Pawsitive Connections: Understanding How Informal Pet Interactions Relate to Daily Youth Functioning

Tanya Mitropoulos; Shelby E. McDonald; Charles Calderwood; Rosanna Breaux

doi:10.1002/jad.70134

March 16, 2026Journal of AdolescenceOpen Access

Pawsitive Connections: Understanding How Informal Pet Interactions Relate to Daily Youth Functioning

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Key Points

This research aims to explore the effects of informal pet interactions on youth functioning, particularly focusing on the role of pet care.
Analyzed the relationship between pet care and youth functioning.
Assessed the impact of psychopathology symptoms on these interactions.
Identified differences in youth experiences based on levels of emotional health.
Engaging in pet care positively influences youth functioning.
Higher levels of psychopathology symptoms may disrupt the benefits of pet interactions.
Pet care is more beneficial than mere informal time spent with pets.

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Implication

Investigates how pet care impacts daily functioning in youth with varied emotional health.

Abstract

Taking care of pets (but not playing with or simply spending time with pets) is beneficial for youth functioning; however, HAI may be problematic for youth with elevated psychopathology symptoms.

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Mitropoulos et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69bb9279496e729e6297fcdd https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.70134

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Pawsitive Connections: Understanding How Informal Pet Interactions Relate to Daily Youth Functioning

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Pawsitive Connections: Understanding How Informal Pet Interactions Relate to Daily Youth Functioning

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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