Owning a cat or dog could predict personality trait, which has been established through a recent survey of 329 people that highlights distinct personality differences between cat and dog owners, especially during stressful or isolating times. Psychologists Jessica Oliva and Leah Michelle Baines from James Cook University examined how pet ownership predicts the ‘Big Five’ personality traits and personal resilience.
Oliva and Baines explored whether owning a cat or dog could predict personality traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism, along with resilience. Their research aimed to understand the impact of pet ownership on these traits, particularly during prolonged isolation, like the COVID-19 lockdowns.
KEY FINDINGS
Dog ownership was linked to reduced loneliness and higher resilience during isolation. “Dog ownership has been associated with reduced loneliness in people living alone during periods of prolonged isolation,” says Oliva. Their findings suggest that dog owners are more resilient in stressful circumstances, while cat owners tend to be more neurotic.
Oliva explains, “The higher resilience of dog owners may be why they were found to be less lonely than non-dog owners during lockdown.” However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that owning a dog builds resilience or that owning a cat increases neuroticism.
PET CHOICE AND PERSONALITY
People often choose pets that match their personality. This preference can even influence who they date. While pet ownership may not drastically change personality traits, it often aligns with the owner’s existing characteristics.
Oliva notes, “Simply put, people who are naturally predisposed to being resilient may like dogs more, rather than the dog causing people to be resilient.” This suggests that pet choices reflect pre-existing personality traits rather than shaping them.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR PET OWNERSHIP
Pet ownership should always be a well-thought-out decision, considering the animal’s welfare and the commitment required. Oliva emphasizes, “The decision to acquire a pet at any time should always be well thought out, with a commitment to care for the animal for the duration of its lifetime.”
While owning a pet may not change your personality, choosing the right pet can enhance your well-being. The best pet is one that fits your personality and lifestyle.
The findings are reported in Anthrozoös.
