08/23/2026
Can having a dog by your side actually help a teen cope with stress or could it sometimes make things harder? A new study suggests that teens with social anxiety may cope with stress differently depending on how they view their relationship with their dog. Seeing a dog as a beloved companion was linked to healthier coping, while relying on a dog as a substitute for people was associated with avoidance and other less-helpful coping strategies.
The findings may change how we think about the powerful bond between teens and their pets. Read the article to learn more.
They say a dog is a boy’s or girl’s best friend, but that relationship isn’t always a healthy one for a teenager who struggles with social anxiety, a new study says.Teens manage their stress in healthier ways if they see a dog as a beloved companion, researchers reported ...