Title
Who Loves Fluffy Most? A Look at Gender Differences and Birth Order on Pet Attachment
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
April 2010
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. M. Rose Barlow
Abstract
Although attachment to pets or pet substitutes is common, various factors may affect the degree of attachment. This study looked at a sample population of Psychology 101 students who completed a series of self-report measures. Little to no research has been done linking birth order to pet attachment; however, this study predicted a link between first-borns and pet attachment. Additionally, previous studies have indicated that men are generally less attached to pets than women (Geller, 2005; Kidd & Kidd, 1989; Taggart, 1997;). The current study sought to replicate this finding, as well as to extend this prediction to stuffed animals. This would support how societal gender roles influence behavior and attachment patterns.