A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology reveals that interacting with pets, including cats and dogs, does not provide the expected stress-relieving benefits. In fact, the research suggests that cuddling pets during stressful moments can actually worsen negative emotions.
Study Findings
The study, conducted by researchers from The Open University of the Netherlands, involved collecting data from pet owners over a period of five days. Participants received app notifications prompting them to complete questionnaires about their current emotional state, activities, and interactions with their pets. The results showed that while interacting with pets can lead to positive emotions, it does not serve as a buffer against the negative effects of stress.
The researchers found that cat owners who interacted with their pets during stressful times experienced more intense negative feelings. In contrast, dog owners did not exhibit the same intensification of negative emotions. However, the study’s authors note that the sample size for cat owners was smaller than that for dog owners, and the association between cat interaction and stressed owners was not consistently observed.
The study’s corresponding author, Mayke Janssens, stated that the findings indicate that the beneficial effects of pet interaction on emotional well-being may not be due to stress buffering. Instead, Janssens suggests that interacting with pets may provide a sense of companionship, helping people feel more connected and less alone, which could contribute to improved emotional well-being.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
