PET OWNERSHIP AND CHILDRENS SOCIOEMOTIONA L WELL-BEING

This study investigates the relationship between pet-ownership (dogs, cats, small furry animals, birds) and emotional and social well-being of children. The sample comprises 426 primary school children (4th gra de). Controlvariables are ''gender'', ''family size'', ''housing condi tions'', ''maternal support'' and ''pet ownership status'' as well as ''care taking'' and ''emotional interactions with the pet''. The resul ts show that living with pets correlates slightly with childrens' soci al well-being but not with their emotional stability. This effect is m oderated by the quality of maternal support and has to be specified fo r the different pet species. The discussion stresses the importance of variables which moderate the outcome of the pet-child-interaction. Fu rther longitudinal research is needed to clarify the cause-effect rela tionship.