Tenencia de animales de compañía y su relación con los sentimientos de soledad en la adultez media en el grupo Red Informativa Apangoras de Challuabamba en Cuenca, periodo 2024-2025

Abstract

Scientific research shows that feelings of loneliness are considered unpleasant experiences that manifest when the network of contacts or relationships in a person's environment is deteriorated or scarce, intensifies in middle adulthood, a stage of the life cycle in which people experience various changes. These events can negatively affect by increasing negative factors such as loneliness. Thus, owning pets provides a series of psychological benefits that improve people's quality of life. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of pet ownership on feelings of loneliness present in middle adulthood. This research uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive scope. A non-probability convenience sample was used, drawn from a population of the "Apangoras Information Network" group, 50 people participated, 17 men and 33 women, and the entire population was involved. Data collection was carried out using the LAPS-M instrument to identify the level of human-animal attachment and the SESLA-S scale was used to assess the level of loneliness. The most relevant results indicate how levels of loneliness relate to the amount of time they spend with their pets. It is notable that attachment levels are similar in men and women.