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@article{182155,
        author = {Prof. Anuradha and Khushi Gayatri Goud},
        title = {EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HAPPINESS AND LONELINESS AMONG PET OWNERS},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {2},
        pages = {950-954},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=182155},
        abstract = {This research investigates the connection between happiness and loneliness in pet owners, specifically within the Indian context. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, many individuals find themselves emotionally disconnected, despite the prevalence of virtual connections. Loneliness has surfaced as an increasing psychological issue, affecting mental and emotional health across various age demographics. In contrast, happiness is regarded as a crucial element of positive mental health and overall life satisfaction. As individuals strive for meaningful relationships and emotional support, the bond between humans and animals has garnered significant interest in psychological studies. Pet ownership is thought to provide numerous emotional advantages, including companionship, stress alleviation, diminished feelings of isolation, and a heightened sense of purpose in life. Animals frequently act as steadfast, non-judgmental companions, addressing specific social and emotional requirements that may not always be fulfilled through human interactions. This research examines whether pet owners experience greater levels of happiness and reduced levels of loneliness in comparison to non-pet owners. A quantitative, correlational research methodology was utilized, gathering data from 200 pet owners (100 males and 100 females) aged 18–30 years in Sonepat, Haryana, employing standardized instruments: the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The results were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated a significant negative correlation between happiness and loneliness, suggesting that as happiness levels rose, loneliness diminished among pet owners. Gender-based analyses revealed significant disparities in both happiness and loneliness levels. These findings highlight the psychological benefits of pet companionship in improving emotional well-being. The study proposes that pet ownership may act as an effective approach to mitigate loneliness and enhance happiness, particularly among young adults. The implications of this research extend to mental health practitioners, who might consider recommending pet ownership as a viable strategy for emotional support.},
        keywords = {Happiness, Loneliness, Pet Ownership, Emotional well-being, Human-Animal bond},
        month = {July},
        }