The Relationship Between Emotional Regulation and Mental Health with Pets Ownership
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ABSTRACT
This study examines the relationship between emotional regulation and mental health among pet owners and non-pet owners, exploring the predictive role of emotional regulation on mental health. The sample consisted of 218 participants, including 80 pet owners and 138 non-pet owners. Results revealed that both emotional regulation and mental health levels among pet owners were high across all dimensions. Females demonstrated significantly higher levels of emotional regulation and mental health compared to males, with notable gender-based differences in specific dimensions. Age analysis showed significant differences in psychosomatic and social function effectiveness dimensions of mental health, favoring younger age groups (20–40 years). Furthermore, pet owners exhibited significantly higher levels of emotional regulation and mental health across all dimensions compared to non-pet owners. Regression analysis indicated that emotional regulation significantly predicts mental health among pet owners, accounting for 47% of the variance in mental health scores. These findings highlight the positive impact of pet ownership on emotional regulation and mental health and underscore the potential of emotional regulation as a critical factor in enhancing mental well-being.
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