Artificial animals, real bonds? Association of animatronic pet ownership and psychosocial outcomes in the German general adult population
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
21981833
eISSN
16132238
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105018193266
Journal Title
Journal of Public Health Germany
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Public Health Germany (2025)
Suggested Citation
Hajek A., Yon D.K., Pengpid S., Peltzer K., König H.H. Artificial animals, real bonds? Association of animatronic pet ownership and psychosocial outcomes in the German general adult population. Journal of Public Health Germany (2025). doi:10.1007/s10389-025-02619-6 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112631
Title
Artificial animals, real bonds? Association of animatronic pet ownership and psychosocial outcomes in the German general adult population
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Aim: To investigate the association between having animatronic pets and psychosocial outcomes in Germany. Subject and methods: Data were collected from a quota-based sample reflecting the adult population of Germany (aged 18–74 years; total n = 5000). The mean age of participants was approximately 47 years (SD: 15 years). Validated and reliable psychometric instruments were used to measure psychosocial outcomes. Having animatronic pets served as the key independent variable. Adjusted linear regression models were used to analyze the relationships of interest. Results: Compared to individuals who neither owned nor were interested in acquiring animatronic pets, both those without animatronic pets but who expressed interest in obtaining one and those who owned animatronic pets exhibited higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, along with increased loneliness, perceived social isolation, and social withdrawal. Such differences were particularly pronounced for those with animatronic pets. Conclusion: Individuals with interest in obtaining animatronic pets and those with animatronic pets had poorer psychosocial factors. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, cross-country comparisons and longitudinal studies are recommended.