Pet Caring Lessens Loneliness
ABSTRACT
Many literatures tell that pets are beneficial to humans in many ways. Old adults have threats to the feelings of loneliness at on that stage of their lives. The purpose of this study was to determine if pet ownership has an effect on the level of loneness of middle and late adults. Using a convenient sampling, A total of (N=209) (100%) middle and late adult pet owners and non pet owners consisting of 106 (50.7%) males and 103 (49.3%) females from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija participated in this study. The UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 that was translated in tagalong was used to gather the respondents’ level of loneliness. This study found that among adults in the middle and late adulthood stage, pet owners have a low level of loneliness while non pet owners have a high level of loneliness. One of the findings of this study also indicated that pet’s entertainment was the most frequent reason why middle and late adult owns a pet. This study also found that health risk factors on animals were the only reason why middle and late adults do not own a pet. Furthermore, sex, civil status, pet ownership, and wanting to have a pet were found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s level of loneliness. The findings may add an additional support to literatures to prove that pets are beneficial to humans.
Loneliness and Pet Caring Among Middle and Late Adults
Loneliness is one of the often results of human’s deficiency in social relationship which often seen among old adults. It is a feeling of longingness to a figure and a feeling of lack of social interaction and support. However, it has been defined in many ways and according to Weiss (1973), it can be experienced by humans in different ways. Characteristics of an individual contribute for a person to create or keep a satisfactory relationship to an individual that may raise the likelihood of loneliness (Peplau & Perlaman, 1979). As people get older, there would be a greater possibility for them to experience family loss and also friends as well as the tendency for their social activities to decline that eventually turn to their feelings of loneliness (Dykstra et al., 2005). It was found that about 40% of older adults have experienced loneliness at some peak of their lives and that the basic causes of loneliness include lack of social interactions, withdrawal of affection, and the emotional feeling that they are not desired or wanted by the people around them (Kausler, 2003).
Fortunately, a great number of literatures claim that pets are very beneficial among humans. There are animals that can guide blind people, help hunters in hunting other animals, guard and protect their owners, give joy or play with their owners, and there are animals that help police and investigators in solving crimes. Even in ancient times, animals were used by hunters and gatherers to find food for their survival and as a means of companionship (Nunnelee, 2006). In fact, there are large number of movies and stories showing the special attachment and companionship between a pet and its master or owner. A movie that exemplies such attachment is Richard Gere’s ‘Hachiko’.
Across the different parts of the world, many people especially for middle and late adults acquire pets for different reasons. Some acquire pets as a hobby, companion, substitute for the loss of someone and absorber to their loneliness. As years go by, appreciation to pets has grown and is highly recognized as a means for satisfying other human needs. According to Wood, Giles-Corti and Bulsara (2005), the health benefits acquired from pets has four primary streams: therapeutic, psychological, physiological, and psychosocial. Pet ownership is positively associated with some forms of a broader social contact and interaction among neighbors. It suggests that pet ownership provides feasible opportunities for the interaction or a sense of socialization between neighbors (Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara, 2005).
In addition, Fitzpatrick et al. (2000) found that companion pets can alleviate loneliness and boredom to older adults. Some people view pets as one of the important parts of their lives. Pet’s companion can be one of the interventions that could make a positive effect on the well-being of old adult’s life. Moreover, studies suggest that people who lived with pets are people who are good in the overall general health compared to those without pets (Fitzgerald, 1986). Literature tells that there were benefits in pet caring.
This study aims to see the connection of the feeling of loneliness among the middle aged adult and older adult/late aged adult pet and non-pet owners. Among middle and late adults, it is an issue because many of them feel that they are isolated, not given enough attention and that they are no longer a benefit to society and to the surrounding people (Kausler, 2003; Nunnelee, 2006). However, literature tells that pet helps to alleviate human’s loneliness and provides them a companionship.Older adults may view their pets as a major source of companionship when the time comes that their social interactions to most things become limited (Nunnelee, 2006). Companion pets lessen the loneliness of old adults.
Review of Related Literatures
Feelings of Loneliness
Loneliness has been defined in many ways, one of which is “loneliness is a negative feeling causing distress to an individual” (Savikko, 2008). Studies have found that loneliness among old people was not only found in the institutions but also to their own homes. The social psychological phenomenon of loneliness is a frightening experience that people could experience at some part of their lives (Nunnelee, 2006). Emotional feeling of loneliness includes sadness and longing for love while the social feelings of loneliness is maybe due to lack of companionship, limited human social support system and social disengagement (Peplau & Perlaman, 1982).
Weiss (1973) recognized two types of loneliness which are the emotional isolation characterized by the “absence of an intimate attachment figure” and the social isolation characterized by “lacks a sense of social connectedness”. Further, Nunnelee (2006) views loneliness as an emotional and social state of human due to a poor or inactive engagement with society and due to lack of companionship. Weiss (1973) said that human experiences loneliness differently. Gibson (2000) reviewed four types of loneliness. First is the physical aloneness and described it as being distant or apart from other beings. Second is loneliness as a state of mind which is the feeling of being discarded by friends. The third type is the feeling of isolation in relation to personal characteristic of a person (e.g. old age). The last type is isolation which is described as a state of living alone with isolation as an element.
Savikko(2008) found that “illnesses, death of a spouse, and lack of friends” causes loneliness. Feelings of loneliness for old adults might also be generated through the changes in family structure, movement across the nation, and other development that affects human’s lifestyle (Nunnelee, 2006). The study of Nunnelee (2006) concerns older adults who are ages 60 and above that seek out the relationship of having or not having a pet to human’s loneliness. Having a total number of 252 participants, 85% of them reported that they live alone. Fortunately it was found that 96% of the total number of participants reported that they are having interactions with their family members. Surprisingly, it was found that 62% of the participants reported that they did not feel lonely even though 85% of the total participants lived alone and 65% of the total participants reported that they do not have a pet. This may be because of 96% of the total number of participants reported that they are having interactions with their family members. The findings of Nunnelee’s (2006) study that even though 85% of the total number of older adults lived alone and 62% of the participants reported that they did not feel lonely, it opposes the findings of Geller (2000), Hall and Havens (2005), and Savikko (2008).
Pet’s Alleviation of Loneliness and Pet’s Companionship
For the coping mechanisms of the old aged persons, studies have found that pet caring is a very effective way to lessen or to alleviate their feelings of loneliness and social isolation because pet gives vital companionship to children up to old age (Beck, 1996). In fact it was stated that “one way people can be protected from the ravages of loneliness is animal companionship” (Beck, 1996; Beck & Meyers, 1996). Companionship is indeed needed for the old age although not necessarily as a form of human figure for the reason that some old people acquire a new member or part of their life such as pet in order to fill their needs for a companion. Some people baby talks to their pets. Nunnelee (2006) said that “the companionship of a pet is at the top of the list for those who live alone”.
The findings of Nunnelee (2006) indicated that “person wanting a pet expressed increased feelings of loneliness” which supports the work of Baun et al. (1991) who reported that pets come into view that they are beneficiary for older adults in the sense of health and quality of life. Loneliness is due to lack of companion and literature tells that pets serve as a companion.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Sex
Sex of a person might have something to do or have a relationship with the person’s acquisition of pet, the level of loneliness of a person, and to all the other socio-demographic characteristics variables in this present study. According to the study of (Savikko, 2008), women found to be more common to feel loneliness than men.
Age
Middle age or middle adulthood begins at the age of forty (40) up to the age of sixty (60) years old while late adulthood starts at 60 years old to death (Hurlock, 1982). As the researcher mentioned in the introductory part of this research study, loneliness is associated to human’s age (Kausler, 2003). In human’s life span, changes in physical, emotional establishment, social interaction, the way on how people think (Peplau & Perlman, 1982; Dykstra et al., 2005). One of these is loneliness which occurs when there is no presence of a reliable attachment figure and can commonly see among middle to late adulthood stage. As human gets older, worthless and lower self-esteem can occur for some instance and there are old adults who feel that they are no longer a benefit to society because of their age (Nunnelee, 2006).
One of the common reason about keeping of pets among the young (college students) and old groups (middle-aged community members) on the study of Staats, Wallace & Anderson(2008) is “I would be lonely without my pet”. Furthermore, Routsalo and Pitkala (2003) found that loneliness is a common feeling among older adults. Fortunately, Baun et al. (1991) stated that pets were found to be beneficial in the lives of older adults and it enhances human’s quality of life and health.
Civil Status
Loss of spouses and friends results to the feelings of loneliness which is a human condition that causes sorrow (Peplau & Perlman, 1982). Death or loss of a spouse is really a painful event in a human’s life. That’s why a number of widows and widowers are acquiring pet to have a companion in their lives and pets were found to be one of the figures that helps old adult in coping with their feelings of loneliness (Walsh, 2009).
Not surprisingly, according to the study of Staats, Wallace and Anderson(2008),they found that most of their participants who answered the reason for keeping a pet as “I would be lonely without my pet” are single. According to Geller (2000) and Hall and Havens (2005), older adults who were living alone in the community are those who were at risk to feel that they are lonely. Savikko (2008) found that loneliness was more common in the oldest aged groups and widows as a marital status.
