Pet-Keeping and its Role on the Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents in Khyber Pakhtoon Khwah (KP)

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the influence of pet keeping on the psychological well-being of adolescents. Pet keeping can also have some effect on human psychology. Animals as companions are an important part of human life. This exploratory study is being developed to contribute to a better understanding of the role of pet keeping in the Psychological well-being of adolescents. It will compare the levels of Psychological well-being in pet-keeper and non-pet-keeper adolescents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPS). The sample size consisted of 100 individuals who were pet keepers, and they were selected using convenience sampling. For the control group, 100 individuals who did not own pets were approached. To gather a wide range of age groups, participants aged between 15 to 60 years were included in both groups. The combination of online and offline data collection methods and the inclusion of participants from various age groups aimed to enhance the overall validity and generalizability of the research findings. The Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale, created by Carol Ryff, is a widely utilized questionnaire in psychological research and clinical assessments. The short form of the Ryff inventory which consists of 18 items was used. The study's key conclusion highlights a notable distinction between individuals who keep pets and those who do not.