Pets, networks and well-being

This study explores two explanations for well-being among older adults: soc ial network analysis and human-animal relations. The data are based on a st ratified probability sample of community living adults, aged 60 years and o ver, located in several rural communities in north-eastern Oregon. The depe ndent variables include three distinct measures of psychological well-being : life satisfaction, locus of control, and self-esteem. The independent var iables include pet ownership and various measures of the personal network o f respondents, including network structural variables (range, density, and frequency of contact) and network content variables (both instrumental and expressive). Control variables include socio-demographic characteristics an d a measure of physical health. Multiple regression analysis is used to est imate the effects of the independent and control variables. Pet ownership w as related to two of the well-being measures - self-esteem and locus of con trol - but only for men. Some methodological and theoretical implications a re discussed. (C) 2001 International Society for Anthrozoology.