COMPARITIVE STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-COMPASSION AND ALEXITHYMIA IN DOG OWNERS AND NON-DOG OWNERS

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the connection between alexithymia and self-compassion in individuals who are dog owners compared to those who are not. The research outcomes revealed a negative relation between alexithymia and self-compassion, irrespective of dog ownership. However, the groundbreaking discovery of this study lies in the significant relationship it unveiled between alexithymia and dog ownership. The study underscores the vital role of dogs in facilitating emotional well-being, support  and emotional intelligence, offering a unique perspective on the therapeutic potential of pet companionship.

The research findings demonstrated that individuals who own dogs are less likely to experience alexithymia, whereas those without dogs tend to exhibit moderate to high levels of alexithymia. This suggests that the presence of dogs plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals in the regulation, expression, and identification of their emotions. Further this research is a prescriptive study for individuals who have alexithymia as the results clearly state that by being in constant contact with dogs as companion animals or pets help people to regulate their emotions and help them to cope with alexithymia.

Keywords: Alexithymia, Companion animal, Dog Companionship Emotional Numbness , Self- Compassion