Presence and Absence of Offspring/s
In the midlife of parents, they acquire a new pet to fill their loneliness or to fill their feelings of emptiness for their young adult children (Walsh, 2009).According to the study of Wood et al. (2007) pet owners were more likely to have a dependent children living with them than non-pet owners. Loneliness was found among respondents who are living alone or in a residential home than to those who are living with someone or living in their own homes. However, in the research study of Savikko (2008), it was found that the lonely respondents and the “not lonely” respondents did not differ from each other in terms of having children and in terms of the number of contacts with their children or friends.
Pet Type
According to literature “cats and dogs are the animals whose emotions and moods are similar to those of humans, although the way they express the see motions are different” (Archer, 1997). Dogs were the most common pet o all followed by cats (Staats, Wallace & Anderson, 2008), (Wood et al., 2007), and (Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara2005).Birds and other different pet types were the least type of pet to be owned. In addition to that, (35%) of the participants on the study of Nunnelee (2006) among older adults reported that (64%) owns a dog/s, (33%) were owning a cat/s, and (3%) were owning a bird/s. In this study, cats and dogs are the types of pet owned by the pet owner participants because dogs and cats are well-known for their companionship. The researcher chose cats and dogs since these companion animals are the most commonly owned pets and most of pet owners allow them to freely run and play on their owner’s home.
Pet Ownership
On the study of Staats, Wallace & Anderson (2008), it is said there that reasons why people keep pet were “I would be lonely without my pet”, “My pet serves a useful function” and “I keep the pet for people”. It suggests that there are really many reasons to own a pet. Fortunately for pet owners, it was found to the study of (Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara, 2005) that pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners. According to the study of Wood et al.(2007), chances of feelings of loneliness were twice as high among non-pet owners compared to pet owners. In addition, Rossbach and Wilson (2002) found that elderly pet owners were those persons who deal better with life’s stressful events compared to non-pet owners. However, only (13%) reported that they desired to have a pet, (35%) had a pet and (52%) reported that they did not want a pet and this may be because of that (96%) of the participants reported that they are having interactions with their family members.
Summary of Review of Related Literatures
Loneliness is a feeling that people don’t want to feel. Literatures tell that loneliness can be experienced in different ways and can be seen at middle and late part of a human’s life. Level of loneliness depends on some factors in human’s life such as sex, age, marital status, presence and absence of offspring, family interactions and as well as having or not having a pet. Among middle and late adults, they encounter family loss for different reasons and one big thing that helps them to cope with their feelings of loneliness is pet caring. Pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners. Pet owners were more likely to have a dependent children living with them than non-pet owners. Dogs and cats are the most commonly owned pets. Literature tells that pets are beneficial in many ways and their companionship is especially valued among old human beings.
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the level of loneliness of the middle and late adult pet owners and non-pet owners?
2. Are there significant differences in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners?
3. Which are the frequent reasons why middle and late adults own(alleviates loneliness, lessens sadness, serves as companion and pet’s entertainment)or do not own (too old to own a pet, avoiding the expenses in owning a pet, disapproval of family member/s and health risk factors that can get on animals) a pet?
4. Are the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics significantly correlated with the:
A. Level of loneliness
B. Reasons for owning or not owning a pet
Research Hypothesis
1. The researcher hypothesized that most of the middle and late adult pet owners have lower level of loneliness compared to late and middle adult non-pet owners.
2. There is a significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners.
3. Middle and late adults own a pet to have a companion.
4. The participants’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated with the level of their loneliness and to their reasons for having or not having a pet.
Significance of the Study
In searching for the difference between the pet owners and non-pet owners’ feeling of loneliness in the middle and late adulthood stage, this study can invite the early adults to plan or not to plan in keeping a pet when they get older. For middle and late adults, this research will be useful as a guide in telling the consequences for keeping and for not keeping a pet. This research study can be a viable tool for future researches about the benefits in pet caring particularly the pet’s ability to alleviate loneliness and to provide vital companionship. Overall, this research is expected to become a new and useful reference on the benefits of owning a pet.
Scope and Limitation
This study intentionally chose middle and late aged adult pet owners and non-pet owners to identify if age, sex, civil status, presence and absence of the respondents’ offspring/s, type of pet owned and duration of pet ownership have significant role on their feelings of loneliness. People who owned two or more different pet type at a time will be excluded in order to focus on the effect on a specific type of pet. Cats, dogs, birds, and other type of pets that a person owns are also included in this research study.
Theoretical Framework
Attachment theory was recognized as an important framework in understanding relationships of humans and to other figures that affect their social life. Weiss’ (1973) attachment theory has two major concepts which are the emotional loneliness and social loneliness. Old adults who see themselves as without an attachment relationship to any individual which supports their emotional and social needs might perceive their experience of loneliness in a diverse way compared to those with a supportive attachment relationship. Person derives comfort and security from the partner, especially in times of stress and protest when the partner threatens to become unavailable (Weiss, 1973).
In this study, pet and non-pet owner’s relationship to a figure was discussed in relation to the Attachment Theory. The attachment of the participants to a figure is a factor for having less feeling of loneliness because that figure comforts the participants such as pet for pet owners and other figures for non-pet owners. Companionship of pet/s is a factor that the researcher considered in using the Attachment Theory.
Conceptual Paradigm
Figure 1
Socio-Demographic Characteristics:
· Pet ownership
· Sex
· Age
· Civil Status
· Total Number of Offspring
· Presence/Absence of Offspring
· Pet Type
· Duration of Owning a Pet
· Loneliness
· Reasons for Owning and Not Owning a Pet
Figure 1 shows the relationship of the independent variables such as participants’ socio-demographic characteristics to the dependent variables such as the feelings of loneliness and reasons for having and not having a pet.
Conceptual Framework
The primary goal of this study is to know whether middle and late adult pet owners has a lower level of loneliness compared to middle and late adults who do not own a pet. Secondarily, it aimed to know why middle and late adults own and do not own pet/s and lastly, it aimed to know if the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated with the level of loneliness of middle and late adults and their reasons for having and not having a pet.
Pet ownership was indicated as owning a pet including the duration of the participants’ ownership to his/her pet and do not own a pet including if they want to own a pet. The sex of the participants was indicated as male or female. Age of the participants was indicated as middle adult for the ages 40-60 years old and late adult for the ages of 60 and above. Civil status was indicated as single, married, separated, widow and widower. The participants can indicate the total number of their offspring as many as they want. For the offspring, the participants was indicated with the number of their offspring who are still living together with them and their offspring who are not living with them anymore. Pet type was indicated as having a cat, dog, and others. Duration of pet ownership was indicated as owning a pet for less than one year, for 2 to 3 years, and for 4 years and above. For the level of loneliness, it was indicated as having a high or a low level. Reasons for owning a pet was indicated as alleviating their loneliness, lessens their sadness, provides them a companionship, and their pet gives them entertainment. Reasons for not owning a pet was indicated as I’m too old to take care for a pet, avoiding expenses for pet maintenance, disapproval of family members, and because of some health risk factors.
Methodology
This chapter discusses how the study was carried out.
Research Design
This study used a correlational research design in order to correlate the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics to the level of their loneliness and their reasons for owning and not owning a pet.
Participants
Two hundred nine (n=209) participants ages 40-60 years old for middle adulthood stage and 60 years of age and above for the late adulthood stage were selected using a convenient sampling. The respondents were composed of 106 (50.7%) males and 103 (49.3%) females wherein 115 (55.02%) of the total number of respondents were middle adults and 94 (44.98%) were late adults. On the total number of respondents, most of them were composed of 51 (24.4%) that are still living together with 3 of their offspring while 55 (26.3%) of the total number of respondents has 1 offspring that are not living with them. Most of the respondents are married 148 (70.8%). A total of 119 (56.9%) of the respondents were reported as pet owners while 90 (43.1%) were reported as non-pet owners. Most of the respondents (n=57, 27.3%) owned dogs followed by (n=43, 20.6%) cats, and (n=19, 9.1%) reported that they owned other type of pet. Most of the respondents (n=53, 25.4%) reported that they are taking care of their pets by 4 years and above. Non pet owners (n=53, 25.4%) reported that they want to own a pet. This research study was drawn at San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
Instrumentation
The researcher constructed a questionnaire that primarily answers the objectives of the research. One type of questionnaire was used in this study and was given to both pet owners and non-pet owners. The socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were included in the first part of the questionnaire and an additional question “if you do not have a pet, would you like to get?” was also included. The standardized questionnaire as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale Version 3 which was translated in Tagalog served as a second part of questionnaire which intends to measure the participant’s level of loneliness. On the third part of the questionnaire, participants’ reasons for owning and not owning a pet were also included.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data were gathered through distributing the questionnaires to the respondents from the City of San Jose, Nueva Ecija. The researcher informed the participants about the nature of the research. If the participant cannot read the questionnaire, the researcher will read the questions for that participant. The data reported how the participants answered all the questions from the questionnaire.
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis for all quantitative data was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). SPSS was used in getting the mean of the data. Descriptive statistics analysis was used to measure the level of loneliness of the middle and late adult pet owners and non-pet owners. T-Test was used to find the significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners.
