INVESTIGATING FUNCTIONS AND RELATIONS OF PET OWNERSHIP AS EFFECTIVE

MENTAL HEALTH CARE TO YOUNG ADULTS IN BACOOR CITY, PHILIPPINES

A Science Investigatory Project

Presented to the Junior High School Department

Statefields School, Inc.

National Road, Molino III, Bacoor City, Cavite

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Science 10

KYAN GABRIEL P. TAGLE

HYANA MARIEL H. NAMACPACAN

LUIS ADRIAN A. MINAS

RAYVER JENERUS M. JERESANO

JAMES EMMANUEL U. CUEVAS

10D - Sultan Kudarat

Group 7

October 2021
 ABSTRACT

The researchers perceive that physical and social environmental factors affect
mental health as stated by (Alliant International University, et al. 2021).
Likewise, the researchers contemplated a varied amount of foundation to start
investigating the functions and relations of pet ownership and mental health
care. The goal of the present study was to look into the type and quality of
evidence surrounding the benefit of pet ownership for young adults’ mental
health care. Researchers were to determine a possible significant difference
between pet owners and non-pet owners’ mental health care including other
factors in pet ownership. Surveys are given to respondents from January 17 to
February 11, 2022. The survey has multiple-choice questions and made use of
open-ended questions. In due course, researchers were able to contemplate
the factors of pet ownership in mental health care. However, the limitations are
pet owners’ level of patience and their responsibility. Findings perceive how
this limitation is controlled by analyzing the primary sources. Therefore, the
researchers found that spending time with pets is the most relevant factor in
overcoming such limitations. Researchers found that pets give a significant
amount of happiness and calmness that improves the mental health care of
their owners. The main finding of this study is how pet ownership can promote
mental health care to the pet owners despite facing the responsibility and
disadvantages of owning a pet. This finding is also relevant to how the
researchers find significant factors of mental health care in pet ownership.

Keywords: Mental health care, Mental health, Pet ownership, Pet owners,
Non-pet owners, pet ownership

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

The study of different aspects in psychology has always been important to strengthen the

developments in a community, especially in this time of Pandemic. Such as how the study of

mental health can promote the mental stability of the people within the community. Likewise, this

study is investigating the functions and relations of pet ownership as effective mental health care

to young adults in Bacoor City, Philippines. This study tends to focus on young adults’ mental

health for the reasons that they are a growing community, and their mental stability will help future

endeavors. Mental illness, however, is one of the widely experienced health challenges, which

corresponds to how Physical and Social Environmental Factors affect Mental Health (Alliant

International University, 2018). Hence, a situation of a person may correlate to their mental health.

For instance, this may show actions and manner of living together with animals correspond to a

state of well-being of a person or owning a pet in particular. However, (Taniguchi et al., 2018) find

a limitation in having complete benefits for pet owners which include other factors that limit the

advantages of pet ownership such as financial capabilities, animal allergy, and pet loss. Owning a

pet has often been associated with improved mental health among owners. Despite that, the

relations of pet ownership may account for disadvantages to the well-being of a person. For

instance, it may cause stress and health problems. This unclear association shows that “pet

ownership” should not only be limited in decreasing the level of mental illness. Furthermore, (Goh

et al., 2020) shows several associations between pet ownership, and mental and physical health,

such as the physical activity levels among adults ages 21-64. However, these are older adults that

are more than capable of handling sociodemographic factors and their involvement in pet

ownership. Likewise, young adults may or may not be affected by sociodemographic factors

