Date of Award

8-2005

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Campus-Only Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Development

Advisor

Robert Milardo

Second Committee Member

Sandra L. Caron

Third Committee Member

Sydney Thomas

Abstract

This study examines relationships with companion animals and how they compare to relationships with a close friend. Three relationship measures were used; social support, love and closeness and conflict and conflict resolution. A survey measuring these three relational aspects was distributed to faculty, staff and graduate students at the University of Maine and filled out in duplicate, once in reference to a companion animal and once in reference to a close friend. Results revealed that humans provide slightly more social support than companion animals, though companion animals provide complementary social support to humans. Love was measured to be almost identical for each relationship type, and relationships with companion animals were shown to be less conflicted. All in all, this study shows that though certain areas may differ, relationships with companion animals are comparable to relationships with a human friend.

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