Authors : Jolina Rose B. Riña

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/794ndbnt

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yjhpn5p5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb946

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The study identified the impact of pet attachment on empathy toward animals, animal empathy on prosocial behavior, and pet attachment on prosocial behavior among Dual Income, No Kid (DINK) couples aiming to develop an effective program to enhance mental health and foster healthy human-pet relationships. This study utilized a quantitative research design specifically regression analysis and employed a purposive sampling technique with 101 DINK couples in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The study adopted instruments such as the Lexington Pet Attachment Scale (LAPS), the Animal Empathy Scale (AES), and the Prosocialness Scale for Adults (PSA) for data gathering. Statistical tools used included a ninepoint Likert scale for LAPS, a four-point Likert scale for AES, a five-point Likert scale for PSA, percentage, mean, and standard deviation formulas and regression analysis. Findings indicated that pet attachment (x̄ = 2.27) was very high, animal empathy (x̄ = 6.12) was mildly high, and prosocial behavior (x̄ = 3.84) was high among DINK couples. Analysis revealed a significant impact of pet attachment on both animal empathy (B = 0.657, p < .05) and prosocial behavior (B = 0.283, p < .05), whereas animal empathy did not significantly influence prosocial behavior (B = -0.090, p > .05). In conclusion, strong pet bonds among DINK couples boost empathy and prosocial behavior, making pet attachment key to broader social engagement. Based on the results, the proposed program, “Pawsitive Impact: Cultivating Pet Bonds, Empathy, and Prosocial Growth,” was designed to help DINK couples to secure pet bonds, increase sensitivity to animal welfare, and promote prosocial behavior.

Keywords : Pet Attachment, Animal Empathy, Prosocial Behavior, DINK Couples

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