - 79.4% (63). The study found that people who have animals have lower rates of depression and anxiety than non-owners do, but higher rates of intolerance to the unknown. It has been shown that people who give more care to their pets are slightly less depressed than those who do not pay attention to their pets. We found that anxiety does not significantly depend on the care of animals. The dynamics and causal relationship between animal care and anxiety remain controversial. As the prospects for further research, we see the empirical clarification of the young owner-pet relationship features depending on the owner`s separation from his family, functionality of this family, the purpose for buying and owning a pet; We also find interesting the study of the correlation between pet ownership and tolerance to the unknown. An important observation issue remains the consideration of ways to improve the psycho-emotional state of youth.

Companion Animals and Religion: A Survey of Attitudes among Omani Students

Abstract Prompted by the scarcity of studies on the attitudes of people towards pet (companion) animals in most Arab countries and inspired by their previous research on the attitudes towards animals in Palestine and Norway, the researchers conducted this study to measure the attitudes of university students in Oman with reference to religious observance. A total of 217 students at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman responded to the Pet Attitude Scale (PAS) combined with questions regarding religious observance. The findings revealed somewhat less positive attitudes toward companion animals among the Omani students than the Palestinian students. Despite the general high degree of religious observance among Omani students, the study showed no significant correlation between religiosity and attitudes towards animals among Omani students. Some difficulties connected with the use of self-report questionnaires and the possibilities to investigate attitudes versus actual behavior are also discussed.

Attitudes Toward Animal Rights in Palestine: A Quantitative Study

Abstract This study investigates and compares attitudes of 205 Palestinian and Norwegian university students toward companion animals (pets) using the Pet Attitude Scale. In order to provide some background for the Palestinian attitudes toward nonhuman animals, we discuss canonical Islamic texts on their treatment, as well as the present situation for animal protection in the Middle East. The findings from the survey suggest differences between Palestinian and Norwegian students; however, both groups showed predominately positive attitudes.

Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students Mood and Anxiety.

Simple SummaryThis study investigates whether interacting with a dog would have a positive effect on university students’ mood and anxiety. Students were assigned to either watch videos of a dog or interact directly with a dog. Several measures were collected both before and after their assigned conditions to evaluate their mood and anxiety levels and to assess for possible changes. The results indicated that participants in both conditions experienced a reduction in their anxiety and an improvement in their mood across time, however those who directly interacted with a dog experienced a greater decline in anxiety and improved mood scores.University students have been found to have higher rates of psychological distress than that of the general population, which reportedly rises significantly upon starting university and does not return to pre-university levels throughout their time in university. It is therefore highly important to find ways to improve student health and well-being. One way that may help is by interacting with animals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether interacting with a dog would have a positive effect on university students’ mood and anxiety. This study assigned 82 university students to either the experimental condition (dog interaction, n = 41) or to the control condition (dog video, n = 41). The students completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form (PANAS-X), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Pet Attitude Scale before their assigned conditions, to evaluate their mood and anxiety levels and attitudes to animals. The participants again completed the STAI and PANAS-X Form after their condition, to assess for possible changes in anxiety and mood. The findings of the study indicated that all participants, regardless of condition, experienced a reduction in their anxiety and an improvement in their mood across time. However, directly interacting with a dog resulted in greater declines in anxiety and improved mood scores, more so than watching a video. Consequently, it appears there are psychological benefits to be gained by students from interacting with dogs and it is hoped this study will help to inform future best practices in designing student dog interventions.

Owners' Attitudes toward Their Companion Dogs Are Associated with the Owners' Depression Symptoms-An Exploratory Study in South Korea.

