CHILDREN AND THEIR PETS

This study examines the frequency of pet possession and its covariatio n with family variables (family size, housing conditions, parents' emp loyment, maternal support) among elementary school children. Additiona lly, children's pet caring activities and their emotional relationship to pets were investigated. Subjects were 426 fourth graders (213 boys , 213 girls). Results indicate that pets are very frequently present i n families, with the dog as the most common and most preferred animal. Parents' employment and maternal support do not covariate with pet po ssession, but housing conditions do. The child-pet relationship depend s on children's gender, pet type and status of ownership (child vs. fa mily). The intensity of pet caring is mainly related to pet type and o wnership, whereas the quality of emotional contact depends on pet type and children's gender. On the background of manifold articles reporti ng case studies and educational, respectively clinical counseling expe riences the discussion emphasizes the need for sound empirical researc h on the relationship between personality characteristics and pet owne rship.