Pet ownership has been increasingly recognized as a factor shaping psychological well-being, yet findings remain mixed across pet types and owner characteristics. Previous studies suggest that personality traits and gender may moderate the impact of pet companionship on mental health. This study integrates two strands of research to explore how different pet types (dogs, cats, multi-pet ownership), owners’ personality traits, and gender interact in influencing mental health outcomes. Using a mixed-method design, validated instruments including the Big Five Personality Traits, DASS-21, PWB, and WHO-5 were administered to dog, cat, and multi-pet owners. Comparative analyses were conducted across genders, examining positive and negative indicators of mental health and the moderating role of personality traits.
Findings revealed that dog owners tend to exhibit higher extraversion and agreeableness, correlating with lower stress and anxiety, while cat owners report higher openness but also increased neuroticism. Multi-pet owners demonstrated balanced profiles linked to emotional stability. Gender analyses further indicated that female cat owners were more vulnerable to anxiety and stress, whereas male dog owners showed greater resilience. Personality traits moderated these relationships, with extraversion and agreeableness buffering negative outcomes. This study highlights the complex interplay between pet type, gender, and personality in shaping mental health. By elucidating these dynamics, the findings inform the development of tailored pet-assisted interventions, emphasizing the importance of individual differences in maximizing the psychological benefits of pet companionship.

Authors:
Mein-Woei Suen, Asia University, Taiwan
Cai-Yin Yao, Asia University, Taiwan
Pei-Yi Sun, Asia University, Taiwan
Earl Francis Infante Mallari, Asia University, Taiwan
Sheng-Wei Lin, Asia University, Taiwan
Bo-Ren Wang, Taichung Second Senior High School, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Mein-Woei Suen is currently a Social Psychology Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Asia University, Taiwan.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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