Background: Various health benefits from the ownership of companion dogs have been studied from a One Health perspective. However, the preventive effects on depression are unclear, with inconsistent results across studies. We hypothesized that heterogeneity among owners would be related to the mixed results. Specifically, the difference in the strength of the bond between the owners and their companion dogs would modify the effect of dog ownership. As an exploratory study, we compared the depression symptoms of the owners with favorable attitudes toward their dogs, with those of the owners with unfavorable attitudes, to investigate the potential effect modification of owners’ attitudes on the association between the ownership and depression symptom. Methods: We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey of 654 19- to 39-year-old adults who had companion dogs in Seoul, South Korea, where a major health burden is depression among young adults. We measured the owners’ attitudes toward their dogs using the modified Pet Attitude Scale (PAS-M) and their depression symptoms using the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CESD-10). Demographic and socioeconomic factors were measured to adjust for the association between attitude and depression symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used in this study. Results: The owners who had less favorable attitudes toward their dogs (lower PAS-M scores) tended to have depression symptoms. The direction and significance were maintained either when the PAS-M variable was used as a continuous variable (odds ratio (OR) for one score increase in PAS-M was 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94–0.96)) or as a categorical variable (OR for lower PAS-M was 3.19 (95% CI = 2.28 –4.47)). Conclusion: We found a positive significant association between owners’ depression symptoms and unfavorable attitudes toward their dogs, although causal direction could not be determined. Future studies should investigate the potential causal link.

Adaptation of the Pet Attitude Scale to German

AbstractThe growing body of research on human-animal bonds highlights the need of common methods and research designs to facilitate comparisons. A well-evaluated and widely used instrument for measuring subjective attitude towards house pets (companion animals) is the Pet Attitude Scale (PAS). The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a cross-cultural version of the PAS for use in German-speaking countries. The scale was translated and back-translated, pre-tested, and tested for reliability and factor structure. Results indicated the German adaptation showed reliability measures comparable to the original version. The factor structure resembled the results of a reevaluation of the PAS. Prediction of companion animal ownership showed good results. The German adaptation of the PAS appears to be reliable and valid for the assessment of the attitude towards companion animals in German-speaking countries.

Actitudes hacia las mascotas, empatía y adolescencia

INTRODUCCIÓN. En varios estudios se ha desvelado que las relaciones entre humanos y animales pueden jugar un papel importante en el desarrollo socioemocional de los niños OBJETIVO. El presente estudio pretende identificar la relación existente entre la variable dependiente empatía y las variables independientes actitudes hacia las mascotas, trato hacia las mascotas y tener o no tener mascota, en un grupo de preadolescentes. MÉTODO. Se presenta un estudio de tipo ex post facto. Se han aplicado tres cuestionarios: El Interpersonal Reactivity Index en su versión castellanizada, El Pet Attitude Scale - Modified y El Children´s Treatment of Animals Questionnaire. RESULTADOS. Hemos constatado que existen relaciones de covariación entre algunas de las variables estudiadas lo que nos ha permitido proponer una serie de cuatro modelos causales y decidir cuál de ellos obtiene los mejores indicadores de bondad de ajuste. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES. El contacto con animales en el hogar ejerce influencia sobre el desarrollo de la empatía en los niños.&#x0D;

Effects of Animal-assisted Activities on Biobehavioral Stress Responses in Hospitalized Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeThis study assessed the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities (AAA) on biobehavioral stress responses (anxiety, positive and negative affect, and salivary cortisol and C-reactive protein [CRP] levels) in hospitalized children. Design and MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled study. MethodForty-eight participants were randomly assigned to receive a 10-minute AAA (n=24) or a control condition (n=24). Anxiety, positive and negative affect, and levels of salivary biomarkers were assessed before and after the intervention. ResultsAlthough increases in positive affect and decreases in negative affect were larger in the AAA condition, pre- and post-intervention differences between the AAA and control conditions were not significant. In addition, pre- and post-intervention differences between the conditions in salivary cortisol and CRP were not statistically significant. Baseline levels of anxiety, cortisol, and CRP had a significant and large correlation to the corresponding post-intervention measures. Scores on the Pet Attitude Scale were high but were not associated with changes in anxiety, positive affect, negative affect, or stress biomarkers. ConclusionsAlthough changes were in the expected direction, the magnitude of the effect was small. Future randomized controlled trials with larger recruitment are needed to determine the effectiveness of AAAs in reducing biobehavioral stress responses in hospitalized children. Practice ImplicationsNurses are positioned to recommend AAA as a beneficial and safe experience for hospitalized children.

