Dogs Equal Happiness: A Look at the Effect of Dogs on Stress and Depression Levels

Abstract

Stress is present in our everyday lives. Research with the aim of neutralizing this stress is important and useful. Forming an attachment with another person is known to help us feel accepted and welcomed into society (Bowlby, 1973). Everybody has the willingness to belong, and some people need to belong to be happy. We also know that too much stress can lead to diseases like depression. Can counteracting stress caused by not feeling welcome lead to less depression? This study aims to mitigate the problem of isolation through companionship with a dog. Can the companionship of a dog satisfy the need for social connection outlined by Bowlby’s attachment theory? The present research provides causal evidence contradicting the belief that dog companionship can lower stress and reduce depression. Keywords: Attachment theory, dogs, social support, stress, depression