Development of a Psychological Scale to Measure Clients’ Attachment to Veterinary Professionals

Abstract

A sound interpersonal relationship between veterinary professionals and clients is essential to effectively practice veterinary medicine. However, there is no established tool for evaluating this emotional bond. In this study, we developed a new psychological scale based on attachment theory and tested it using an online survey of 100 pet owners. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the optimal questionnaire consisted of eight items with a three-factor structure: safe haven, secure base and proximity maintenance. This scale was named the Veterinary Professional Attachment Scale. There was a positive correlation between the scale and pet owners' confidence in their attending veterinary staff, but no significant correlation between it and their attachment to their pets. These results suggest that the scale demonstrates sufficient validity and reliability for the measurement of clients' attachment to veterinary professionals.