Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between loneliness and attitudes toward pets. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell et al., 1980), the Pet Attitude Scale (Templer et al., 1981), and the College Life Questionnaire were administered to the undergraduate students (N=301) at two universities.
The following results were obtained:
1) Scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale (α=. 897) showed significant correlations with various aspects of their college lives.
2) The Pet Attitude Scale had high internal consistency (α=. 919). Varimax rotation of the factor analysis (principal factor solution) produced three factors labeled “affection, ” “interaction, ” and “pet-in-the-home, ” respectively.
3) Loneliness scores were negatively correlated with “affection, ” and “pet-in-the-home” factor scores, while they were positively correlated with “interaction” factor scores.
