Psychotherapy | 7 min read | 2024-08-19 | 65 Views
The Healing Power of Pets: How Animal Interaction Enhances Mental Health
Explores how interaction with animals can boost mental health, providing emotional support and reducing stress.
The Healing Power of Pets: How Animal Interaction Enhances Mental Health
In our increasingly fast-paced and often stressful lives, the quest for improved mental well-being has led many to explore various therapeutic avenues. Among these, contact with pets and animals has emerged as a potent and accessible means of enhancing mental health. Recent scientific research underscores the significant positive impact that animal interaction can have on psychological well-being. Here, we delve into findings highlighting different aspects of this compelling connection.
Reduction of Stress
A 2023 study at Western University in London, Ontario, examined the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) on stress levels in university students. The study found that students who participated in sessions with therapy dogs reported significantly lower stress levels after their session compared to before. AAIs are extremely beneficial for improving mental health in students due to the stress from school and the tough transitions that occur (Chute et al., 2023). The study's results align with the broader understanding that physical touch and companionship from animals can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to stress reduction.
Alleviation of Depression Symptoms
Depression is a pervasive mental health challenge, and pet ownership or interaction has shown promise as a complementary treatment. A study showed that cats and dogs positively affected relieving depression symptoms during pet interaction. Activities such as playing, petting, and lying with the animal, along with the animal's behaviors, fostered a positive, nurturing environment that aided in improving mental health and preventing self-harm (Hawkins et al., 2024). Animals provide emotional support, unconditional love, and companionship to many individuals, which can have an extremely positive impact on a person's well-being.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Pets and animal-assisted therapy are very beneficial for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD sometimes view their pets as part of their family; they form strong bonds and feelings that meet their attachment needs (Lenz et al., 2022). They see their pet as a family member, which gives individuals with ASD a sense of responsibility and purpose because their pet relies on them for care (Shoib et al., 2022). Pets allow them to feel a sense of purpose and well-being because the animal fosters support, companionship, and a routine for the individual (Lenz et al., 2022). Pets help bring people with ASD meaning and purpose, as well as a friend who will always be there for them.
Support in Managing PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) presents unique challenges, and animal-assisted therapy has been gaining recognition as a valuable tool for managing its symptoms. A study examined veterans paired with service dogs to see if a service dog would have an effect in treating the veterans' PTSD. The findings indicated that the presence of service dogs instilled a sense of security, aided in the management of PTSD symptoms, led to better sleep, improved emotional control, decreased anxiety, enhanced ability to manage anger, and a decrease in the inappropriate use of alcohol and prescription drugs, as well as a decrease in thoughts of suicide. These changes led to veterans slowly participating in day-to-day tasks and improving relationships (McLaughlin & Hamilton, 2019). Service animals play a significant role in helping individuals who suffer from PTSD by providing comfort, support, and love.
Cognitive Benefits in Older Adults
The aging population faces its own set of mental health challenges, including cognitive decline and dementia. A longitudinal study investigated the role of pet ownership in enhancing cognitive functions in elderly individuals. The study found that those who owned pets had less cognitive function decline as they aged. It also noted that these individuals had less deterioration in language function, executive function, psychomotor speed, processing speed, and memory over ten years compared to those who didn’t own pets. Those who owned dogs had increased social interactions due to walking their dogs (Friedmann et al., 2023). Pet ownership is very beneficial for elderly individuals for their emotional well-being, mental health, and cognitive health, as pets help decrease stress, foster social connections, and help people stay active.
Conclusion
The bond between humans and animals is profound and remarkably beneficial for mental health. The latest research consistently supports the notion that interactions with pets and animals can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive decline, while also fostering social connections and overall well-being. As we continue to navigate modern life's complexities, embracing our animal companions' therapeutic potential could be a simple yet profoundly impactful strategy for enhancing mental health outcomes.
References
Chute, A., Vihos, J., Johnston, S., Buro, K., & Velupillai, N. (2023). The effect of animal-assisted intervention on undergraduate students’ perception of momentary stress. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1253104
Friedmann, E., Gee, N. R., Simonsick, E. M., Kitner-Triolo, M. H., Resnick, B., Adesanya, I., Koodaly, L., & Gurlu, M. (2023). Pet ownership and maintenance of cognitive function in community-residing older adults: Evidence from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41813-y
Hawkins, R. D., Kuo, C.-H., & Robinson, C. (2024). Young adults’ views on the mechanisms underpinning the impact of pets on symptoms of anxiety and depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355317
Lenz, L., Hansen, J., Schumacher, J., Lee, H., Wong, B., & Kornblau, B. (2022). The role of pets in the lives of autistic adults. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(Supplement_1). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.76s1-po197
McLaughlin, K., & Hamilton, A. L. (2019). Exploring the influence of service dogs on participation in daily occupations by veterans with PTSD: A pilot study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66(5), 648–655. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12606
shoib, S., Hussaini, S. S., Chandradasa, M., Saeed, F., Khan, T., Swed, S., & Lengvenyte, A. (2022). Role of pets and animal assisted therapy in suicide prevention. Annals of Medicine & Surgery, 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104153
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