Folder for flipbook stats test

Journal of European Psychology Students, Vol. 3, 2012 21 the authors of this study assume that cultural or stereotypical perception of cats could influence these measures. Furthermore, differences in attachment to pets between pedigree and non-pedigree dog owners have been found. Higher price and longer planning of purchase, better care and concern and involvement in canine activities, could affect higher attachment to pedigree dogs. But these variables were not included in the present research. Cat owners did not show the same characteristics. These findings provide evidence that pedigree can contribute to differences in attachment to pets among owners of the same species, but does not impact the attachment among owners of different species. A relationship with a pet, according to Nebbe (2001) can be described as safer and with minimal risk. Based on this argument lies the assumption that participants who had problems with attachment in interpersonal relations are more attached to their pets. But analysis showed that there is no significant correlation between attachment to a pet and either avoidance or anxiety on the ECR-R questionnaire. No statistically significant correlation has been found between social support and attachment to a pet. Assumed differences between loneliness and attachment to a pet did not appear in the present study, although other authors have found connection between strong attachment to pets and a lower degree of loneliness (Mahalski et al., 1988; Goldmeier, 1986). The present research has a number of limitations, which are related to the non- homogeneity of samples. There were more women than men and more dog owners than cat owners included – particularly lacking were cat owners with a non-pedigree cat. Selective sampling of participants from forums related to animals means that the sample of participants was generally more interested in animals and research of this kind. For this reason this research cannot be fully generalized. Also, the construct of pet- attachment is due to various cultural and individual perceptions of animals which can cause qualitative differences difficult to define. This shows the need for further construct investigations of pet attachment and comparison between different pet attachment measures. The results of this study do not indicate connections between interactions with pets and interpersonal relationships. It would be interesting to carry out a longitudinal study or investigate the attachment to a pet in different groups of people, for example in those who engage in some pet related activity (dog or cat shows, agility, rescue etc.) to achieve comparable qualitative results. References Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. M. (1991). Attachment styles among young adults: a test of a four-category model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 6, 226- 244. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.61.2.226 Beck, L., & Madresh, E. A. (2008). Romantic Partners and Four-Legged Friends: An Extension of Attachment Theory to Relationships with Pets. Anthrozoos, 21 (1), 43-56. doi: 10.2752/089279308X274056 Birsa, M. (1992). Življenje po šestem križu [Life after the sixth cross]. Murska Sobota: Pomurska Založba. Bowlby, J. (1991). Attachment and loss. London, New York: Penguin Books. Bowlby, J. (1984). Attachment and loss. Vol. 1. Attachment. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. Brown, S., & Katcher, A. (1997). The contribution of attachment to pets and attachment to nature to dissociation and absorption. Dissociation, 10, 125-129. Crawford, E. K., Worsham, N. L., & Swinehart, E. R. (2006). Benefits derived from companion animals and the use of the term »attachment«. Anthrozoos, 19, 98–112. doi: 10.2752/089279306785593757 Fraley, R. C., Waller, N. G., & Brennan, K. A. (2000). An Item Response Theory Analysis of Self-Report Measures of Adult Attachment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78 (2), 350-365. doi: 10.1037//0022- 3514.78.2.350 Garrity, T., Stallones, L., Marx, M., & Johnson, T. (1989). Pet Ownership And Attachment As Supportive Factors In The Health Of The Elderly. Anthrozoos, 3 (1), 35-44. Goldmeier, J. (1986). Pets or people: Another research note. The Gerontologist, 26, 203-206. Hart, L.A. (1995). The Role of Pets in Enhancing Human Well- being: Effects for Older People. Benefits and Responsibilities. Retrieved from www.deltasociety.org/Document.Doc?id=319 Hill, R. P., Gaines, J., & Wilson, R. M. (2008). Consumer behavior, extended-self, and sacred consumption: An alternative perspective from our animal companions. Journal of Bussiness Research, 61, 553-562. doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2006.11.009

• Cover