The mediating effect of attachment to pets in the association between attachment styles and satisfaction with life among a sample of Lebanese adults

Abstract Background: Attachment to animals is increasingly recognized as a widespread phenomenon , as the human-animal relationship has been shown to enhance mental health and well-being. This study aims to explore the relationship between attachment styles and satisfaction with life, with particular focus on the mediating effect of attachment to pets. Methods: A self-report questionnaire was administered through social media, using a Google Forms link, to 275 pet owners aged 18 and over in Lebanon, which reflects the use of snowball sampling. Several measurement scales were used: Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Relationship Questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that attachment to pets mediated the association between fearful attachment style and satisfaction with life. A higher fearful style was significantly associated with more attachment to pets, whereas higher attachment to pets was significantly associated with less satisfaction with life. It is noteworthy that the fearful attachment style was not directly and significantly associated with life satisfaction. Conclusion: This study identified a significant mediating role of attachment to pets in the relationship between fearful attachment style and life satisfaction. Individuals with higher levels of fearful attachment reported stronger emotional bonds with their pets, which were, in turn, associated with lower life satisfaction. These findings suggest that pet attachment may serve as a compensatory mechanism for those with insecure human attachments. While interventions such as animal-assisted therapy may hold promise in supporting emotional well-being, these results are correlational and should be interpreted with caution.