Effect of attitude towards pet on emotional intelligence: A comparative study

Pages: 193-196
Stuti Kacker and Nehashree Srivastava (Department of Psychology, National P.G College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)

The present study is an attempt to study the effect of attitude towards pets on Emotional Intelligence. In this study, some qualitative analysis was done by pre-interviewing the sample and asking general questions regarding attitude towards animals. The sample comprised of 15 pet lovers and 15 non pet lovers. Statistical method applied on the data obtained was t testing and correlation. Emotional Intelligence Scale developed by Anukool Hyde, Sanjyot Pethe, Upindhar Dhar and Pet Attitude Scale-Modified developed by Kathleen Munsell, Merle Canfield, Donald Templer Kimberly Tangan, Hiroko Arikawa. There is a significant difference between pet lovers and non pet lovers on Emotional Intelligence, where pet lovers scored higher in Emotional Intelligence and for non pet lover there is negative correlation between Emotional Intelligence and Pet Attitude, showing that for having a favorable attitude towards pet, one needs to have genuine respect and care for pets, not considering them as less resourceful, inferior to human, only such feeling can lead to positive interaction and that further enhances respect for these gift to mankind that leads to better Emotional Intelligence. Attitude towards pet, parallels attitude towards humans. Mahatma Gandhi quote, is enough explain the importance of humanitarian attitude towards animals, “Greatness of nation can be judged by its treatment towards animals.”