Cyprus versus UK: Cultural Differences of Attitudes toward Animals Based on Personality and Sensational Interests

The aim of the present study was to see if positive attitudes toward animals can be predicted by the personality traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness, and whether higher levels of militaristic interests may lead to less positive attitudes. Militarism was expected to be predicted by lower agreeableness and conscientiousness, higher extraversion, and lower age. Known relationships between gender, age, and personality were also expected. These relationships were examined cross-culturally through a comparison between Cyprus and the UK, using measures translated for use in a Greek Cypriot sample and a new measure specifically designed for use in both UK and Cyprus samples. Cyprus, while similar to the UK in terms of its standard of living, retains a more traditional, rural lifestyle most often associated with collectivist cultures. While this study does not examine individualism and collectivism, findings may inform on any possible differences between such societies and offer a basis for more in-depth research. An online questionnaire was completed by 618 people and a path analysis was used to analyze the data, pooling the data for the analysis to determine possible cross-cultural causes for the observed differences in attitudes, personality traits, and interests. Findings indicated that individuals scoring high on agreeableness, scoring high on conscientiousness, Cypriot residents, females, and individuals expressing fewer militaristic interests expressed more positive attitudes toward animals. Additional relationships between personality, militaristic interests, and demographics were also established. The findings lend support to existing theory regarding the variables of interest and highlight significant new findings for the field. Cypriot residents reporting more positive attitudes toward animals may be a result of their collectivist culture, which appears to extend to human–animal relationships. New findings are discussed in light of suggestions for future research in the collectivist nature of Cypriot culture and its potential effects on militaristic interests and general animal welfare.