Human–pet interaction and well-being in mid-to-later adulthood: moderating roles of neuroticism and anxious attachment

Background: Nowadays, many middle-aged and older adults are starting to keep pets. However, previous studies have yielded divergent results regarding the well-being of middle-aged and older adults who keep pets. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) explore how individual differences in well-being are related to the interaction between middle-aged and older adults and their pets, (2) examine how neuroticism may moderate the relationship between the time middle-aged and older adults spend with their pets and their well-being, (3) investigate how anxious attachment orientation may moderate the relationship between the time middle-aged and older adults spend with their pets and their well-being. The subjects of the research were middle-aged and older adults over 45 years old who raised dogs or cats in Taiwan. Methods: The study sampled 292 subjects (232 valid), of whom 84% were women. This study used regression analysis to explore the correlation and interaction between variables. Results: Neuroticism significantly moderated the relationship between pet interaction time and well-being among middle-aged and older adults. Higher neuroticism was associated with decreased well-being as interaction time increased, while lower neuroticism showed no such effect. A marginally significant moderation effect also suggested that anxious attachment orientation may influence this relationship. Conclusions: The findings highlight the role of psychological traits in shaping the well-being effects of pet interaction. While increased interaction supports well-being in those with low anxious attachment, it may be detrimental for individuals with high anxious attachment. These results underscore the need to consider psychological differences when evaluating the benefits of pet companionship.