Sandra McCune

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Sandra McCune’s research lies at the compelling intersection of human-animal interaction and social psychology, exploring how our bonds with pets shape cognition and well-being. Her most cited work, “Sociality Motivation and Anthropomorphic Thinking about Pets” (2014, 38 citations), offers a foundational insight: that social disconnection drives people to attribute human-like mental states to their animal companions. This study reframes anthropomorphism not as mere whimsy but as a motivated cognitive strategy to fulfill unmet social needs. McCune’s broader contributions illuminate the therapeutic and emotional roles of pets in human lives, particularly for those experiencing loneliness or isolation. Her research has practical implications for animal-assisted interventions and our understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind pet ownership. While her citation count reflects a niche but growing field, the conceptual depth of her work has made it a touchstone for scholars examining sociality, attachment, and the evolution of human-pet relationships. McCune’s scholarship continues to inspire new directions in anthrozoology, bridging the gap between animal behavior science and human social cognition.