Potential benefits of human-animal interaction among nurses pet owners and non-pet owners: A pilot study

The aim of this work was to analyse the relationship between psychological well-being, life satisfaction, optimism, coping strategies and attachment to a pet in nurses. Data from pet owners were compared with those from non-pet owners working in the same health care facility. A self-reported questionnaire was used. 147 nurses completed the questionnaire, 79 of whom were pet owners. Overall, the results of this study show that the participants perceive a good quality of life, are satisfied with their work and life, and are optimistic about the future. Nurses with and without pets did not differ in perceived quality of life and life satisfaction between pet owners and non-pet owners. However, nurses who did not own a pet tended to use the coping strategy of emotional support more than pet owners. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how nurses who do and do not own a pet assess their quality of life, their satisfaction with life and work, and their coping with stressful events. In addition, the results of this study may be useful in learning first-hand about whether to get, care for, or keep a pet and the impact it may have on personal and professional lives.