To find if the participants’ age and numbers of offspring that are living and not living with the respondents were significantly correlated with the level of their loneliness, reasons for owning a pet, and reasons for not owning a pet; Pearson correlation was used.
For the relationship of the respondents’ sex, civil status, pet ownership, type of pet owned, and duration of owning a pet with the level of their loneliness, Eta Correlation was used. Also, for the relationship of the respondents’ sex, civil status, pet type, and duration of owning a pet with their reasons for owning a pet, Eta Correlation was used. To find if there was a relationship with the participants’ sex and civil status with the participants’ reasons for not owning a pet, Eta Correlation was used.
Results and Discussions
This chapter presents and discusses the result of the study based on the data gathered from the respondents.
The following tables will show the results of this study as well as the discussion on the findings. The result shows the level of loneliness of pet owners and non-pet owners in the middle and late adulthood stage and also shows whether there is a significant difference in the level of their loneliness. In addition, respondents’ mean for each of the reasons for owning and not owning a pet were also shown. Relationship of the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and their level of loneliness using Pearson correlation and Eta correlation are also shown in this chapter.
Table 1 (see page 29) shows that pet owners have a low level of loneliness with a mean of 2.35 while non-pet owners have a mean of 2.52 indicating a high level of loneliness. This suggests that pet can alleviate people’s loneliness. The result supports the work of Wood et al. (2007) stating that the chances of feelings of loneliness were twice as high among non-pet owners compared to pet owners. The result also supports the statement “one way people can be protected from the ravages of loneliness is animal companionship” (Beck, 1996; Beck & Meyers, 1996). As presented, the loneliness of non-pet owners is high. This maybe because middle and late adults may feel that people around them don’t give them enough attention and there were no substitute for their feelings of their loneliness to their love ones.
The result supports the attachment theory that those old adults, who see themselves to be without an attachment relationship to any individual who supports their emotional and social needs, might perceive their experience of loneliness in a diverse way compared to those with a supportive attachment relationship (Weiss, 1973).
This study hypothesize that most of the middle and late adult pet owners have lower level of loneliness compared to middle and late adult non pet owners and that there is a significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners.
Level of Loneliness of Pet Owners and Non Pet Owners
Table 1
Level of Loneliness of the Middle and Late Adult Pet Owners and Non-pet Owners
Pet Ownership
Mean
SD
Description
Pet Owner
2.35
.199
Low
Non Pet Owner
2.52
.227
High
1-1.75 Very Low 2.51-3.25 High
1.76-2.50 Low 3.26-4 Very High
Significant Difference in the Level of Loneliness
Table 2
Significant Difference in the Level of Loneliness Between Pet Owners and Non Pet Owners
T
Df
Sig. (2-tailed)
Level of Loneliness
-5.636
180.352
.000*
Using t-test, middle and late adults that do not and owned a pet showed a statistically significant difference on the level of their loneliness (t= -5.636, p=.000).This suggests that pet ownership has an effect on the person’s feelings of loneliness. The finding supports the work of Baun et al. (1991) who reported that pets come into view that they are beneficial for older adults in the sense of health and quality of life. The researcher accepted the hypothesis that there is a significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-et owners.
Respondents’ Reasons for Owning a Pet
Table 3
Reasons for Owning a Pet
Reasons for Owning a Pet
Mean
SD
Description
My pet entertains me.
3.67
.647
Strongly Agree
My pet serves as my companion.
3.56
.447
Strongly Agree
My pet lessens my sadness.
3.31
.455
Strongly Agree
My pet lessens my feelings of loneliness.
3.29
.792
Strongly Agree
1-1.75 Strongly Disagree 2.51-3.25 Agree
1.76-2.50 Disagree 3.26-4 Strongly Agree
The table shows that pet owners strongly agreed on all the reasons why they own a pet as listed on the questionnaire. Pet owners perceived their pets as very beneficial. Pet’s ability to entertain, provides a companionship, and alleviation of loneliness to middle and late adult pet owners are good reasons to keep a pet. Pet’s entertainment (M= 3.67) is the most frequent reason why middle and late adult pet owners own a pet. It is followed by the answer pet serves as a companion (M= 3.56), pet lessens my sadness (M= 3.31) and pet alleviates loneliness (M= 3.29).
Reason for owning a pet such as pet alleviates the respondents’ feelings of loneliness (M=3.29) was strongly agreed by middle and late adult pet owners. However, it has the smallest mean of all the reasons why middle and late adult pet owners own a pet. This suggests that respondents enjoyed their pet caring because their pet entertains them. This also suggests that pet owners own a pet to give them entertainment and the alleviation to their loneliness were the effect of their pet’s ability to entertain them. The finding of this present study that the respondents strongly agreed on the reason for owning a pet such as pet’s alleviation to their owner’s loneliness supports one of the findings of Staats, Wallace & Anderson (2008) that one of the reason why people keep pet was “I would be lonely without my pet”. Also, Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara (2005) found that pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners.
The attachment theory supports these findings because a low level on the feelings of loneliness among pet owners may be the effect on their attachment to their pet. The results of this study also support the work of Baun et al. (1991) who reported that pets are beneficiary for older adults in terms of health and quality of life.
The hypothesis of this study such as that middle and late adults own a pet to have a companion was accepted because all the reasons for owning a pet were strongly agreed by the respondents. To note, pet’s entertainment to pet owners was the most frequent answer.
Respondents’ Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Table 4
Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Mean
SD
Description
Health risk factors that can get on animals.
2.69
.489
Agree
Too old to own a pet.
2.19
.691
Disagree
Avoiding the expenses in owning a pet.
2.08
.593
Disagree
Disapproval of family member/s.
1.96
.531
Disagree
1-1.75 Strongly Disagree 2.51-3.25 Agree
1.76-2.50 Disagree 3.26-4 Strongly Agree
Noticeably, non-pet owners only agreed that there are health risk factors that can be found on animals (M= 2.69). It may imply that health risk factors on pets were a prevailing reason to avoid owning a pet. It contradicts the finding on the study of Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara (2005) that pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners. The table also shows that most of the non-pet owners disagreed that they are too old to own a pet (M= 2.19). This suggests that there were other reasons why the respondents do not own a pet other than the reason that they are too old to own a pet. Further, the table shows that non pet owners also disagreed that they avoid the expenses in owning a pet (M= 2.08) and their family member/s doesn’t allow them to own a pet (M=1.96). This suggests that the respondents may afford the finances for pet caring or the respondents are spending their money for other reasons and there were other reasons why the respondents do not own a pet aside from the disapproval of family members.
Relationship of SDC with Level of Loneliness
Table 5
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Level of Loneliness
Level of Loneliness
Age
-.075
Offspring living with the respondents
-.086
Offspring that are not living with the respondents
-.074
Using Pearson correlation, the table shows that the age was found to have no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. The finding suggests that it doesn’t matter whether a person is in a middle or late adulthood stage, both stage may experience loneliness depending on their environment and the availability of the people around them. This, however, does not mean that middle adults would not suffer from loneliness just because they can do more things than late adults. It opposes the statement of Kausler (2003) that loneliness is associated to human’s age.
Numbers of offspring that are living with the respondents and not living with the respondents were also found to have no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. This can be attributed with Filipinos being an extended family. The absence of offspring can be substituted by relatives aside from pets. The hypothesis was rejected due to the findings that age, number of offspring that are living with the respondents and not living with the respondents were found to have no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness.
Relationship of SDC with Level of Loneliness
Table 6
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Level of Loneliness
Level of Loneliness
Description
Sex
.365
Moderate
Civil Status
.382
Moderate
Pet Ownership
(Owns and do not own a pet)
.490
Moderate
Type of Pet
.442
Moderate
Duration of owning a pet
.466
Moderate
.1-.2 Weak
.3-.4 Moderate
.5- above Strong
Using Eta Correlation, the table shows that sex was found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. This suggests that being a male or a female can affect people’s level of loneliness. Civil status was also found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness and this may be because widowhood and being a single were more likely to encounter loneliness than those who have wives or husbands. It supports the finding of Peplau & Perlman (1982) which stated that loss of spouse results to the feelings of loneliness. Type of pet owned by the respondents was also found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. In this study, dog 57 (27.3%) was the most common type of pet owned and having a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. It suggests that dogs were the type of pet that are good in alleviating peoples’ loneliness. Interestingly, duration of owning a pet was reported to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. It suggests that it may somehow matter whether a pet owner is owning and taking care of a pet for a long period of time or just currently having a short period of time to affect people’s level of loneliness.
In relation to the attachment theory, the availability of the people around middle and late adults will affect their attachment to things that are available to be with them. Pets and other members of the family can be an attachment figure for the respondents and having an attachment figure lessens the tendency for people to feel lonely.
This study found that the mentioned socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents’ have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness; thus, hypothesis is accepted.
