A Study on the Relationship between Pet Attachment, Social Distance and Altruistic Behavior among College Students

Objective To explore the relationship between pet attachment, social distance and altruistic behavior of college students. Methods The questionnaires were distributed through Questionstar and a total of 167 valid samples were collected. The Pet Attachment Scale (LAPS), the Self-Other Overlap Scale (IOS) and the College Students’ Altruistic Behavior Questionnaire were used to conduct the questionnaire survey. Results (1)There was a significant difference in the social distance of college students to strangers on the birthplace. (2)There was a significant difference in the pet attachment of college students in terms of the time of owning pets. (3)College students’ altruistic behaviors were significantly positively correlated with pet attachment and social distance to acquaintances, respectively. (4)College students’ pet attachment and social distance to acquaintances were able to positively predict altruistic behaviors. Conclusion The higher the pet attachment and the closer the social distance to acquaintances of college students, the higher the tendency of altruistic behavior.