Feeling sad? Just think of your pet to feel better

By: Agencies | | Published: May 9, 2016 11:36 pm

Main

Humans love pets like their own children and whenever they feel socially rejected or sad, just a thought or a picture of their pet can lift up their mood, a study has found, suggesting that animals have a unique ability to comfort people. Thinking about naming a human did not produce the same effect, with the study showcasing evidence that thoughts about a pet can provide a soothing stimulus for humans. ‘Those who are more predisposed to attributing entities with human-like characteristics would benefit from even the most minimal engagement with animals,’ said lead study author Christina M Brown from Miami University in the US. (Read: Improve social skills of autistic kids by keeping pets, says research) Also Read - Pets can reduce COVID-19 stress: Know how having a cat or a dog can boost your mental health

Also Read - A pet in the house can keep the doctor away

People who are more likely to assign human-like qualities to animals or inanimate objects may benefit from just thinking about animals when feeling socially rejected. The team conducted three separate studies in which participants were asked to relive past experiences of social rejection. After this, they were then asked to name photographed animals and their feelings were analysed again. The participants who thought of names for animals reported less negative emotions and feelings of rejection than those who did not. ‘Anthropomorphism may be an effective and powerful way to eradicate and combat the negative feelings that result from social rejection,’ the authors noted. (Read: Pets make you look sexy!) Also Read - 5 ways your pet can help you lose weight

Source: IANS

Photo source: Getty images (Image for representational purpose only)

Published : May 9, 2016 11:36 pm

Read Disclaimer

Want your kid to eat more fruits? Video games can help

Study says reading on tablets can affect your memory and creativity

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Want your kid to eat more fruits? Video games can help

Study says reading on tablets can affect your memory and creativity

Pets can reduce COVID-19 stress: Know how having a cat or a dog can boost your mental health

Pets help reduce stress for parents of kids with autism: Here's why dogs are man's best friend

Having a dog can help lower blood pressure, is it true?

Sleep and other health benefits of having a dog at home

How having a pet can influence human health positively?

About The health Site

Useful Links