This qualitative study explores the benefits and risks associated with living with companion animals during the transition to adulthood among 117 sexual and gender minority (SGM) emerging adults living in the U.S. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using template analysis. Thematic analysis identified several risks (caregiver burden, pets as barriers to relationships, animal-related psychological stress) and benefits (pets as a buffer to stress, pets as social capital, pets as a coping mechanism for mental health, and pets as identity and purpose) associated with living with pets. Our results suggest that pets may influence SGM emerging adult identity development and related wellbeing by facilitating feelings of belongingness, positive self-regard, and purpose; promoting social interactions; and providing emotional support and comfort to cope with stress. However, pets, and their associated care, were also a source of caregiving burden and psychological stress. We discuss practice and policy implications and directions for future research.

这项定性研究探讨了生活在美国的 117 名性和性别少数 (SGM) 新兴成年人在过渡到成年期间与伴侣动物生活相关的益处和风险。使用模板分析对访谈进行转录和分析。专题分析确定了若干风险（照顾者负担、宠物作为人际关系障碍、与动物相关的心理压力）和益处（宠物作为压力的缓冲、宠物作为社会资本、宠物作为心理健康的应对机制以及宠物作为身份和目的）与宠物生活相关。我们的研究结果表明，宠物可能通过促进归属感、积极的自尊和目标来影响 SGM 新兴成人身份的发展和相关的幸福感；促进社会互动；并提供情感支持和安慰以应对压力。然而，宠物及其相关护理也是护理负担和心理压力的来源。我们讨论了实践和政策的影响以及未来研究的方向。