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Artículos originales

Vol. 6 Núm. 16 (2026): Simbiosis, Revista de Educación y Psicología

Relación entre el vínculo con animales de compañía y el bienestar psicológico en adolescentes de Loja, Ecuador

Relationship between the bond with companion animals and psychological well-being among adolescents in Loja, Ecuador
Publicado
2026-10-15

Introducción: La adolescencia constituye una etapa de vulnerabilidad para la salud mental, en la cual el vínculo humano-animal emerge como recurso protector. Objetivo:  Analizar la relación entre los animales de compañía del entorno familiar y el bienestar psicológico de los adolescentes de la ciudad de Loja, Ecuador, contribuyendo a la promoción de la salud mental juvenil. Método: El estudio adoptó un diseño cuantitativo, correlacional y transversal, con 65 adolescentes reclutados por muestreo por conveniencia, quienes respondieron una adaptación de la Escala de Monash y la Escala de bienestar psicológico de Ryff. Resultados: La cercanía emocional correlacionó con el crecimiento personal (r=.46, p<.001) y el propósito en la vida (r=.35, p=.004); la interacción dueño-mascota (r=.29, p=.020) y el menor costo percibido (r=.37, p=.002) mostraron asociación con mayor crecimiento personal. Conclusión: La calidad del vínculo con animales de compañía favorece el bienestar psicológico adolescente, sobre todo el desarrollo continuo y el propósito vital.

Introduction: Adolescence is a period of vulnerability to mental health problems, during which the human-animal bond may serve as a protective resource. Objective: To analyze the relationship between companion animals in the family environment and the psychological well-being of adolescents in the city of Loja, Ecuador, thereby contributing to the promotion of youth mental health. Method: The study employed a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design involving 65 adolescents recruited through convenience sampling, who completed an adapted version of the Monash Scale and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale. Results: Emotional closeness was correlated with personal growth (r=.46, p<.001) and purpose in life (r=.35, p=.004); owner-pet interaction (r=.29, p=.020) and lower perceived cost (r=.37, p=.002) were associated with greater personal growth. Conclusion: The quality of the bond with companion animals promotes adolescents' psychological well-being, particularly continuous personal development and purpose in life.

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Vol. 6 Núm. 16 (2026): Simbiosis, Revista de Educación y Psicología
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Artículos originales

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