The study examined the effects cared for pets have on mood, relaxation and the ability to control emotions. It is limited to aged patients requiring varying levels of skilled nursing care. Their ages were, 15-50 years. Ethnicity or Gender did not limit the range. Only 56 participants were men while 242 participants we women, this limited the data extrapolation to men who have a stronger compulsion for affection; thus the ability to oversimplify their results is limited to other comparable populations.
The study demonstrates that the student’s felt more relaxed with the more pets that they owned. While human friends provide social support and other tremendous benefits, the research confirms that unless you are someone who dislikes pets or is totally busy to care for one properly, pets relieves stress, provide tremendous social support, and other health benefits, possibly more than human being. While nothing replaces the human connection, pets can bring companionship and joy into one’s life and help one feel less lonely. Caring for a pet makes one feel the sense of being needed therefore the more pets’ one has the more relaxed one feels. And the research on the other articles backs it up. The Studies show that pet owners are less likely to get overwhelmed by stress or suffer from depression (Shoshana et.al., 2003)
The student’s mood improved with the more they cared for the pet. While people who have pets tend to be more independent, happier and feel safer than those without pets, it’s important to take good care of your pet. One will benefit most from having a pet whose desires are compatible with ones physical capabilities and lifestyle. One of the reasons for these beneficial effects is that most pets accomplish the fundamental human need to touch. Many people show behavior change after interacting with pets. Stroking, cuddling, holding, or otherwise touching a loving pet can rapidly soothe or calm us when we’re stressed. The company of a pet can also relieve loneliness, and some pets are a great spur for healthy exercise, which can considerably boost mood (Meredith et.al.,2001)
The findings correspond with those of the previous experimental studies reporting that pets make the work environment more comfortable, provide a pleasant diversion from work, and provide companionship many employees perceive pets in their workplace to reduce stress and benefit their health and their organization.
Reference
Karem, M. A, Blascovich, J, Tomaka, J. and Kelsey, M. R.(1991) Presence of Human Friends and Pet Dogs as Moderators of Autonomic Responses to Stress in Women.Journal of Personality and Socialpsychology.
Meredith,w. and Perrine,R. (2001). Critters in the Cube Farm: Perceived Psychological and Organizational Effects of Pets in the Workplace. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
SHOSHANA,S. GAL SOREKa$ and JOSEPH,T(2003). Reduction of state-anxiety by petting animals in a controlled laboratory experiment. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping
