Pet-related Variables and Stress Levels of Undergraduate Students

Pets have been and are an important part of humans’ lives. There are many reasons for owning pets, including various physical and psychological benefits. The present study aimed to find out which pet-related variables, if any, were associated with stress levels of undergraduate students, and whether there is a relationship between certain pet-related variables and undergraduate students’ stress levels. The study included 55 undergraduate students from Lindenwood University. Materials consisted of a self-made demographic survey, a self-made pet survey, and Cohen’s and Williamson’s Perceived Stress Scale (1988). A multiple regression and correlational analysis was conducted, entering the stress scale score as the dependent variable and the variables of class status, fondness of pets, pet ownership, weekly pet company, pet accessibility, importance of pets, and thought on whether pets and stress were related as the independent variables. Results revealed that there were no significant multiple regression weights (R2 = .186, F (7, 44) = 1.433, p \u3e .05) and that none of the variables were significantly correlated. However, there were four weak negative correlations between the stress scale scores and the variables of pet fondness (r = -.247), pet accessibility (r = -.235), want of more access (r = -.307), and pet importance (r = -.261). Limitations include a small convenience sample and the problems associated with using a self-made survey. Future research should consider using a professional or enhanced survey, avoid convenience sampling, and potentially include other populations as well