A recent study led by psychologist Brian N. Chin at Trinity College found that pet owners who feel anxious or overly dependent on their pets are more likely to experience depression. The research surveyed over 1,000 U.S. pet owners and discovered that those constantly worried about being apart from their pets or unsure if their pets "loved" them back reported higher levels of psychological distress. Interestingly, simply feeling close to a pet didn't necessarily predict better mental health; the quality of the attachment mattered more than its intensity. Additionally, owning both a cat and a dog was linked to higher depression symptoms, possibly due to the added stress of caregiving. The study suggests that while pets can offer emotional support, the nature of the human-animal bond plays a crucial role in the owner's mental well-being.
Source: PsyPost