Role of 4-H Dog Programs in Life Skills Development

ABSTRACTStress management, resilience, learning-to-learn, self-esteem, and empathy are life skills that play a pivotal role in the psychosocial development of youth who are prepared to manage everyday challenges, and are caring toward people and animals. We hypothesized that 4-H dog club membership is associated with improved life skills of youth participating in these activities compared with youth who do not. We surveyed Washington and Idaho youth (n = 150, 6–17 years old, M = 11.5) in three conditions: 4-H clubs conducting dog-focused activities (4-H dog clubs), 4-H clubs conducting activities not involving dogs (4-H non-dog clubs), and school youth not involved in 4-H (school group). Life skills, and attitude toward and attachment to pets, were assessed using the Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (Short), Self-Perception Profile for Children, Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales, Pet Attitude Scale, and Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate main effects of condition and covariates (age, sex, number of siblings, and dog(s) at home), and two-way interaction effects on questionnaire scores. Condition affected scores: youth in 4-H dog clubs had higher stress management scores (p < 0.01) compared with those in 4-H non-dog clubs and school group conditions, and higher scholastic competence (p < 0.05) and global self-worth (p < 0.01) scores compared with those in the school group. Much of the variation in scores remains unexplained by the predictors investigated. Thus, the extent to which the results represent an interest in 4-H dog activities due to pre-existing characteristics as opposed to changes resulting from the 4-H experience is unclear. Nevertheless, 83% of study participants had at least one dog, and condition effects were detected after accounting for dogs at home, suggesting that 4-H activities involving dogs had beneficial effects over and above any benefits resulting from dog contact per se.

Predictors of Interest in Participation in an Animal-Assisted Activity Program among Elderly Citizens

Animal-Assisted Activity Programs have been shown to improve physiological and mental health outcomes among program participants. The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of gender, depression, and companion animal attitudes as predictors of interest in participation in an animal-assisted activity program. The participants were 62 residents (average age 82 years) at assisted-living centers who responded to survey measures including the Pet Attitude Scale (pas), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (ces-d), and a newly developed scale to measure interest in an animal assisted activity program. Pet attitudes and gender significantly predicted willingness to participate in the program. These results provide a contribution to the literature, which has not yet documented predictors of interest in participation in such a program among elderly citizens.

The Impact of Therapeutic Riding for People with Disabilities on Variables Related to Mental Health

ABSTRACTSubstantial anecdotal evidence and some research indicate that therapeutic riding for people with disabilities has a positive impact on mental health. There is similar evidence showing that equine programs that include a psychotherapeutic component also have a positive impact. However, much of the existing research has many methodological problems, the most common being the absence of a comparison or control group. Therefore the present study investigated the mental health benefits of therapeutic riding for people with disabilities in comparison to therapeutic skiing for people with disabilities. The age range of participants was 16 to 70 years. They had a wide range of physical disabilities. In a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design, all participants completed The Beck Depression Inventory, The Beck Anxiety Inventory, and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. They also completed an adjective checklist, consisting of 26 items that focused on mood, emotion, and sense of self. Open-ended interviews were conducted with a subset of riders. In addition, the riders completed the Pet Attitude Scale (PAS-M). Scores on the PAS-M were not related to the three psychometric measures. Both groups improved on the three psychometric measures during the course of their respective programs. Although the improvement was statistically significant, it was not clinically significant. Contrary to the hypothesis, there was no difference in improvement between riders and skiers on these measures. However, on the adjective checklist riders felt more positive regarding 21 of the 26 items, and of those 21, eight were statistically significant. The interview data suggest that the riding program improves motivation, relationship building, and self-esteem. Although these results must be interpreted with caution, due to the exploratory nature of the checklist and the interviews, they suggest that equine activities have a positive impact for people with disabilities and may have a greater impact than other activities for some aspects of mental health. However, the positive impact may be related to general wellbeing rather than psychopathology per se.

