While dog ownership is often celebrated as a source of happiness and emotional balance, research has shown that its psychological impact is more nuanced. This study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, explored whether the strength of the dog–owner relationship is linked to mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and emotional support.
Aikaterini Merkouri and colleagues surveyed 1,693 adult dog owners in the United Kingdom using validated measures of health and dog–owner attachment, including the MDORS scale with subscales for interaction, emotional closeness, and perceived costs. The findings revealed a complex emotional picture: owners with stronger bonds to their dogs reported greater companionship and emotional support, yet also showed higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Interestingly, owners who perceived fewer “costs” or burdens associated with dog care reported better mental health overall. Qualitative data supported these patterns, highlighting the dual nature of dog ownership—providing comfort, purpose, and happiness, while also bringing stress, guilt, and anticipatory grief related to the dog’s wellbeing or eventual loss.
According to the authors, this relationship likely reflects bidirectional influences: individuals struggling with mental health may seek dogs for emotional relief, while the responsibilities of ownership can sometimes amplify stress. Nonetheless, the study reinforces that dog ownership contributes to both hedonic (pleasure-based) and eudaimonic (meaning-based) wellbeing, promoting personal growth and emotional resilience when care responsibilities are well balanced.
Overall, the findings suggest that while a strong emotional connection to a dog can enhance life satisfaction, support systems for owners—such as behavioral guidance and welfare resources—are crucial to ensure that this bond remains beneficial for both human and dog.
Source: Merkouri, A., Graham, T. M., O’Haire, M., Purewal, R., & Westgarth, C. (2022). Dogs and the Good Life: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between the Dog–Owner Relationship and Owner Mental Wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. Published July 18, 2022.
