The Research Desk
Scientists at Arizona State University found that playing with pets daily boosts adolescents' well-being.
A daily diary study on adolescent-pet play and positive well-being.
- Positive emotion
- Relationships
Zhang, Y., Xia, M.
In plain language
This study explores the relationship between daily interactions with pets and the well-being of adolescents. Over a 30-day period, 107 adolescents reported on their daily pet play and well-being. The research found that adolescents who engaged more frequently and extensively in play with their pets experienced higher levels of both subjective and psychological well-being.
The study utilized advanced statistical methods to control for various demographic factors, ensuring that the findings were robust. By focusing on daily activities, this research highlights the immediate and cumulative benefits of pet play for young people's mental health.
Key findings
- Adolescents who played with their pets daily reported greater subjective well-being.
- Higher overall levels of adolescent-pet play were linked to increased psychological well-being.
- On days with more pet play than usual, adolescents experienced higher well-being.
- The positive effects of pet play were observed after controlling for prior-day well-being.
Why it matters
This research underscores the role of pet play as a simple and accessible way to enhance well-being among adolescents, highlighting pets as valuable social resources.
Try this today
Encouraging adolescents to engage regularly in play with their pets can be a practical strategy for boosting their day-to-day happiness and psychological health.