Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

William Buhrow, Psy.D.

Second Advisor

Elliott Lawless, Psy.D.

Third Advisor

Jory Smith, Psy.D.

Abstract

Prior research has shown attachment figures can take many forms beyond human-to-human connection. As pets continue to serve an increasingly important familial role, they have also become strong attachment figures for children and adults alike. The present study explored pet attachment relationships in more depth, examining a sample of pet owners with traditional pets, dogs and cats, and those with an exotic pet, snakes. Participants completed a survey measuring their intimate partner attachment style and their attachment style to their pet. Findings indicated those with anxious intimate partner attachment styles also hold anxious attachment to their pets. However, participants with avoidant intimate partner attachment styles also displayed anxious attachment to their pets, instead of avoidant as hypothesized. Findings also indicated dog and cat owners displayed higher anxious pet attachment style scores on average; snake owners displayed higher avoidant pet attachment style scores. This research illuminates the capacity for human- animal attachment relationships to develop beyond traditional pet types.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS