Pets and Perceived Family Life Quality

Abstract

This study examined peoples' perceptions of their families' quality of life and the factors thought to influence those perceptions. The Perceptual Indicators of Family Life Quality Scale was answered by 391 young adults, 75% of whom reported owning a pet. Findings indicate that persons in two birth-parent families are no more likely to perceive their families as quality families than are persons in other family configurations. The size of the community in which the family resides also does not affect individuals' perceptions of their family life quality, and pet owners do not make significantly different assessments from nonpet owners. Implications focus on the specific interactions within each group, and recommendations are made for further study.