Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry on April 26, 2024, the study by **Deborah L. Wells** and **Kathryn R. Treacy** examined how both the Big Five personality traits and the Dark Triad cluster relate to the emotional bond between people and their pets. The researchers surveyed 938 pet owners—including 759 dog owners and 179 cat owners—from various global locations during **May–June 2023**.
Results showed that **neuroticism and conscientiousness** were both significant predictors of stronger pet attachment. Although **Machiavellianism**, a Dark Triad trait, showed a weak positive correlation, none of the Dark Triad traits were found to significantly predict attachment strength. This suggests that individuals with traits linked to emotional sensitivity and responsibility are more likely to form stronger bonds with their pets.
The analysis also revealed demographic factors influencing pet attachment. **Women**, **dog owners**, **people over 50**, and those **with children under 18** exhibited significantly stronger emotional connections with their pets than other groups. These findings support previous research linking pet attachment with gender and life-stage factors.
The authors note that while high attachment may offer emotional rewards, the link to **neuroticism** also suggests a possible association with psychological vulnerability. They recommend future studies explore not just the strength, but also the **quality and style** of pet attachment, particularly in the context of emotional health.
Source: Wells, D. L., & Treacy, K. R. (2024). Pet attachment and owner personality. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1378968