Relationship of SDC with Reasons for Owning a Pet
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Owning a Pet
Table 7
Alleviates loneliness
Lessens sadness
Serves as companion
Pet’s entertainment
Age
.129
.007
.064
-.042
Offspring that are living with the respondents
-.103
-.046
.059
.009
Offspring that are not living with the respondents
.115
.042
.012
.008
The table shows that age, number of offspring that are living with the respondents and number of offspring that are not living with the respondents has no significant relationship with the reasons for owning a pet. It opposes the finding of Beck (1996) that among old aged persons, pet caring is a very effective way to lessen or to alleviate their feelings of loneliness and social isolation because pet gives vital companionship to children up to old age. Researcher’s hypothesis such as that the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated to their reasons for owning a pet was rejected because the mentioned socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents showed no significant relationship with all of the listed reasons for owning a pet.
Relationship of SDC with Reasons for Owning a Pet
Table 8
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Owning a Pet
Alleviates loneliness
Lessens sadness
Serves as companion
Pet’s entertainment
Sex
.198
.061
.041
.174
Civil Status
.175
.158
.107
.049
Pet Type
.297
.272
.186
.199
Duration of Owning a pet
.219
.213
.321
.346
.1-.2 Weak
.3-.4 Moderate
.5- above Strong
Table 8 shows that duration of owning a pet was found to have a weak relationship with the reasons for owning a pet such as pet’s alleviation to respondents’ loneliness and lessens sadness but have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ reason for owning a pet such as pet serves as a companion and pet’s entertainment. It suggests that a longer duration of owning a pet may tend people to enjoy better the benefits of pets such as giving a companionship to their owner and entertaining their owner. All the other socio-demographic characteristics such as the respondents’ sex, civil status, and type of pet that the respondents’ own have a weak relationship with all of the reasons for owning a pet. The finding that civil status have a weak relationship with all the reasons for owning a pet opposes the work of Walsh (2009) which found that a number of widows and widowers are acquiring pet to have a companion in their lives and pets were found to be one of the figures that help old adult in coping with their feelings of loneliness.
Even though the duration of pet ownership was found to have a significant relationship to some variables as reasons for owning a pet, the rest of the variables were found to have a weak relationship with all of the reasons for owning a pet; the hypothesis, therefore, is rejected.
Relationship of SDC with Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Table 9
Too old to own a pet
Avoiding the expenses in owning a pet
Disapproval of family member/s
Health risk factors that can get on animals.
Age
.561*
.239*
.026
-.073
Number of offspring that are living with the respondents
-.130
.146
.222*
.013
Number of offspring that are not living with the respondents
.255*
.114
-.062
-.248*
The table shows that age was found to have a significant relationship with the respondents reason for not owning a pet such as the respondents are too old to own a pet (r=.561, p=.000) and the respondents are avoiding the expenses in owning a pet (r=.239, p=.024).It suggests that as people gets older there is a greater possibility for people to have limited activities, however it opposes the findings of this research that most of the middle and late non pet owner adults do not agree that they are too old to own a pet. With the reason that respondents are avoiding the expenses for owning a pet which also has a significant relationship with the age of the respondents may suggests that this is because as people gets older, there are many expenses for them to be paid especially for those who has offsprings.
The respondents’ family members’ disapproval for the respondents to own a pet and the reason that there are health risk factors that can get on animals did not show any significant relationship with the age of the respondents. Socio-demographic characteristic such as number of offspring that are still living with the respondents were found to have a significant relationship with disapproval of family members’ to let the respondents own a pet (r=.222,p= .036) while other reasons for not owning a pet was found not to have any significant relationship. It may imply that the offspring of the respondents does not want their parents to own a pet. Reason for not owning a pet such as the respondents are too old to own a pet was found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s number of offspring that are not living with them (r=.255, p=.015). It suggests that there were no people who will help the respondents to take care for their pets. Also, health risk factors that can get on animals (r=-.248, p=.019) were found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s number of offspring that are not living with them. This maybe because the respondents are afraid to get sick because of the health risk factors in pets.
In relation to the attachment theory, some of the non-pet owners who didn’t feel lonely may not feel it because they may be satisfied with their interactions to their family or relatives, people around the middle and late non pet owner adults may have a good attachment relationship with the respondents. In contrast to that, those middle and late non pet owner adults that feel lonely may feel their loneliness because they lack an attachment figure.
Researcher’s hypothesis such as the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated to their reasons for not owning a pet was accepted because most of the reasons for not owning a pet were found to have a significant relationship with the respondents’ age and number of offspring that are living and not living with the respondents.
Relationship of SDC and Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Table 10
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Too old to own a pet
Avoiding the expenses in owning a pet
Disapproval of family member/s
Health risk factors that can get on animals.
Sex
.180
.087
.081
.117
Civil Status
.268
.083
.132
.031
.1-.2 Weak
.3-.4 Moderate
.5- above Strong
Using Eta correlation, the table shows that all of the reasons for not owning a pet have a weak relationship with the respondents’ sex and civil status. This suggests that sex and civil status are not a measure for being old to own a pet, avoidance to expenses in owning a pet, disapproval of family member, and avoiding health risk factors on animals.
Researcher’s hypothesis such as that the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated to their reasons for not owning a pet was rejected because most of the reasons for not owning a pet didn’t show significant relationship to some of the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. However, not all of the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics showed a significant relationship with their level of loneliness.
Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
This chapter includes the recap of all the findings from this research study. In this chapter, the researcher’s conclusion to this study is also included as well as the researcher’s recommendation for the following researchers on this topic.
Summary
This study aimed to know the middle and late adult pet owners and non pet owners’ level of loneliness. This study also aimed to know if there are significant differences in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non pet owners. Identifying which of the reasons why do middle and late adults own or do not own a pet that the researcher listed on the questionnaire is also one of the objectives from this research study. Lastly, the researcher aimed to know if the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics were significantly correlated with the respondents’ level of loneliness and with the respondents’ reasons for owning or not owning a pet.
This study found that pet owners tend to have a low level of loneliness compared to non pet owners. Not surprisingly, this study found out that pet owners strongly agreed on all the reasons why they own a pet such as pet lessens the respondents’ feelings of loneliness, pet lessens their sadness, pet serves as a companion, and pet entertains their owner. Pet’s entertainment was the most frequent reason why middle and late adult pet owners own a pet. This study revealed that most of the middle and late non pet owner adults disagreed that they are too old to own a pet, they avoid the expenses in owning a pet and their family member/s don’t allow them to own a pet. However, most of the non pet owners agreed on the reasons for not owning a pet due to health risk factors that can be found on animals.
This study found that the age, numbers of offspring that are living with the respondents, and the number of offspring not living with the respondents has no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. In addition, this study revealed that sex, civil status, type of pet owned by the respondents, and duration of pet ownership were found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. The table also shows that reasons for owning a pet such as all of the reasons for owning a pet have weak relationship with the respondents’ sex, civil status, and type of pet that the respondents’ owned. Moreover, this study also found that respondents’ reason for owning a pet such as pet serves as a companion and pet’s entertainment to the respondents have a moderate relationship with the duration of pet ownership. However, duration of owning a pet were found to have a weak relationship with the reasons for owning a pet such as pet’s alleviation to the respondents’ loneliness and pet lessens the sadness of the respondents. In addition, age, number of offspring that are living with the respondents, and number of offspring that are not living with the respondents were found to have no significant relationship with all of the reasons for owning a pet.
The age of the respondents were found to have a significant relationship with the reason that the respondents are too old to own a pet and the respondents avoid the expenses for owning a pet as a reason for not owning a pet. The respondents’ number of offspring that are still living with the respondents were found to have a significant relationship with the disapproval of family member/s in allowing the respondents to own a pet while others reasons for not owning a pet was found not to have any significant relationship. Further, reason for not owning a pet such as they are too old to own a pet and there was health risk factors that can get on animals were found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s number of offspring that are not living with them.
Conclusions
1. Pet owners have significant low level of loneliness compared to non pet owners.
2. There is a significant difference on the level of loneliness between pet owners and non pet owners in the middle and late adulthood stage.
3. Middle and late adults seen their pets as a source of entertainment. Pets are really a way to lessen human’s feeling of loneliness.
4. Avoidance to health risk factors that can be found on animals is a reason why non pet owners do not own a pet.
5. Sex, civil status, type of pet owned by the respondents, and duration of pet ownership were found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness.
6. Duration of pet ownership was found to have a significant relationship to some variables in the reasons for owning a pet.
7. Age and numbers of offspring that are still living and not living with the respondents were found to have a significant relationship to some variables in the reasons for not owning a pet.
Recommendation
1. Based on the finding of this study which found that pet owners have low level of loneliness compared to non-pet owners, people at middle and late adulthood stage are highly recommended to own a pet.
2. According to the findings, avoidance to health risk factors that can be found on animals is a powerful reason why non pet owners do not own a pet. Type of pet should be considered depending on the health of the person wanting to own a pet.
3. Additional socio-demographic characteristics and additional variables in the reasons for owning and not owning a pet should try by the following researchers.
