Psychologists explain why your dog, even if he can't speak, can reduce your anxiety and improve your mood better than other people.
If you've ever noticed that under pressure you feel more comfortable with your beloved animal than with your partner or friends, this article will explain why.
A growing body of research shows that when dog owners are faced with stressful situations, their bodies respond less physiologically in the presence of animals. The unconditional support people receive from dogs has psychological effects and a physiological basis.
In recent years, many studies have shown that these animals can comfort people, calm nerves, listen, and provide other valuable forms of support, proving that sometimes words are not necessary.
Evangeline Wheeler, professor of psychology at Towson University in Maryland (USA), said: “Our canine friends are very predictable and reliable: the unconditional love we receive from dogs gives us a feeling of security. Dogs don't judge or criticize, they just sit there and look at you with loving eyes.“.
The mere presence of your pet, calm and unconditional, can be more relaxing when you are anxious or under pressure than being with your friends or family.
Supporting a dog vs. supporting a human
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychological Medicine, people who found themselves in situations where they had to perform arithmetic tasks or when they were subjected to “cold pressure” tests, in which the hand was immersed in ice, found themselves with their hands The The dogs' blood pressure and heart rate were less affected compared to those who were with their family or friends.
A study was recently published in the 2023 issue of the journal emotions It consisted of asking participants to complete a stressful task (adding flashing numbers on a computer screen) and then interact with their pet, then color a coloring book, or wait quietly for 10 minutes.
The result was that people who interacted with their dogs had better moods and less anxiety than those who waited or tried to relieve stress through coloring.
“Your dog provides you with social support without judging you: You know your dog won't judge you for being stressed or being a wimp“said study co-author Hannah Raila, psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at UC Santa Cruz; “If your dog sits there and wags his tail, you could be spreading positive emotions“he added.
The situation is similar with a study published in the journal Society & AnimalsResearchers asked 223 people to complete the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), in which participants are asked to give a presentation and then perform an unexpected mental arithmetic test in front of a group of people who provide no feedback or encouragement. When people performed the TSST in the presence of a canine companion, they showed lower levels of stress, as measured by blood pressure and heart rate, as well as less anxiety.
When it comes to how dogs can bring people a level of happiness that others cannot, “There is a brutal honesty you can have with your dog that you can't always maintain with others.“says Lori Kogan, counseling psychologist and professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University (USA).”We completely accept them as they are and they do the same for us and are consistent in doing so“.
Benefits of Communicating with Fido
People often talk to their dogs about what they do or how cute, funny, or naughty their pup is.
It's a subtle reminder of what's important. “When you talk to your dog, you feel like this is the reason you are there: no matter what is going on with work or your finances, your dog is still there. He loves you and needs you, and that gives you purposesays Larry Young, an expert in the neuroscience of social attachment and professor of psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta (USA).
Research has shown that talking to your dog about emotional issues can be particularly helpful. In a study published in a 2018 issue of the journal AnthrozoosResearchers found that people were more willing to talk to their dogs about difficult emotions like depression, jealousy, anxiety, apathy and fear rather than talk to their partner or friends.
The exact cause is unknown, but one theory states: “Pets can listen without judgment because they don't interrupt or respond“says Daniel Mills, co-author of the study, specialist in human-animal relations and professor of veterinary behavioral medicine at the University of Lincoln (UK); “A dog will not try to solve the problem like some people do“.
Expressing emotions, especially negative ones, has value. Research has shown that when people verbalize their emotions, they become less intense, both subjectively and neurologically, by calming the response of the amygdala, which is responsible for processing fear, anxiety, and other strong emotions.
Your relationship with your dog is a space
Your relationship with your dog is a safe space because your dog will not judge you or disagree with you.
“It is important for people to speak and express their feelings to address themsays Mills; “By putting them into words, you can begin to understand them instead of keeping them in your head. Expressing (these feelings) will help you let go of the past and look to the future. It's so liberating“.
Another potential benefit: Your dog won't engage in conversations about your worries, which could lead to ruminative thinking. They are more likely to distract you. “Dogs use emotional manipulation strategiessays Mills; “Your desire to play is incompatible with being sad or angry“. “When you interact, you both feel a rush of oxytocin (often called the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone”), which reduces your short-term stress response.says Young.
A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health confirms this phenomenon: When people interact with their dogs while teleworking, human self-regulatory resources are replenished; By taking short breaks, such as For example, petting your puppy makes people feel relaxed and refreshed, which is not the case when interacting with colleagues, family or friends.
“Dogs are very good at reading us (smelling when we are nervous or upset) and can do it even better than some people.“says Kogan and”Since we feel that dogs can read us so well, we self-regulate so as not to upset the dog, which also helps us“. This is a positive feedback loop.
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