Man's Best Friend: A Study on Personality Differences in Pet-Owners and Pets
Location
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
43
Start Date
4-7-2021 11:00 AM
End Date
4-7-2021 11:15 AM
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to explore personality differences between pet owners and non-pet owners. We also explored differences in personality based on the types of pets an individual owned. Finally, we explored the relationship between the owner’s personality and the personality of their pet. Participants completed personality scales using the Five-Factor model developed by Goldberg (1992). Participants then rated their pet’s personality using an animal personality measure based on the five-factor model created by Highfill and Kuczaj (2007). These inventories measure individuals and their pets on extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Undergraduate students and university faculty & staff completed a survey electronically. It is hypothesized that there will be significant differences between pet owners and non-pet owners and between the different types of pet owners. We expect there will be an association between an individual’s personality and how they perceive their pet’s personality.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Pepper Hanna
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Man's Best Friend: A Study on Personality Differences in Pet-Owners and Pets
The goal of the present study was to explore personality differences between pet owners and non-pet owners. We also explored differences in personality based on the types of pets an individual owned. Finally, we explored the relationship between the owner’s personality and the personality of their pet. Participants completed personality scales using the Five-Factor model developed by Goldberg (1992). Participants then rated their pet’s personality using an animal personality measure based on the five-factor model created by Highfill and Kuczaj (2007). These inventories measure individuals and their pets on extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Undergraduate students and university faculty & staff completed a survey electronically. It is hypothesized that there will be significant differences between pet owners and non-pet owners and between the different types of pet owners. We expect there will be an association between an individual’s personality and how they perceive their pet’s personality.