References
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Staats, S., Wallace H., & Anderson, T. (2008). Reasons for Companion Animal Guardianship (Pet Ownership) from Two Populations. Society and Animals 16 pp. 279-291. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2008. DOI: 10.1163/156853008X323411
Many literatures tell that pets are beneficial to humans in many ways. Old adults have threats to the feelings of loneliness at on that stage of their lives. The purpose of this study was to determine if pet ownership has an effect on the level of loneness of middle and late adults. Using a convenient sampling, A total of (N=209) (100%) middle and late adult pet owners and non pet owners consisting of 106 (50.7%) males and 103 (49.3%) females from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija participated in this study. The UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 that was translated in tagalong was used to gather the respondents’ level of loneliness. This study found that among adults in the middle and late adulthood stage, pet owners have a low level of loneliness while non pet owners have a high level of loneliness. One of the findings of this study also indicated that pet’s entertainment was the most frequent reason why middle and late adult owns a pet. This study also found that health risk factors on animals were the only reason why middle and late adults do not own a pet. Furthermore, sex, civil status, pet ownership, and wanting to have a pet were found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s level of loneliness. The findings may add an additional support to literatures to prove that pets are beneficial to humans.
Loneliness and Pet Caring Among Middle and Late Adults
Loneliness is one of the often results of human’s deficiency in social relationship which often seen among old adults. It is a feeling of longingness to a figure and a feeling of lack of social interaction and support. However, it has been defined in many ways and according to Weiss (1973), it can be experienced by humans in different ways. Characteristics of an individual contribute for a person to create or keep a satisfactory relationship to an individual that may raise the likelihood of loneliness (Peplau & Perlaman, 1979). As people get older, there would be a greater possibility for them to experience family loss and also friends as well as the tendency for their social activities to decline that eventually turn to their feelings of loneliness (Dykstra et al., 2005). It was found that about 40% of older adults have experienced loneliness at some peak of their lives and that the basic causes of loneliness include lack of social interactions, withdrawal of affection, and the emotional feeling that they are not desired or wanted by the people around them (Kausler, 2003).
Fortunately, a great number of literatures claim that pets are very beneficial among humans. There are animals that can guide blind people, help hunters in hunting other animals, guard and protect their owners, give joy or play with their owners, and there are animals that help police and investigators in solving crimes. Even in ancient times, animals were used by hunters and gatherers to find food for their survival and as a means of companionship (Nunnelee, 2006). In fact, there are large number of movies and stories showing the special attachment and companionship between a pet and its master or owner. A movie that exemplies such attachment is Richard Gere’s ‘Hachiko’.
Across the different parts of the world, many people especially for middle and late adults acquire pets for different reasons. Some acquire pets as a hobby, companion, substitute for the loss of someone and absorber to their loneliness. As years go by, appreciation to pets has grown and is highly recognized as a means for satisfying other human needs. According to Wood, Giles-Corti and Bulsara (2005), the health benefits acquired from pets has four primary streams: therapeutic, psychological, physiological, and psychosocial. Pet ownership is positively associated with some forms of a broader social contact and interaction among neighbors. It suggests that pet ownership provides feasible opportunities for the interaction or a sense of socialization between neighbors (Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara, 2005).
In addition, Fitzpatrick et al. (2000) found that companion pets can alleviate loneliness and boredom to older adults. Some people view pets as one of the important parts of their lives. Pet’s companion can be one of the interventions that could make a positive effect on the well-being of old adult’s life. Moreover, studies suggest that people who lived with pets are people who are good in the overall general health compared to those without pets (Fitzgerald, 1986). Literature tells that there were benefits in pet caring.
This study aims to see the connection of the feeling of loneliness among the middle aged adult and older adult/late aged adult pet and non-pet owners. Among middle and late adults, it is an issue because many of them feel that they are isolated, not given enough attention and that they are no longer a benefit to society and to the surrounding people (Kausler, 2003; Nunnelee, 2006). However, literature tells that pet helps to alleviate human’s loneliness and provides them a companionship.Older adults may view their pets as a major source of companionship when the time comes that their social interactions to most things become limited (Nunnelee, 2006). Companion pets lessen the loneliness of old adults.
Review of Related Literatures
Feelings of Loneliness
Loneliness has been defined in many ways, one of which is “loneliness is a negative feeling causing distress to an individual” (Savikko, 2008). Studies have found that loneliness among old people was not only found in the institutions but also to their own homes. The social psychological phenomenon of loneliness is a frightening experience that people could experience at some part of their lives (Nunnelee, 2006). Emotional feeling of loneliness includes sadness and longing for love while the social feelings of loneliness is maybe due to lack of companionship, limited human social support system and social disengagement (Peplau & Perlaman, 1982).
Weiss (1973) recognized two types of loneliness which are the emotional isolation characterized by the “absence of an intimate attachment figure” and the social isolation characterized by “lacks a sense of social connectedness”. Further, Nunnelee (2006) views loneliness as an emotional and social state of human due to a poor or inactive engagement with society and due to lack of companionship. Weiss (1973) said that human experiences loneliness differently. Gibson (2000) reviewed four types of loneliness. First is the physical aloneness and described it as being distant or apart from other beings. Second is loneliness as a state of mind which is the feeling of being discarded by friends. The third type is the feeling of isolation in relation to personal characteristic of a person (e.g. old age). The last type is isolation which is described as a state of living alone with isolation as an element.
Savikko(2008) found that “illnesses, death of a spouse, and lack of friends” causes loneliness. Feelings of loneliness for old adults might also be generated through the changes in family structure, movement across the nation, and other development that affects human’s lifestyle (Nunnelee, 2006). The study of Nunnelee (2006) concerns older adults who are ages 60 and above that seek out the relationship of having or not having a pet to human’s loneliness. Having a total number of 252 participants, 85% of them reported that they live alone. Fortunately it was found that 96% of the total number of participants reported that they are having interactions with their family members. Surprisingly, it was found that 62% of the participants reported that they did not feel lonely even though 85% of the total participants lived alone and 65% of the total participants reported that they do not have a pet. This may be because of 96% of the total number of participants reported that they are having interactions with their family members. The findings of Nunnelee’s (2006) study that even though 85% of the total number of older adults lived alone and 62% of the participants reported that they did not feel lonely, it opposes the findings of Geller (2000), Hall and Havens (2005), and Savikko (2008).
Pet’s Alleviation of Loneliness and Pet’s Companionship
For the coping mechanisms of the old aged persons, studies have found that pet caring is a very effective way to lessen or to alleviate their feelings of loneliness and social isolation because pet gives vital companionship to children up to old age (Beck, 1996). In fact it was stated that “one way people can be protected from the ravages of loneliness is animal companionship” (Beck, 1996; Beck & Meyers, 1996). Companionship is indeed needed for the old age although not necessarily as a form of human figure for the reason that some old people acquire a new member or part of their life such as pet in order to fill their needs for a companion. Some people baby talks to their pets. Nunnelee (2006) said that “the companionship of a pet is at the top of the list for those who live alone”.
The findings of Nunnelee (2006) indicated that “person wanting a pet expressed increased feelings of loneliness” which supports the work of Baun et al. (1991) who reported that pets come into view that they are beneficiary for older adults in the sense of health and quality of life. Loneliness is due to lack of companion and literature tells that pets serve as a companion.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Sex
Sex of a person might have something to do or have a relationship with the person’s acquisition of pet, the level of loneliness of a person, and to all the other socio-demographic characteristics variables in this present study. According to the study of (Savikko, 2008), women found to be more common to feel loneliness than men.
Age
Middle age or middle adulthood begins at the age of forty (40) up to the age of sixty (60) years old while late adulthood starts at 60 years old to death (Hurlock, 1982). As the researcher mentioned in the introductory part of this research study, loneliness is associated to human’s age (Kausler, 2003). In human’s life span, changes in physical, emotional establishment, social interaction, the way on how people think (Peplau & Perlman, 1982; Dykstra et al., 2005). One of these is loneliness which occurs when there is no presence of a reliable attachment figure and can commonly see among middle to late adulthood stage. As human gets older, worthless and lower self-esteem can occur for some instance and there are old adults who feel that they are no longer a benefit to society because of their age (Nunnelee, 2006).
One of the common reason about keeping of pets among the young (college students) and old groups (middle-aged community members) on the study of Staats, Wallace & Anderson(2008) is “I would be lonely without my pet”. Furthermore, Routsalo and Pitkala (2003) found that loneliness is a common feeling among older adults. Fortunately, Baun et al. (1991) stated that pets were found to be beneficial in the lives of older adults and it enhances human’s quality of life and health.
Civil Status
Loss of spouses and friends results to the feelings of loneliness which is a human condition that causes sorrow (Peplau & Perlman, 1982). Death or loss of a spouse is really a painful event in a human’s life. That’s why a number of widows and widowers are acquiring pet to have a companion in their lives and pets were found to be one of the figures that helps old adult in coping with their feelings of loneliness (Walsh, 2009).
Not surprisingly, according to the study of Staats, Wallace and Anderson(2008),they found that most of their participants who answered the reason for keeping a pet as “I would be lonely without my pet” are single. According to Geller (2000) and Hall and Havens (2005), older adults who were living alone in the community are those who were at risk to feel that they are lonely. Savikko (2008) found that loneliness was more common in the oldest aged groups and widows as a marital status.