Beneficial effects of animal-assisted visits on quality of life during multimodal radiation-chemotherapy regimens.

Animal-assisted visits (AAVs) are commonplace in cancer centers, but there is little evidence of their usefulness. To test the efficacy of AAVs in improving the quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer receiving combined chemotherapy-radiation therapy. 42 patients consented to daily AAVs during the time they received therapy for head and neck cancer. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Scale (FACT-G) was administered at baseline, week 3, and week 7 (at the end of therapy), and the Satisfaction With The AAV Intervention instrument, an 18-item scale adapted from the Pet Attitude Scale. 37 patients completed at least baseline and 1 follow-up assessment for a single group analysis of change over time. Means for Fact-G subscales showed significant declines in Physical Well-Being (PWB, P < .001) and Functional Well-Being (FWB, P = .003). In contrast, Social Well-Being increased (SWB, P = .03). Controlling for declines in PWB at each time point, increases in Emotional Well-Being (EWB) were also significant (P = .004). Scheduling and patient preference prevented conducting a randomized trial. FACT-G analysis showed significant increase in SWB and EWB despite high symptom burden and clinically evident and expected declines in PWB and FWB. Mean scores for satisfaction related to psychological symptoms, liking animals/pets, and contact with animals were consistently higher than neutral score or Unsure (all, P < .001). Satisfaction related to physical symptoms was not significantly different from neutral. Though self-selected for an affinity to pets, patients endorsed a high level of satisfaction, which supports the usefulness of this intervention.

Correlates of Loneliness among Adults of Childbearing Age

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between loneliness, pet attitude (PA), and Desire For Children (DFC) among adults of childbearing age. Method: A descriptive correlational design was utilized to conduct an online survey utilizing version 3 of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Pet Attitude Scale and the Modified Index of Parenthood Motivation. Demographic factors such as age, gender and race were collected. Results: A total of 215 participants, mainly women (n=183, 85%), were on average 31.61 (SD=8.38) years old. The following statistically significant positive relationships were identified: loneliness with DFC (r=.18, p=.00), DFC with PA (r=.29, p=.00), gender with loneliness (r=.18, p=.01), race with PA (r=.36, p=.01), and DFC (r=.20, p=.01). Loneliness was not related to age or race. Pet attitude and DFC were not related to age or gender. Increased loneliness was reported among women. African Americans reported decreased PA (p=.000) and decreased DFC (p=.00). Conclusions: Women of childbearing age reported more loneliness than men of the same age. Participants with increased loneliness reported increased DFC. Moreover, participants reporting increased DFC also reported positive attitudes toward pets. Gender differences in loneliness and racial differences in PA and DFC emphasize the need for gender- and race-specific interventions targeting adults of childbearing age.

Approval Versus Disapproval of Dogfighting and Cockfighting Among College Students

We explored the extent of approval/disapproval of dogfighting and cockfighting in 206 community college students with 97.1% disapproving of dogfighting and 93.8% disapproving of cockfighting. Disapproval of dogfighting was associated with higher scores on the Pet Attitude Scale (Templer, Salter, Dickey, Baldwin, &amp; Veleber, 1981), scoring in the continuous rather than dichotomous direction on the Animal-Human Continuity Scale (Templer, Connelly, Bassman, &amp; Hart, 2006), and high scoring in empathy toward humans on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980). Disapproval of cockfighting was associated with women. Despite the finding of an extremely high percentage of disapproval of dogfighting and cockfighting, continued educational programs and preventive efforts are recommended to achieve our aim, which is zero dogfighting and cockfighting.

