Japanese Health and Happiness in Relation to Pet Ownership and Degree of Attachment to Companion Animals

Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: The human-animal bond has enjoyed much scholarly attention in recent years. Many studies conducted in European countries indicate that companion animals are a boon to their owners' physical and psychological health, particularly when there are deep levels of attachment. It is unclear if the relatively new practice of keeping domesticated animals in Japan results in similar physiological or emotional benefits. Secondary analysis of Japanese General Social Survey data reveals that, among this nationally-representative sample of adults living in Japan, subjective well-being is not enhanced by pet ownership, older adults' health status is not augmented by pet ownership, and pet attachment is unrelated to health for pet owners aged 60 and older. However, the data confirm that, among pet owners, attachment level is positively related to subjective well-being.