The richness of the child-pet relationship: a consideration of both benefits and costs of pets to children

摘要: The present study was aimed at identifying meaningful and sensitive measures of the potential social-emotional benefits costs that children report as associated with their involvement companion animals. sample consisted 213 in grades 3 through 7 who had pets another 44 did not. high percentage pet ownership found is not unusual. Two questionnaires measuring were administered. identified mutuality, enduring affection, self-enhancing exclusivity relationship. distress stemming from death or rejection, unfair grief, dissatisfaction pet's needs, worry about safety, “getting into trouble,” being allowed to care for needs.