THE PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF PET OWNERSHIP IN RELIEVING STRESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Studies about the link between pet ownership and its benefits for humans have yielded intriguing but frequently contradicting results, leaving uncertainty about whether having a pet benefit human health in any form. The study identified the perceived effects of pet ownership in relieving stress among college students. This research also determined the significant difference between the levels of attachment and levels of stress of the respondents and the significant difference in their perceived beneficial effects of pet ownership. The researcher utilized descriptive-evaluative, descriptive-comparative, and descriptive-correlational designs to evaluate the attachment and stress levels of the respondents and examine the relationships and differences between variables under the study. The researchers used a validated researcher-made questionnaire in gathering data on the perceived beneficial effects of pet ownership among third and fourth-year college students of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation. Results show that the respondents have a high level of attachment and stress, particularly due to difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and relaxing, as well as social difficulties with people they recently met. The discovered benefits are a respite from tiredness, an increase in fun and enjoyment, and the ability to share their pet experiences with others. When categorized by profile, there is a considerable difference between the levels of stress and attachment. In addition, the higher the respondents' physical, emotional, and psychosocial stress level, the greater the perceived benefits of pet ownership, indicating that there is a substantial relationship between the two factors.