Clinginess and Over-protectiveness Advantageous When Rearing Pet

Research by scientists at UC Berkeley and California State University shows that helicopter parenting, that is a healthy measure of clinginess and over-protectiveness, could actually be advantageous when rearing pet. US Researchers conducted a web-based survey of more than 1,000 pet owners nationwide and analyzed the key personality traits and nurturing styles of people. They found that people who expressed the greatest affection for their pets also rated among the most conscientious and neurotic. Thus, suggesting that the qualities that make for overbearing parents might work better for our cats and dogs, who tend to require lifelong parenting.

Co-author Mikel Delgado said, "The fact that higher levels of neuroticism are associated with affection and anxious attachment suggests that people who score higher on that dimension may have high levels of affection and dependence on their pets, which may be a good thing for pets."

Co-author Gretchen Reevy said, "We will investigate further whether greater affection for and greater anxious attachment to one's pet, and neuroticism, are associated with better care and understanding of the pet's needs."

The study appears in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

Source-Medindia