Paws and Progress: The Role of Pets in Supporting Adolescent Emotional Development
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Abstract
Adolescence is an important stage for emotional development because young people experience changes in identity, family relationships, peer networks, academic demands, and emotional regulation. Companion animals may provide an additional source of emotional support during this period. This paper explores the role of pets in supporting adolescent emotional development through an exploratory review of previous research. The review focuses on companion animal relationships, attachment, social support, loneliness, stress coping, self-esteem, self-efficacy, resilience, family communication, and structured animal-based programs. Existing studies suggest that supportive relationships with pets may provide companionship, emotional safety, daily structure, opportunities for caregiving, and support for social interaction. However, pet ownership alone does not consistently predict better emotional health. The quality of the adolescent-pet relationship, animal species, family environment, caregiving responsibility, and the adolescent’s existing social resources may influence outcomes. Some studies also report no benefit or more complex relationships between pet ownership and loneliness, stress, or well-being. Therefore, pets should be understood as possible supportive resources rather than universal solutions to adolescent emotional difficulties. Families, schools, and mental health professionals may consider carefully planned human-animal interactions while protecting both adolescent and animal welfare. More longitudinal and culturally diverse studies are required to explain when, how, and for whom relationships with pets support healthy emotional development.
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