Featured Partner
Principal Investigator
Rationale
This study is the first of its kind based on the military adolescent’s perspective between the ages of 12 – 18 years regarding the role pet dogs play in their lives.
Objective
This study investigates the contribution of pet dog ownership to resilience and well-being in military adolescents.
Hypothesis
Military adolescents who own a pet dog are posited to have higher levels of resilience, improved well-being, reduced depression, and lower perceived stress compared to non-pet-dog-owning military adolescents. In pet owners, researchers will also explore the relationship between pet attachment and mental health.
Design
This longitudinal, observational pilot study will conduct scientifically-validated surveys to investigate the role of pet dogs in the lives of military adolescents between the ages of 12 to 18. Researchers expect to find higher levels of resilience, improved well-being, reduced depression, and lower perceived stress in dog-owning adolescents compared to military adolescents who do not own a pet dog.
Expected Results
Results of this study can inform policies and programs that promote the mental health and well-being of military adolescents, while also contributing valuable insights on the human-animal bond.
