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.