When gig work gets ruff: The affective benefits of daily human–animal interactions for mental health

Abstract

Gig work has emerged as one of the fastest-growing employment trends, with its expansion accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic. As this form of work continues to evolve, it has brought to light several characteristics—such as instability, isolation and lack of social support—that may adversely affect workers' mental health. Accordingly, it is essential to identify mechanisms and conditions that can protect gig workers from psychological deterioration. Grounded in Affective Events Theory, this study investigated (1) the mediating role of daily affect ratio in the relationship between daily human-animal interactions (HAI) and mental health, and (2) the moderating role of neuroticism in this indirect relationship. Using a daily diary design involving 205 freelance journalists (5 daily observations per participant, totalling 1025 observations), multilevel analyses yielded three key findings. First, daily HAI was positively associated with mental health through its enhancement of the daily affect ratio. Second, the positive effect of daily HAI on affect ratio was stronger among individuals with higher levels of neuroticism. Third, neuroticism amplified the indirect effect of daily HAI on mental health via affect ratio. Theoretical and practical implications for supporting gig workers' mental health are discussed.