The General knowledge of the psychological aspects of Human-Animal interaction
Animals have
a psychological effect on humans. Pets can lighten emotional despair and clear
the human mind of anxiety and affliction. Their presence has proven to yield
therapeutic effects on owners as well as a soothing sense of companionship.
This idea, per say “that living with an animal can improve human health,
psychological well-being, and longevity, has been called the ‘pet effect’”
(Herzog). In other words, the, “pet effect,” can be described as the presence
of animals effecting the human state of mind. Multiple studies have been done
regarding the effect of the presence of animals in a human setting. Herzog
found that, “The most convincing of these studies was a clinical trial in which
hypertensive stockbrokers were randomly assigned to either pet or no-pet
conditions” (Herzog). In this same study, six months later, “when put in a
stressful situation, subjects in the pet group showed lower increases in blood
pressure than did those in the non-pet conditions” (Herzog). Through this study
by Allen, Shykoff, and Izzo, the results show that psychological benefits can
accrue from being in the presence of animals. An animal can calm a person down
which helps to relax their mind. Blood pressure can affect the overall stress levels
in humans. Correspondingly, there have been studies, “showing that pet owners
have a higher self-esteem, more positive moods, more ambition, greater life
satisfaction, and lower levels of loneliness” (Herzog). These factors resulting
from correspondent studies all contribute to a happier state of mind.
Especially life satisfaction, which was mentioned as a result, can create a
socio-positive relationship for human interactions and human-animal
interactions. The positive effect of animals on humans has been further studied
and proven to, “increase feelings of happiness, security, and self-worth and
reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation on a daily basis and during
separations or transitions such as spousal bereavement” (Sable 334). Animals
have been found to create an increased sense of trust and positive empathetic
effects. Also, they can reduce aggression and depression while promoting a
positive mood. Seemingly because of animals’ presence and constant need for
attention or upkeep, they create an emotional bond with their owners. Animals
can intrigue humans; whether it be their furry coats or friendly disposition,
humans are attracted to the emotional ties that pet companions offer.