Dogs and people: Using role strain and role enhancement theories to predict dog owners' well-being

Krista Marie Clark Cline, Purdue University

Abstract

Scholars have demonstrated that multiple roles can affect well-being; however, whether the effects are positive or negative is still being debated. Most of these studies have focused on parenting, marital, employment, and caregiving roles; the current study introduces dog ownership as another role that is potentially important when examining multiple roles and well-being. Drawing on Role Strain and Role Accumulation Theories, this study examines dog ownership as a social status to provide a clearer answer to the question of what effect, if any, the role of dog ownership plays in the lives of dog owners. The present study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the role of dog ownership in well-being, with a focus on the conditions under which dog ownership was most strongly related to well-being, and the meaning of dogs in their owners' lives. Findings revealed gender and marital status differences in the relationship between dog ownership and well-being and in the way that respondents speak about their relationship with their dogs. Women and single adults were more likely to benefit from dog ownership and to focus more on the expressive dimensions of dog ownership. Limitations and directions for future research were also discussed.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Suitor, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Gerontology|Psychotherapy|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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