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involving the effectiveness of pet ownership as mental health care. More on the factors that affect

the physical and psychological well-being of pet owners, (Amparo et al., 2019) shows

community-based surveys in three provinces in the Philippines show that 5% of the population

reports being harmed by animals, and more than half of those are young adults, that controllably

affect the variables of pet owners’ mental health care. Turning much more into the continuing

study of mental health, it is applicable and important to the purpose of suggesting helpful

treatments for mental illness. Likewise, (Liu et al., 2019) state that dog owners are less likely to

report long-standing mental illness, although further investigations are suggested (on dog

ownership in particular) for mental illness from owners to non-owners. This means that owning a

pet may help prevent or treat mental conditions of pet owners with further successful

investigations. With regards to treating mental conditions, common mental illnesses require

conventional treatments. However, from the surrounding lifestyle of the people, a manner of living

with animals may be able to provide alternative treatments. To illustrate, (Gan., 2019) provide

findings on the possibility of good benefits from pets to owners. Results of this show that pets

provide comfort and safety; social inclusion and participation; purposeful routine and structure;

and a meaningful role. These findings reveal the advantages of pet ownership which further builds

up the foundation of the present study through improving mental health care and preventing or

treating mental illness. Likewise, the goal of the present study was to look into the amount, type,

and quality of evidence surrounding the role and benefit of pet ownership for young adults’ mental

health leading to providing proper health care for pet owners. Nevertheless, the present study can

show that there are other factors to achieve successful mental health care using pet ownership,

such as recognizing responsibility and levels of regulating emotions. The research will show other

different factors how pet ownership impacts mental health, resulting in a recognized study dealing

with the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership to mental health care.

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 B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to recognize the functions and relations between pet ownership

and mental health. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference between pet owners' and non-owners' mental health care

that affects the different levels of their mental health?

2. Can mental health care be considered a big factor in pet ownership in Bacoor City,

Philippines?

3. Can pet ownership promote mental health care to pet owners based on the status and type

of relationship they have with their pets in Bacoor City, Philippines?

Theoretical Framework

Figure 1.0 Theoretical framework of the study shows the effect of status, type, and amount
of pets on the mental health care of the owners.

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C. Hypothesis

1. There is no significant difference in the levels of mental health between young adult

pet owners and non-owners in Bacoor City, Philippines.

2. There are no significant factors of mental health care in pet ownership of young

adults in Bacoor City, Philippines.

3. The status and type of relationship are not significant between pets and their owners

in Bacoor City, Philippines.

D. Significance of the Study

The study will be beneficial to the following:

Pet Owners. Mental health care has always been a priority and this study may help

promote this type of self-care to pet owners. Mental illness has become the third most

common disability in the Philippines (Martinez et al., 2020 as cited by Maravilla & Tan,

2021). This only shows the growing amount of importance the people in the Philippines

may take on mental health care. This may help pet owners to care more about their pets

and foster responsibility among pet owners around the country.

Local Researchers. The results of this study may be relevant to future research about

mental health by local researchers in the Philippines, deliberating the present study’s

variables as factors within the country.

Future Researchers. The results of this study may contribute to the potential growth of the

study in managing psychological and social developments, and more future research about

pet ownership and mental health which is relevant to psychology.

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E. Scope and Delimitations

The investigations contemplated in this study are online surveys conducted in

Bacoor City, Philippines to ask about people's mental health care situation and whether or

not they are pet owners. The specific parameters within the study are the average age of

young adults (12-30 years old) who answered the survey and the total number of

answered surveys. Sociodemographic factors did not limit the scope. Moreover, the

aspects looked into pet ownerships are the number of days, months, or years they have

spent with their pets, considering that they live with their pet/s and are the guardian of the

pet. Furthermore, in terms of the pets, this study will only be categorizing pets into two

domestic animals, which are cats and dogs. This study will not contemplate pet owners

with pets other than cats and dogs. In terms of mental health, the researchers will only

scrutinize mental health care. A more in-depth study will be needed to measure levels of

the physical and mental conditions of the young adults in Bacoor City, Philippines. For

instance, measuring the diagnosis level of the severity of mental illness, which the present

study won’t be able to provide.

F. Definition of Terms

1. Level of Patience - This is a controlled variable in the study under disadvantages

of pet ownership where a low level of patience may affect successful mental health

care for pet owners.

