Jul 2026· Society & Animals· pp. 1-19· 0 citations· 24 references
Abstract
By exploring the role and mechanism by which cats affect the psychological wellbeing of young people living alone, the study aims to deepen the understanding of a human-companion animal interaction. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, 16 semi-structured interviews with eight Chinese young people were conducted, and subsequently a theoretical model was constructed. The study found that young people living alone in urban areas in China are faced with fragmented information, multidimensional risks, and uncertainties brought about by the new era, which make them seek spiritual independence while at the same time expecting and longing for stable and unchanging relationships. Cats have become emotional supports and companions for these young people, providing them with an opportunity to rebuild their sense of security in life. The close yet independent relationship between young people living alone and their cats is a unique human-pet bond in the new era.
The purpose of this study was to explore the process through which humans and companion dogs become family and to develop a substantive theory that explains the structure and meaning of this experience. To achieve this, a grounded theory approach was employed, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 adult guardi...
H. Shim· Korean Association for Quali...· 0 citations
A multi-dimensional research framework incorporating psychological expectation, monetization mode, virtual embodiment degree and long-term interaction frequency is established, which categorizes AI companions into text-based lightweight companions, voice emotional partners, embodied virtual human companions and immersi...
Yixin Zhang· International Journal of Edu...· 0 citations
The lives of humans and dogs are greatly intertwined, making it crucial to understand how human emotions impact companion animals. While previous work found dogs respond greatly to humans and emotions through different metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV), person-oriented behaviors, a cognitive bias task (CB...
Kalyn A. Otzelberger, Teresa Romero, Julia E. Meyers-Manor· Frontiers in Ethology· 0 citations
It was found that relationships with AI companions improved participants'sjective wellbeing, reduced symptoms of mental health disorders, and taught them new social skills, giving them the confidence to wait for someone who would treat them well.
OBJECTIVES
This paper explored (1) older adults' perceptions of age-friendly environments in China and (2) how participation in activities and services within these environments influenced their social relationships.
METHOD
Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese residents aged 55 and older...
Jie Li, Lei-Yu Shi, Zhuo-Zhao Zheng et al.· Aging & Mental Health· 0 citations
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