Companion Animal Relationships and Adolescent Loneliness during COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: The pandemic associated with the emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is an unprecedented historical event with the potential to significantly impact adolescent loneliness. This study aimed to explore the role of companion animals and attachment to pets in the context of the pandemic. We used longitudinal quantitative survey data collected prior to and during the pandemic to assess the role of pets in predicting adolescent loneliness. Pet ownership was not a significant predictor of loneliness before the pandemic, but did predict higher levels of loneliness during COVID-19 as well as higher increases in loneliness from before to during the pandemic. Dog ownership predicted lower levels of loneliness prior to, but not during the pandemic, and dog owners were significantly more atta

SUBMITTER: Mueller MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8003635 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature