Children’s experiences of positive affect with pet dogs: A multi-method study

Abstract

Abstract Experiences of positive affect (PA) are common when interacting with animals and may help to build resilience. This study explored how children’s relationships with pet dogs, parents, and friends are related to their experiences of PA with their pet dog. In addition, we examined whether greater PA with pet dogs was related to children’s thriving. The sample ( n = 115, 57 girls, 58 boys) included children 9–14 years of age who reported the quality of relationships with their pet dog (Positive Relationship Qualities, Friction, Pets as Substitutes), attachment security to parents, and positive and negative friendship quality. PA was assessed with child self-report before and after interacting with their dog, observed child and dog PA during the interaction, and reports of daily PA when interacting with the dog from a 7-day daily log. Children completed questionnaires to assess attachment security relationship with parents and friendship relationship quality. Children’s relationships with parents and friends were related to PA in the interaction session, whereas relationships with pet dogs, parents, and friends were all related to the daily experiences of PA. Children’s experiences of PA in daily interactions with pet dogs, parent-child attachment, and positive friendship quality were all related to children’s thriving. The findings suggest that experiences of PA may be one mechanism that accounts for the effects of animals on children’s development.