Presence and Absence of Offspring/s
In the midlife of parents, they acquire a new pet to fill their loneliness or to fill their feelings of emptiness for their young adult children (Walsh, 2009).According to the study of Wood et al. (2007) pet owners were more likely to have a dependent children living with them than non-pet owners. Loneliness was found among respondents who are living alone or in a residential home than to those who are living with someone or living in their own homes. However, in the research study of Savikko (2008), it was found that the lonely respondents and the “not lonely” respondents did not differ from each other in terms of having children and in terms of the number of contacts with their children or friends.
Pet Type
According to literature “cats and dogs are the animals whose emotions and moods are similar to those of humans, although the way they express the see motions are different” (Archer, 1997). Dogs were the most common pet o all followed by cats (Staats, Wallace & Anderson, 2008), (Wood et al., 2007), and (Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara2005).Birds and other different pet types were the least type of pet to be owned. In addition to that, (35%) of the participants on the study of Nunnelee (2006) among older adults reported that (64%) owns a dog/s, (33%) were owning a cat/s, and (3%) were owning a bird/s. In this study, cats and dogs are the types of pet owned by the pet owner participants because dogs and cats are well-known for their companionship. The researcher chose cats and dogs since these companion animals are the most commonly owned pets and most of pet owners allow them to freely run and play on their owner’s home.
Pet Ownership
On the study of Staats, Wallace & Anderson (2008), it is said there that reasons why people keep pet were “I would be lonely without my pet”, “My pet serves a useful function” and “I keep the pet for people”. It suggests that there are really many reasons to own a pet. Fortunately for pet owners, it was found to the study of (Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara, 2005) that pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners. According to the study of Wood et al.(2007), chances of feelings of loneliness were twice as high among non-pet owners compared to pet owners. In addition, Rossbach and Wilson (2002) found that elderly pet owners were those persons who deal better with life’s stressful events compared to non-pet owners. However, only (13%) reported that they desired to have a pet, (35%) had a pet and (52%) reported that they did not want a pet and this may be because of that (96%) of the participants reported that they are having interactions with their family members.
Summary of Review of Related Literatures
Loneliness is a feeling that people don’t want to feel. Literatures tell that loneliness can be experienced in different ways and can be seen at middle and late part of a human’s life. Level of loneliness depends on some factors in human’s life such as sex, age, marital status, presence and absence of offspring, family interactions and as well as having or not having a pet. Among middle and late adults, they encounter family loss for different reasons and one big thing that helps them to cope with their feelings of loneliness is pet caring. Pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners. Pet owners were more likely to have a dependent children living with them than non-pet owners. Dogs and cats are the most commonly owned pets. Literature tells that pets are beneficial in many ways and their companionship is especially valued among old human beings.
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the level of loneliness of the middle and late adult pet owners and non-pet owners?
2. Are there significant differences in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners?
3. Which are the frequent reasons why middle and late adults own(alleviates loneliness, lessens sadness, serves as companion and pet’s entertainment)or do not own (too old to own a pet, avoiding the expenses in owning a pet, disapproval of family member/s and health risk factors that can get on animals) a pet?
4. Are the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics significantly correlated with the:
A. Level of loneliness
B. Reasons for owning or not owning a pet
Research Hypothesis
1. The researcher hypothesized that most of the middle and late adult pet owners have lower level of loneliness compared to late and middle adult non-pet owners.
2. There is a significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners.
3. Middle and late adults own a pet to have a companion.
4. The participants’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated with the level of their loneliness and to their reasons for having or not having a pet.
Significance of the Study
In searching for the difference between the pet owners and non-pet owners’ feeling of loneliness in the middle and late adulthood stage, this study can invite the early adults to plan or not to plan in keeping a pet when they get older. For middle and late adults, this research will be useful as a guide in telling the consequences for keeping and for not keeping a pet. This research study can be a viable tool for future researches about the benefits in pet caring particularly the pet’s ability to alleviate loneliness and to provide vital companionship. Overall, this research is expected to become a new and useful reference on the benefits of owning a pet.
Scope and Limitation
This study intentionally chose middle and late aged adult pet owners and non-pet owners to identify if age, sex, civil status, presence and absence of the respondents’ offspring/s, type of pet owned and duration of pet ownership have significant role on their feelings of loneliness. People who owned two or more different pet type at a time will be excluded in order to focus on the effect on a specific type of pet. Cats, dogs, birds, and other type of pets that a person owns are also included in this research study.
Theoretical Framework
Attachment theory was recognized as an important framework in understanding relationships of humans and to other figures that affect their social life. Weiss’ (1973) attachment theory has two major concepts which are the emotional loneliness and social loneliness. Old adults who see themselves as without an attachment relationship to any individual which supports their emotional and social needs might perceive their experience of loneliness in a diverse way compared to those with a supportive attachment relationship. Person derives comfort and security from the partner, especially in times of stress and protest when the partner threatens to become unavailable (Weiss, 1973).
In this study, pet and non-pet owner’s relationship to a figure was discussed in relation to the Attachment Theory. The attachment of the participants to a figure is a factor for having less feeling of loneliness because that figure comforts the participants such as pet for pet owners and other figures for non-pet owners. Companionship of pet/s is a factor that the researcher considered in using the Attachment Theory.
Conceptual Paradigm
Figure 1
Socio-Demographic Characteristics:
· Pet ownership
· Sex
· Age
· Civil Status
· Total Number of Offspring
· Presence/Absence of Offspring
· Pet Type
· Duration of Owning a Pet
· Loneliness
· Reasons for Owning and Not Owning a Pet
Figure 1 shows the relationship of the independent variables such as participants’ socio-demographic characteristics to the dependent variables such as the feelings of loneliness and reasons for having and not having a pet.
Conceptual Framework
The primary goal of this study is to know whether middle and late adult pet owners has a lower level of loneliness compared to middle and late adults who do not own a pet. Secondarily, it aimed to know why middle and late adults own and do not own pet/s and lastly, it aimed to know if the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated with the level of loneliness of middle and late adults and their reasons for having and not having a pet.
Pet ownership was indicated as owning a pet including the duration of the participants’ ownership to his/her pet and do not own a pet including if they want to own a pet. The sex of the participants was indicated as male or female. Age of the participants was indicated as middle adult for the ages 40-60 years old and late adult for the ages of 60 and above. Civil status was indicated as single, married, separated, widow and widower. The participants can indicate the total number of their offspring as many as they want. For the offspring, the participants was indicated with the number of their offspring who are still living together with them and their offspring who are not living with them anymore. Pet type was indicated as having a cat, dog, and others. Duration of pet ownership was indicated as owning a pet for less than one year, for 2 to 3 years, and for 4 years and above. For the level of loneliness, it was indicated as having a high or a low level. Reasons for owning a pet was indicated as alleviating their loneliness, lessens their sadness, provides them a companionship, and their pet gives them entertainment. Reasons for not owning a pet was indicated as I’m too old to take care for a pet, avoiding expenses for pet maintenance, disapproval of family members, and because of some health risk factors.
Methodology
This chapter discusses how the study was carried out.
Research Design
This study used a correlational research design in order to correlate the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics to the level of their loneliness and their reasons for owning and not owning a pet.
Participants
Two hundred nine (n=209) participants ages 40-60 years old for middle adulthood stage and 60 years of age and above for the late adulthood stage were selected using a convenient sampling. The respondents were composed of 106 (50.7%) males and 103 (49.3%) females wherein 115 (55.02%) of the total number of respondents were middle adults and 94 (44.98%) were late adults. On the total number of respondents, most of them were composed of 51 (24.4%) that are still living together with 3 of their offspring while 55 (26.3%) of the total number of respondents has 1 offspring that are not living with them. Most of the respondents are married 148 (70.8%). A total of 119 (56.9%) of the respondents were reported as pet owners while 90 (43.1%) were reported as non-pet owners. Most of the respondents (n=57, 27.3%) owned dogs followed by (n=43, 20.6%) cats, and (n=19, 9.1%) reported that they owned other type of pet. Most of the respondents (n=53, 25.4%) reported that they are taking care of their pets by 4 years and above. Non pet owners (n=53, 25.4%) reported that they want to own a pet. This research study was drawn at San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
Instrumentation
The researcher constructed a questionnaire that primarily answers the objectives of the research. One type of questionnaire was used in this study and was given to both pet owners and non-pet owners. The socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were included in the first part of the questionnaire and an additional question “if you do not have a pet, would you like to get?” was also included. The standardized questionnaire as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale Version 3 which was translated in Tagalog served as a second part of questionnaire which intends to measure the participant’s level of loneliness. On the third part of the questionnaire, participants’ reasons for owning and not owning a pet were also included.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data were gathered through distributing the questionnaires to the respondents from the City of San Jose, Nueva Ecija. The researcher informed the participants about the nature of the research. If the participant cannot read the questionnaire, the researcher will read the questions for that participant. The data reported how the participants answered all the questions from the questionnaire.
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis for all quantitative data was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). SPSS was used in getting the mean of the data. Descriptive statistics analysis was used to measure the level of loneliness of the middle and late adult pet owners and non-pet owners. T-Test was used to find the significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners.
To find if the participants’ age and numbers of offspring that are living and not living with the respondents were significantly correlated with the level of their loneliness, reasons for owning a pet, and reasons for not owning a pet; Pearson correlation was used.