2. Levels of Regulating Emotions - It is used to describe a person's way of owning

and receiving their emotions which is further identified as a dependent variable in

the study, this may be affected by factors of pet ownership.

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3. Mental Health - This is the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of a

person. It has an impact on how a person thinks, feels, and acts.

4. Mental health care - The state of delivering and maintaining psychological,

psychiatric, and emotional wellness through mental illness diagnosis, treatment,

and prevention.

5. Mental Illness - A medical condition that has a major impact on how a person

feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with others.

6. Pet ownership - A person who owns a pet.

7. Sociodemographic - These are the factors of pet ownership involving age, sex,

education, migration background and ethnicity, religious affiliation, marital status,

household, employment, and income of pet owners.

8. Socioeconomic - These are the factors of social position or class of an individual

or group, this is an independent variable that won’t be changed or affected

throughout the study.

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 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

In order to scrutinize such functions and relation between pet ownership and mental health care,

the researcher must know such factors of pet ownership, as well as its relations to other types of

mental health care. Hence, why the researchers established a qualitative approach as described

by (Trochim, 2020), wherein the researcher provides findings from a sample’s own experiences

and interpretations. The cause and effect relationship between pet ownership and mental health

care will be identified while knowing the characterization and a possible significant difference

between pet owners and non-owners. Data are collected using primary sources from answered

surveys by a sample in a population. The procedure made use of a survey that consists of

questions that give respondents predefined answer options by using multiple-choice questions,

checkbox questions and can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” along with a specific piece of

predefined information. Researchers found survey respondents using quota sampling as

described by (Simkus, 2022), this is the specific characterization of respondents the researchers

picked. Categories such as the respondent's location, age, and type of pet have been varied. The

researchers selected 40 samples that belong to the criteria of pet owners and non-owners living

within Cavite and around Bacoor City. 20 pet owners and 20 non-owners were selected to answer

the survey. Data is collected using online communicating platforms. The survey accepted

respondents between January 17 to February 11, 2022, which collected 40 survey results that is

used for the analysis.

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 The survey responses were arranged in a spreadsheet system called “google sheets.” The

researchers conducted a thematic analysis as described by (Braun and Clarke, 2006) which

involved collecting the data and reviewing each identified theme. In due course, researchers have

been able to assimilate knowledge between the relation of the variables functioning as the type

and amount of the samples, and their quality of mental health care. The survey has

multiple-choice questions, and made use of open-ended questions.

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 CHAPTER III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The researchers established representations of their collected data, which are the responses

coming from primary sources of the answered surveys. As a qualitative approach, the results were

divided into three categories based on the statement of the problem.

Status and type of relationship between pets and their owners

Based on the results, the status,

and type of relationship between

pets and their owners are

significant. The pet owners’ way of

mental health care through their

pets is affected by how their pets

behave, how they

Figure 1.1

can cope with the responsibility,

the pet owners’ level of patience,

and how they spend time with

their pets. Based on figure 1.1,

95% of 20 pet owners like the

responsibility of owning a pet. In

figure 1.2 however, 60% of 20 pet

Figure 1.2

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owners are sometimes stressed with the responsibility. The study of (Taniguchi 2018) found a

limitation in having a complete benefit for pet owners which includes other factors that limit the

advantages of pet ownership such as financial capabilities, animal allergy, and pet loss.

additionally, young adults may or may not be affected by sociodemographic factors involving the

effectiveness of pet ownership as mental health care. This limitation generally affects the

variables in the investigation of mental health care of pet owners. This result fills the gap by

showing how the responsibility of owning a pet is accepted by the majority of the pet owners even

though it adds up to their stress.

Figure 1.2, shows the pet owner’s level

of patience with their pets. The results

show that 65% of 20 pet owners are

rarely angry because of their pet, while

10% always get angry, and 25% never

get angry because of their pet.

Figure 1.3

Table 1.0 shows the specified answer of respondents, the following results show how the pets

behave which affects the stress level of their owners. Furthermore, table 1.1 shows a primary

source of how pet owners spend time with their pets.