Relationship between Pet Attitude Scale and funeral of a pet

Relationship between Pet Attitude Scale and funeral of a pet

The Relationship between Empathy, Perception of Pain and Attitudes toward Pets among Norwegian Dog Owners

ABSTRACTAnthropomorphism, attachment level, and belief in animal mind, as well as owners' level of empathy and attitudes toward their pets, are some of the factors that affect human–animal interactions. Owners' ability to identify painful conditions in their pets may have important consequences for the welfare of these animals. In addition to characterizing the typical Norwegian dog owner, the aim of this work was to study the relationship between empathy, attitudes, and perceived animal pain. A sample of 3,413 dog owners in Norway received an internet-based questionnaire (QuestBack™), to which1896 responded. The questionnaire included four parts: demographics, the Pet Attitude Scale (PAS), the Animal Empathy Scale (AES), and the Pain Assessment Instrument (PAI). For the PAI, participants were presented with 17 photos, showing dogs experiencing painful situations of varying degrees, and were asked to rate the level of pain they believed each animal was enduring, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results showed that Norwegian dog owners had very high levels of animal-directed empathy and equally high levels of positive attitudes toward pets. There were differences based on gender, childhood pet keeping, income and education. Differences were also found rooted in owners' use of their dog, whether kept for companionship or hunting, as well as household size, an indication of human social relations. A strong, positive correlation (r = 0.58) was found between animal-directed empathy and positive attitudes toward pets. Empathy was found to be the best predictor of how people rated pain in dogs. The correlations were, however, moderate, indicating that other processes are also involved when observing animals in pain.

Comparison of Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians on Pet Attitude and Empathy

ABSTRACTPast research found that positive attitudes toward animals are positively correlated with human-directed empathy. One of the most common reasons for becoming a vegetarian is to avoid cruelty toward animals. Based on the above literature, we hypothesized that vegetarians, especially moral vegetarians, would show higher human-directed empathy and more positive attitudes toward pets and other animals than non-vegetarians. Seventy-two vegetarians and 67 non-vegetarians participated in the study. Pet attitudes were measured using the modified Pet Attitude Scale (PAS-M), and human-directed empathy was measured with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), which has four subscales. Vegetarian males had significantly higher empathy and significantly more positive attitudes toward pets compared with non-vegetarian males; however, there was no differences among females. There were no differences between moral vegetarians and non-moral vegetarians on human-directed empathy and attitude toward pets. Empathy toward humans and attitudes toward pets were positively correlated for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. We conceptualized the dietary choice of a vegetarian as a lifestyle that can be explained by their political thinking, personality, and personal value systems.

An investigation of human-animal interactions and empathy as related to pet preference, ownership, attachment, and attitudes in children

A group of elementary students (n = 155) were surveyed with respect to four aspects of relationships with pets—preference, ownership, attachment, and attitude—in order to further explore the connection that appears to exist between human–animal interactions and empathy. The investigation was initiated, in part, in order to elaborate upon findings from an earlier study (Daly and Morton 2003) and focused mainly on the relationships between children and dogs and cats, although horses, birds, and fish were also included. Some of the general findings related to dogs and cats are: (1) children who preferred (Pet Preference Inventory) both dogs and cats were more empathic than those who preferred cats or dogs only; (2) those who owned both dogs and cats were more empathic than those who owned only a dog, owned only a cat, or who owned neither; (3) those who were highly attached to their pets (Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale) were more empathic than those who were less attached; and (4) empathy and positive attitude (Pet Attitude Scale) revealed a significant positive correlation. As expected, girls were significantly more empathic than boys. Moreover, while cell sizes were low with respect to pet preference and ownership, empathy was also higher for individuals who expressed a preference for birds and horses. While the earlier study (Daly and Morton 2003) indicated that higher empathy was associated with dog ownership more so than other pets, including cats, a notable finding of the present study is that empathy appears to be positively associated with individuals who prefer, and/or who own, both a dog and a cat. The implications extend to the need: (1) for continued empirical research investigating the relationship between human–animal interactions and empathy; and (2) to refine the questions that lead to a clearer explanation of this relationship.