For the relationship of the respondents’ sex, civil status, pet ownership, type of pet owned, and duration of owning a pet with the level of their loneliness, Eta Correlation was used. Also, for the relationship of the respondents’ sex, civil status, pet type, and duration of owning a pet with their reasons for owning a pet, Eta Correlation was used. To find if there was a relationship with the participants’ sex and civil status with the participants’ reasons for not owning a pet, Eta Correlation was used.
Results and Discussions
This chapter presents and discusses the result of the study based on the data gathered from the respondents.
The following tables will show the results of this study as well as the discussion on the findings. The result shows the level of loneliness of pet owners and non-pet owners in the middle and late adulthood stage and also shows whether there is a significant difference in the level of their loneliness. In addition, respondents’ mean for each of the reasons for owning and not owning a pet were also shown. Relationship of the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and their level of loneliness using Pearson correlation and Eta correlation are also shown in this chapter.
Table 1 (see page 29) shows that pet owners have a low level of loneliness with a mean of 2.35 while non-pet owners have a mean of 2.52 indicating a high level of loneliness. This suggests that pet can alleviate people’s loneliness. The result supports the work of Wood et al. (2007) stating that the chances of feelings of loneliness were twice as high among non-pet owners compared to pet owners. The result also supports the statement “one way people can be protected from the ravages of loneliness is animal companionship” (Beck, 1996; Beck & Meyers, 1996). As presented, the loneliness of non-pet owners is high. This maybe because middle and late adults may feel that people around them don’t give them enough attention and there were no substitute for their feelings of their loneliness to their love ones.
The result supports the attachment theory that those old adults, who see themselves to be without an attachment relationship to any individual who supports their emotional and social needs, might perceive their experience of loneliness in a diverse way compared to those with a supportive attachment relationship (Weiss, 1973).
This study hypothesize that most of the middle and late adult pet owners have lower level of loneliness compared to middle and late adult non pet owners and that there is a significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-pet owners.
Level of Loneliness of Pet Owners and Non Pet Owners
Table 1
Level of Loneliness of the Middle and Late Adult Pet Owners and Non-pet Owners
Pet Ownership
Mean
SD
Description
Pet Owner
2.35
.199
Low
Non Pet Owner
2.52
.227
High
1-1.75 Very Low 2.51-3.25 High
1.76-2.50 Low 3.26-4 Very High
Significant Difference in the Level of Loneliness
Table 2
Significant Difference in the Level of Loneliness Between Pet Owners and Non Pet Owners
T
Df
Sig. (2-tailed)
Level of Loneliness
-5.636
180.352
.000*
Using t-test, middle and late adults that do not and owned a pet showed a statistically significant difference on the level of their loneliness (t= -5.636, p=.000).This suggests that pet ownership has an effect on the person’s feelings of loneliness. The finding supports the work of Baun et al. (1991) who reported that pets come into view that they are beneficial for older adults in the sense of health and quality of life. The researcher accepted the hypothesis that there is a significant difference in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non-et owners.
Respondents’ Reasons for Owning a Pet
Table 3
Reasons for Owning a Pet
Reasons for Owning a Pet
Mean
SD
Description
My pet entertains me.
3.67
.647
Strongly Agree
My pet serves as my companion.
3.56
.447
Strongly Agree
My pet lessens my sadness.
3.31
.455
Strongly Agree
My pet lessens my feelings of loneliness.
3.29
.792
Strongly Agree
1-1.75 Strongly Disagree 2.51-3.25 Agree
1.76-2.50 Disagree 3.26-4 Strongly Agree
The table shows that pet owners strongly agreed on all the reasons why they own a pet as listed on the questionnaire. Pet owners perceived their pets as very beneficial. Pet’s ability to entertain, provides a companionship, and alleviation of loneliness to middle and late adult pet owners are good reasons to keep a pet. Pet’s entertainment (M= 3.67) is the most frequent reason why middle and late adult pet owners own a pet. It is followed by the answer pet serves as a companion (M= 3.56), pet lessens my sadness (M= 3.31) and pet alleviates loneliness (M= 3.29).
Reason for owning a pet such as pet alleviates the respondents’ feelings of loneliness (M=3.29) was strongly agreed by middle and late adult pet owners. However, it has the smallest mean of all the reasons why middle and late adult pet owners own a pet. This suggests that respondents enjoyed their pet caring because their pet entertains them. This also suggests that pet owners own a pet to give them entertainment and the alleviation to their loneliness were the effect of their pet’s ability to entertain them. The finding of this present study that the respondents strongly agreed on the reason for owning a pet such as pet’s alleviation to their owner’s loneliness supports one of the findings of Staats, Wallace & Anderson (2008) that one of the reason why people keep pet was “I would be lonely without my pet”. Also, Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara (2005) found that pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners.
The attachment theory supports these findings because a low level on the feelings of loneliness among pet owners may be the effect on their attachment to their pet. The results of this study also support the work of Baun et al. (1991) who reported that pets are beneficiary for older adults in terms of health and quality of life.
The hypothesis of this study such as that middle and late adults own a pet to have a companion was accepted because all the reasons for owning a pet were strongly agreed by the respondents. To note, pet’s entertainment to pet owners was the most frequent answer.
Respondents’ Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Table 4
Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Mean
SD
Description
Health risk factors that can get on animals.
2.69
.489
Agree
Too old to own a pet.
2.19
.691
Disagree
Avoiding the expenses in owning a pet.
2.08
.593
Disagree
Disapproval of family member/s.
1.96
.531
Disagree
1-1.75 Strongly Disagree 2.51-3.25 Agree
1.76-2.50 Disagree 3.26-4 Strongly Agree
Noticeably, non-pet owners only agreed that there are health risk factors that can be found on animals (M= 2.69). It may imply that health risk factors on pets were a prevailing reason to avoid owning a pet. It contradicts the finding on the study of Wood, Giles-Corti & Bulsara (2005) that pet owners were significantly more likely to report an excellent or very good health compared with non-pet owners. The table also shows that most of the non-pet owners disagreed that they are too old to own a pet (M= 2.19). This suggests that there were other reasons why the respondents do not own a pet other than the reason that they are too old to own a pet. Further, the table shows that non pet owners also disagreed that they avoid the expenses in owning a pet (M= 2.08) and their family member/s doesn’t allow them to own a pet (M=1.96). This suggests that the respondents may afford the finances for pet caring or the respondents are spending their money for other reasons and there were other reasons why the respondents do not own a pet aside from the disapproval of family members.
Relationship of SDC with Level of Loneliness
Table 5
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Level of Loneliness
Level of Loneliness
Age
-.075
Offspring living with the respondents
-.086
Offspring that are not living with the respondents
-.074
Using Pearson correlation, the table shows that the age was found to have no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. The finding suggests that it doesn’t matter whether a person is in a middle or late adulthood stage, both stage may experience loneliness depending on their environment and the availability of the people around them. This, however, does not mean that middle adults would not suffer from loneliness just because they can do more things than late adults. It opposes the statement of Kausler (2003) that loneliness is associated to human’s age.
Numbers of offspring that are living with the respondents and not living with the respondents were also found to have no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. This can be attributed with Filipinos being an extended family. The absence of offspring can be substituted by relatives aside from pets. The hypothesis was rejected due to the findings that age, number of offspring that are living with the respondents and not living with the respondents were found to have no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness.
Relationship of SDC with Level of Loneliness
Table 6
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Level of Loneliness
Level of Loneliness
Description
Sex
.365
Moderate
Civil Status
.382
Moderate
Pet Ownership
(Owns and do not own a pet)
.490
Moderate
Type of Pet
.442
Moderate
Duration of owning a pet
.466
Moderate
.1-.2 Weak
.3-.4 Moderate
.5- above Strong
Using Eta Correlation, the table shows that sex was found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. This suggests that being a male or a female can affect people’s level of loneliness. Civil status was also found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness and this may be because widowhood and being a single were more likely to encounter loneliness than those who have wives or husbands. It supports the finding of Peplau & Perlman (1982) which stated that loss of spouse results to the feelings of loneliness. Type of pet owned by the respondents was also found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. In this study, dog 57 (27.3%) was the most common type of pet owned and having a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. It suggests that dogs were the type of pet that are good in alleviating peoples’ loneliness. Interestingly, duration of owning a pet was reported to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. It suggests that it may somehow matter whether a pet owner is owning and taking care of a pet for a long period of time or just currently having a short period of time to affect people’s level of loneliness.
In relation to the attachment theory, the availability of the people around middle and late adults will affect their attachment to things that are available to be with them. Pets and other members of the family can be an attachment figure for the respondents and having an attachment figure lessens the tendency for people to feel lonely.
This study found that the mentioned socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents’ have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness; thus, hypothesis is accepted.