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 Table 1.0
Specified reasons why pet owners get angry with their pets.

The most frequently stated reason for getting angry at their pets is that they are noisy or
frequently misbehave. The second reason is that their pets either unintentionally or intentionally
break items in their home, such as breaking a glass or chewing on a shoe. There's also the
issue of their pets peeing all over the place. Finally, the least-answered reason is that their dogs
enjoy picking fights with other dogs in the neighborhood.

Table 1.1
Specified answers to how pet owners spend time with their pets.

According to the data gathered, the majority of pet owners spend time with their pets by
playing with them, whether it's dressing up or playing fetch. The second thing they do is pet and
cuddle their pets; some even let their pets sleep on their beds with them. The third way they
spend time with their pets is by grooming or caring for them, such as brushing, taking them to
the vet, and training them. Lastly, they would go for a walk outside or even inside the house.

The hypothesis which states that status and type of relationship are not significant between pets

and their owners is rejected. The researchers contemplated the significance of the type and

relationship of pets and their owners, by analyzing if the pet owners liked the responsibility of

owning a pet and the pet’s behavior when pet owners get angry, furthermore, the researcher found

out that even though owning a pet and having a responsibility can be stressful, how they spend

time with their pet is the most important factor for mental health care. This also answers the

research question, “Can pet ownership promote mental health care to pet owners based on the

status and type of relationship they have with their pets?” Mental health care of pet owners can be

promoted by analyzing Table 1.1, the results show pet owners’ affection, care, and happiness.

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Mental health care of pet owners and non-pet owners

Table 1.2 shows how pet owners understand mental health care. Pet owners were able to

describe mental health care as to how they interpret it on their own, hence why the researchers’

basis on how mental health care works on pet owners is through the conditions that their pets can

help with happiness and calmness which may reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness as described

by Fredrickson's (1998, 2001). The overall results are how the pet owners know the importance of

mental health care, how it works, and how it can help in varying ways.

Table 1.2

Specified answers to how pet owners understand mental health care.

According to the data gathered, many people consider mental health care to be as important
as physical health care. Mental health is about being able to maintain stability in situations that
you know will affect your mental well-being, such as stress or anxiety. Knowing how to prioritize
our emotional, psychological, and social well-being before others.

Table 1.3 shows how the respondents take care of their mental health. In the comparison of pet

owners’ and non-owners’ ways of taking care of their mental health, 3 out of 20 pet owners

mentioned their pets, resulting in an analysis of a 3 out of 20 difference in the pet owners’ mental

health care from non-owners. A 3 out of 20 is not a large amount of difference, therefore stating

that pet owners’ and non-pet owners’ do not have a significant difference in taking care of their

mental health.

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 Table 1.3

A comparison of how pet owners and non-owners take care of their mental health
based on the specified answer of respondents

Pet owners mentioned specific details about taking care of their emotional, psychological, and
social well-being, as well as their productivity. The most mentioned ways are processing own
emotions by taking deep breaths and calming down. As well as letting out emotions verbally and
in writing. Another mentioned way is taking breaks from stressful endeavors. Accordingly, social
activities and breaks from working are the most mentioned ways by non-pet owners. Lastly,
three pet owners considered that their pets help with their mental health care.

Figure 1.4 shows the comparisons of the levels of mental health conditions of pet owners and

non-owners. Figure A in Figure 1.4 shows the comparison of pet owners and non-pet owners who

were able to cope with stress. 17/20 pet owners and 16/20 non-pet owners were able to cope with

stress, while 3 out of 20 pet owners and 4 out of 20 non-pet owners were not able to cope with

stress. Therefore stating that pet owners and non-pet owners' ability to cope with stress have only

1 out of 20 differences. This means that non-pet owners' and pet owners' ability to cope with

stress does not have a significant difference.

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Figure 1.4

The quality of the respondents’ current mental health status is stated in figures B, C, and D. The

results show that the majority of pet owners have significantly good emotional, social, and

psychological well-being. However, more non-pet owners’ have an overall good mental well-being.

