An Idiographic, Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Adolescent-Dog Relationships in the Context of Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is prevalent among adolescents, however there is limited research examining how adolescents with social anxiety can be supported in coping adaptively with stressors. In particular, close relationships with dogs may provide regulation and support in this context. The objective of this study is to use an idiographic, mixed methods approach to explore adolescent–dog relationships in real-life contexts. We present four illustrative cases of adolescents with high levels of social anxiety who represent a range of levels of pet-dog relationship quality, integrating quantitative and qualitative data sources: (1) continuous electrodermal activity using ambulatory psychophysiological sensors to measure arousal, (2) ecological momentary assessment of real-time of emotion and behavior, (3) quantitative survey data from both adolescents and parents/guardians, and (4) in-depth qualitative interviews (conducted separately with both parents and youth). Findings indicate individual variability in how and when adolescents seek proximity to their dogs and in the coherence between physiological arousal, loneliness, and positive/negative affect. This variability was often linked to the strength of the adolescent’s relationship with their dog. There were differential patterns in the quality of adolescent-dog relationships and how this relationship may be linked to anxiety reduction, with some youth reporting a pathway between their dog relationship and outcomes and others showing no clear associations. This study demonstrates the value of combining digital phenotyping with qualitative narratives to explore lived experiences of adolescent anxiety. Findings highlight the potential for more personalized, ecologically valid interventions that leverage existing family and pet relationships.