Relationship of SDC with Reasons for Owning a Pet
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Owning a Pet
Table 7
Alleviates loneliness
Lessens sadness
Serves as companion
Pet’s entertainment
Age
.129
.007
.064
-.042
Offspring that are living with the respondents
-.103
-.046
.059
.009
Offspring that are not living with the respondents
.115
.042
.012
.008
The table shows that age, number of offspring that are living with the respondents and number of offspring that are not living with the respondents has no significant relationship with the reasons for owning a pet. It opposes the finding of Beck (1996) that among old aged persons, pet caring is a very effective way to lessen or to alleviate their feelings of loneliness and social isolation because pet gives vital companionship to children up to old age. Researcher’s hypothesis such as that the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated to their reasons for owning a pet was rejected because the mentioned socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents showed no significant relationship with all of the listed reasons for owning a pet.
Relationship of SDC with Reasons for Owning a Pet
Table 8
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Owning a Pet
Alleviates loneliness
Lessens sadness
Serves as companion
Pet’s entertainment
Sex
.198
.061
.041
.174
Civil Status
.175
.158
.107
.049
Pet Type
.297
.272
.186
.199
Duration of Owning a pet
.219
.213
.321
.346
.1-.2 Weak
.3-.4 Moderate
.5- above Strong
Table 8 shows that duration of owning a pet was found to have a weak relationship with the reasons for owning a pet such as pet’s alleviation to respondents’ loneliness and lessens sadness but have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ reason for owning a pet such as pet serves as a companion and pet’s entertainment. It suggests that a longer duration of owning a pet may tend people to enjoy better the benefits of pets such as giving a companionship to their owner and entertaining their owner. All the other socio-demographic characteristics such as the respondents’ sex, civil status, and type of pet that the respondents’ own have a weak relationship with all of the reasons for owning a pet. The finding that civil status have a weak relationship with all the reasons for owning a pet opposes the work of Walsh (2009) which found that a number of widows and widowers are acquiring pet to have a companion in their lives and pets were found to be one of the figures that help old adult in coping with their feelings of loneliness.
Even though the duration of pet ownership was found to have a significant relationship to some variables as reasons for owning a pet, the rest of the variables were found to have a weak relationship with all of the reasons for owning a pet; the hypothesis, therefore, is rejected.
Relationship of SDC with Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Table 9
Too old to own a pet
Avoiding the expenses in owning a pet
Disapproval of family member/s
Health risk factors that can get on animals.
Age
.561*
.239*
.026
-.073
Number of offspring that are living with the respondents
-.130
.146
.222*
.013
Number of offspring that are not living with the respondents
.255*
.114
-.062
-.248*
The table shows that age was found to have a significant relationship with the respondents reason for not owning a pet such as the respondents are too old to own a pet (r=.561, p=.000) and the respondents are avoiding the expenses in owning a pet (r=.239, p=.024).It suggests that as people gets older there is a greater possibility for people to have limited activities, however it opposes the findings of this research that most of the middle and late non pet owner adults do not agree that they are too old to own a pet. With the reason that respondents are avoiding the expenses for owning a pet which also has a significant relationship with the age of the respondents may suggests that this is because as people gets older, there are many expenses for them to be paid especially for those who has offsprings.
The respondents’ family members’ disapproval for the respondents to own a pet and the reason that there are health risk factors that can get on animals did not show any significant relationship with the age of the respondents. Socio-demographic characteristic such as number of offspring that are still living with the respondents were found to have a significant relationship with disapproval of family members’ to let the respondents own a pet (r=.222,p= .036) while other reasons for not owning a pet was found not to have any significant relationship. It may imply that the offspring of the respondents does not want their parents to own a pet. Reason for not owning a pet such as the respondents are too old to own a pet was found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s number of offspring that are not living with them (r=.255, p=.015). It suggests that there were no people who will help the respondents to take care for their pets. Also, health risk factors that can get on animals (r=-.248, p=.019) were found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s number of offspring that are not living with them. This maybe because the respondents are afraid to get sick because of the health risk factors in pets.
In relation to the attachment theory, some of the non-pet owners who didn’t feel lonely may not feel it because they may be satisfied with their interactions to their family or relatives, people around the middle and late non pet owner adults may have a good attachment relationship with the respondents. In contrast to that, those middle and late non pet owner adults that feel lonely may feel their loneliness because they lack an attachment figure.
Researcher’s hypothesis such as the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated to their reasons for not owning a pet was accepted because most of the reasons for not owning a pet were found to have a significant relationship with the respondents’ age and number of offspring that are living and not living with the respondents.
Relationship of SDC and Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Table 10
Relationship of the Respondent’s Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Respondents’ Reasons for Not Owning a Pet
Too old to own a pet
Avoiding the expenses in owning a pet
Disapproval of family member/s
Health risk factors that can get on animals.
Sex
.180
.087
.081
.117
Civil Status
.268
.083
.132
.031
.1-.2 Weak
.3-.4 Moderate
.5- above Strong
Using Eta correlation, the table shows that all of the reasons for not owning a pet have a weak relationship with the respondents’ sex and civil status. This suggests that sex and civil status are not a measure for being old to own a pet, avoidance to expenses in owning a pet, disapproval of family member, and avoiding health risk factors on animals.
Researcher’s hypothesis such as that the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics are significantly correlated to their reasons for not owning a pet was rejected because most of the reasons for not owning a pet didn’t show significant relationship to some of the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. However, not all of the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics showed a significant relationship with their level of loneliness.
Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
This chapter includes the recap of all the findings from this research study. In this chapter, the researcher’s conclusion to this study is also included as well as the researcher’s recommendation for the following researchers on this topic.
Summary
This study aimed to know the middle and late adult pet owners and non pet owners’ level of loneliness. This study also aimed to know if there are significant differences in the level of loneliness among pet owners and non pet owners. Identifying which of the reasons why do middle and late adults own or do not own a pet that the researcher listed on the questionnaire is also one of the objectives from this research study. Lastly, the researcher aimed to know if the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics were significantly correlated with the respondents’ level of loneliness and with the respondents’ reasons for owning or not owning a pet.
This study found that pet owners tend to have a low level of loneliness compared to non pet owners. Not surprisingly, this study found out that pet owners strongly agreed on all the reasons why they own a pet such as pet lessens the respondents’ feelings of loneliness, pet lessens their sadness, pet serves as a companion, and pet entertains their owner. Pet’s entertainment was the most frequent reason why middle and late adult pet owners own a pet. This study revealed that most of the middle and late non pet owner adults disagreed that they are too old to own a pet, they avoid the expenses in owning a pet and their family member/s don’t allow them to own a pet. However, most of the non pet owners agreed on the reasons for not owning a pet due to health risk factors that can be found on animals.
This study found that the age, numbers of offspring that are living with the respondents, and the number of offspring not living with the respondents has no significant relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. In addition, this study revealed that sex, civil status, type of pet owned by the respondents, and duration of pet ownership were found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness. The table also shows that reasons for owning a pet such as all of the reasons for owning a pet have weak relationship with the respondents’ sex, civil status, and type of pet that the respondents’ owned. Moreover, this study also found that respondents’ reason for owning a pet such as pet serves as a companion and pet’s entertainment to the respondents have a moderate relationship with the duration of pet ownership. However, duration of owning a pet were found to have a weak relationship with the reasons for owning a pet such as pet’s alleviation to the respondents’ loneliness and pet lessens the sadness of the respondents. In addition, age, number of offspring that are living with the respondents, and number of offspring that are not living with the respondents were found to have no significant relationship with all of the reasons for owning a pet.
The age of the respondents were found to have a significant relationship with the reason that the respondents are too old to own a pet and the respondents avoid the expenses for owning a pet as a reason for not owning a pet. The respondents’ number of offspring that are still living with the respondents were found to have a significant relationship with the disapproval of family member/s in allowing the respondents to own a pet while others reasons for not owning a pet was found not to have any significant relationship. Further, reason for not owning a pet such as they are too old to own a pet and there was health risk factors that can get on animals were found to have a significant relationship with the respondent’s number of offspring that are not living with them.
Conclusions
1. Pet owners have significant low level of loneliness compared to non pet owners.
2. There is a significant difference on the level of loneliness between pet owners and non pet owners in the middle and late adulthood stage.
3. Middle and late adults seen their pets as a source of entertainment. Pets are really a way to lessen human’s feeling of loneliness.
4. Avoidance to health risk factors that can be found on animals is a reason why non pet owners do not own a pet.
5. Sex, civil status, type of pet owned by the respondents, and duration of pet ownership were found to have a moderate relationship with the respondents’ level of loneliness.
6. Duration of pet ownership was found to have a significant relationship to some variables in the reasons for owning a pet.
7. Age and numbers of offspring that are still living and not living with the respondents were found to have a significant relationship to some variables in the reasons for not owning a pet.
Recommendation
1. Based on the finding of this study which found that pet owners have low level of loneliness compared to non-pet owners, people at middle and late adulthood stage are highly recommended to own a pet.
2. According to the findings, avoidance to health risk factors that can be found on animals is a powerful reason why non pet owners do not own a pet. Type of pet should be considered depending on the health of the person wanting to own a pet.
3. Additional socio-demographic characteristics and additional variables in the reasons for owning and not owning a pet should try by the following researchers.
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Staats, S., Wallace H., & Anderson, T. (2008). Reasons for Companion Animal Guardianship (Pet Ownership) from Two Populations. Society and Animals 16 pp. 279-291. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2008. DOI: 10.1163/156853008X323411
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