The Mediating Role of Human-Animal Bond in the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Subjective Well-Being: The Moderating Effect of Pet Attachment

This study examines the complex relationships among depressive symptoms, subjective well-being, pet attachment, and the human-animal bond. Using a moderated mediation model, we investigated whether pet attachment mediates the negative impact of depressive symptoms on subjective well-being, and whether the human-animal bond moderates these effects. Data were collected from 391 companion animal owners in South Korea and analyzed using Hayes’s Process Macro. Results indicated that pet attachment partially mediated the negative effects of depressive symptoms on subjective well-being, highlighting the emotional stability and stress relief that pets can provide. Additionally, the human-animal bond moderated the direct relationship between depressive symptoms and subjective well-being, demonstrating its protective role against psychological stress. However, its moderating effect on the indirect pathway through pet attachment was not statistically significant, suggesting that direct interactions with pets are particularly important for emotional comfort. No significant differences were found between dog and cat owners, indicating that the quality of the human-animal bond is more important than pet type in conferring psychological benefits. These findings suggest that strengthening human-animal relationships may be an effective strategy for improving mental health and well-being, with meaningful implications for clinical interventions and policy development.