DOMESTIC ANIMALS AS A SOCIO PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONAL MATURITY IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Abstract

This article explores the role of domestic animals as a socio psychological resource for fostering personal maturity under contemporary challenges, including social instability, war, rising anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Personal maturity is understood as a complex psychological construct encompassing responsibility, self regulation, emotional resilience, autonomy, the capacity to form deep relationships, and constructive conflict resolution. Approaches to defining maturity in both Ukrainian and international psychology are examined, with emphasis on its significance in crisis contexts–particularly during wartime–when resilience, self support, and the preservation of social bonds become critically important. The paper further demonstrates that interaction with domestic animals promotes the development of social competence, empathy, and caring behaviors, while also stimulating self reflection and emotional awareness. It argues that animals act as mediators in building a sense of safety and basic trust, which are foundational to mature personality development. The significance of animals across different life stages is analyzed: in childhood and adolescence they stabilize emotional states and support the development of trust and independence; in adulthood they help reduce stress levels and maintain balance between personal and social life; and in older age they contribute to preserving life purpose and preventing social isolation. The role of domestic animals in enhancing psychological resilience and creating a resourceful state during crises is discussed separately. The paper highlights the prospects of animal assisted therapy as an innovative tool for psychosocial support during periods of instability and underscores the need for further research to develop integrated programs combining traditional psychological approaches with human animal interaction. This work is theoretical and analytical, grounded in an interdisciplinary perspective, and aims to provide a foundation for future studies on the impact of animals on individual psychosocial well being.