Dog ownership and psychological wellbeing: an exploration of experiences in clinical and non-clinical populations
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Date
2026-05-01
Authors
Haughney, Hazel
Journal Title
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Objective: Dog ownership has increasingly been explored in relation to human health and wellbeing. However, much of the existing evidence is quantitative, has produced mixed findings, and offers limited insight into the processes through which dog ownership influences wellbeing or how these experiences are understood by owners themselves. This systematic review and thematic synthesis aimed to explore how adults in the general population experience the impact of companion dog ownership on their wellbeing. Methods: This review included qualitative studies examining adults’ experiences of companion dog ownership and its perceived influence on wellbeing. Searches were conducted across PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycARTICLES, EBSCO, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis. Results: Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria and included participants from diverse populations. Participants described strong emotional bonds with their dogs, often characterising them as close companions who provided comfort, acceptance, and emotional support. However, challenges were also reported, including financial pressures, restricted autonomy, and concerns about dogs’ health and eventual loss. Six themes were identified: Love, Attachment and Connection; Dogs Foster Social Connections; A PERMAnent Friend - Flourishing with Dogs; Dogs as Anchors in the Storm; The ‘Golden Straitjacket’ of Dog Ownership; and More than Human - Dogs’ Unique Capacities. Conclusion: Companion dogs play a multifaceted role in wellbeing, encompassing emotional attunement, social connection, purpose, and daily structure, while also acknowledging responsibilities and challenges. These findings provide insight into the processes underpinning wellbeing in the context of dog ownership, extending beyond the associations identified in quantitative research and highlighting the perceived role of the human-dog bond, with implications for clinical practice.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) is characterised by heightened emotional sensitivity, difficulties with emotion regulation, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Given that companion dogs may offer consistent emotional support, routine, and non-judgemental relationships, they may be particularly relevant for individuals experiencing these difficulties. Research suggests that companion animals can support psychological wellbeing; however, little research has explored this within the BPD population, and no previous research has examined the specific experience of dog ownership in this group. This study aimed to explore the experience of companion dog ownership for individuals with BPD. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults with BPD who currently owned a companion dog. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: A Stable Presence in an Unstable World; Dogs as Literal Lifesavers; Emotion Regulation and Grounding Through Dogs; and A Perfect Fit - A Dog-Shaped Hole in the Heart. Participants described their dogs as providing non-judgemental acceptance, emotional regulation during distress, and a sense of safety and belonging. In several cases, dogs were described as interrupting suicidal crises and helping participants regain control. This finding highlights a potentially important role for companion dogs in suicide prevention within this population. More broadly, the study extends previous research on pet ownership in BPD by identifying mechanisms through which relationships with dogs may support emotion regulation and coping during periods of acute distress and model a secure attachment relationship. These findings highlight the potential value of considering the role of companion animals within psychological formulation and intervention when working with this population.
Keywords: Borderline personality disorder, companion dogs, psychological wellbeing, human-animal bond, qualitative research
Description
Controlled Access
Keywords
Companion dogs , Psychological wellbeing , Human-animal bond , Qualitative research , Borderline personality disorder
Citation
Haughney, H. 2026. Dog ownership and psychological wellbeing: an exploration of experiences in clinical and non-clinical populations. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.