Pet owners’ and non-owners’ levels of mental health are different but not largely contrasting.

Therefore, the researchers won’t be able to contemplate that pet owners’ and non-pet owners'

mental health has a significant difference. Meaning that the hypothesis that there is no significant

difference in the levels of mental health between young adult pet owners and non-owners’ is

approved.

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Factors of mental health care in pet ownership

Figure 1.5 shows that all 20 pet owners were able to confirm that their pets make them happy.

80% of the pet owners answered that their pets always make them happy. 20% of pet owners

answered that their pets significantly make them happy.

Figure 1.5

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In figure 1.6, 100% of pet owners show that their pets can make them calm and help with their

mental health care.

In figure 1.7, 6 to 9 scale quality is above average and a 10 scale means high quality. The results

show that 9 out of 20 pet owners answered a 10/10 rating of the quality of pet ownership as a

factor in mental health care. The other 11 pet owners answered above-average qualities.

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Figure 1.7

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 Table 1.4 shows the specified answers of respondents. The pet owners stated how their pets

help with their mental health which led the researchers to find primary sources of how pet

ownership has a great number of factors for mental health care

Table 1.4
How Pets can help mental health care of owners
Specified answers of pet owners

The pet owners mentioned how their pets can provide social activities, such as how a pet will
listen to their owners like a good listener. The most stated ways of how pets help with their
owners’ mental health care are how pets provide comfort to their owners, as well as sharing
happiness and calmness. A few of the pet owners also mentioned how their pets can bring a
support system, such as reducing stress, anxiety, loneliness, and encouragement to care. Pet
owners conducted these factors through quality time with their pets, by its nature of playing,
talking, and hugging with their pets, as well as taking care of their pets. Two pet owners also
mentioned how their pets’ behavior brings them joy, no matter how silly and hyper their pets are.
The simple characteristics of their pets are also stated to help them with calmness and
relaxation. Characteristics such as the pet’s fur, endearing, and delightful appearance.

The factors of mental health care in pet ownership are shown in the charts above. These are the

strengths of the overall study. The pet owners wrote about how their pets give them joy, provide

comfort and calm them down, which helps their mental health care. Therefore, the null hypothesis

that states there are no significant factors of mental health care in pet ownership of young adults is

rejected.

A limitation of this study is the gap in using pet ownership as an alternative treatment for mental

illness. The researchers were not able to contemplate how pets can help with the diagnosis of the

mental illness of a pet owner. A more structuralized study dealing with mental illness will be

needed to confirm that a manner of living with animals would be able to provide alternative

treatments for a specific mental illness.

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 CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers contemplated the relations between pet ownership and mental health care.

These are the factors of mental health care in pet ownership, whether owning a pet has a

significant effect on mental health care, additionally evaluating the disadvantages of pet

ownership. Along with the comparison of pet owners' and non-owners' mental health care in ways

of finding a significant difference in the mental health care of the two different categories. The

researchers scrutinized the scope of Bacoor City. Researchers conducted surveys for young

adults in the city along with quota sampling to determine the respondents. Findings have been

interpreted to show significant results. Furthermore, the researchers found a significant amount

and type of relationship between pets and their owners as well as how pet ownership can promote

mental health care. Additionally, a comparison of pet owners’ and non-pet owners’ mental health

care were contemplated by the researchers and is found to be insignificant.

The major finding of this study is how pet ownership can promote mental health care to the pet

owners despite facing the responsibility and disadvantages of owning a pet. This finding is also

relevant to how the researchers find significant factors of mental health care in pet ownership.

Future researchers may establish factors of mental health care in pet ownership as a factor to

treat a specific mental illness, this may be contemplated if a limitation of variables in diagnosing a

mental illness is succeeded. Facilitating this type of study also shows that sociodemographic

factors will not limit a researcher's scope, this is because of how a variety of respondents may

present a limitation and gap in the study that may be controlled.

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