Basic psychological need fulfillment in human–pet relationships and well-being

• We applied SDT's basic needs conception to human–pet relationship.
• Need-fulfillment by pet predicted well-being but not psychological distress
• Need-fulfillment by close other predicted well-being and psychological distress

According to self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000), fulfillment of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness within close relationships are essential for well-being. In the current research, we sought to further explore this association as regards human–pet relationships. Drawing on recent studies that have documented the benefits pet owners can derive from their relationship with a pet, we examined the extent to which perceived need support by a pet can facilitate well-being and allay psychological distress. Participants were 206 pet owners (dog or cat). Results of a SEM analysis indicated that perceived needs support by a pet significantly predicted higher well-being but did not predict level of psychological distress. These associations were found over and beyond needs support by a close human other. The implications of the uniqueness of human–pet relationships to well-being through the lens of SDT are discussed.