Puppies are the stars of the corona crisis, when you see what dogs do with the psychological well-being of their owners. Psychologists explain the relationship between pets and our mental health.
No fewer than 1.4 million Dutch people took a pet during the corona crisis and another 240,000 have plans to do so. You can say that in times of working from home, insecurity and loneliness, a furry friend is more than welcome. Not surprising, say American psychologists, because dogs in particular appear to have an enormous positive influence on our physical and mental well-being.
Fewer depressed feelings
More and more studies are being conducted into the relationship between humans and pets during the corona crisis. American psychologists took a closer look at the well-being of a group of dog owners (without other pets) during the corona crisis and what turned out? They felt better supported and suffered less from depressive feelings, despite the fact that they have also been emotionally and financially affected by the pandemic. According to them, dogs play an important role in people's emotional lives. Because dogs are social and smart, and can sense human feelings and signals, they can provide support in dealing with a pandemic.
Meaning of purpose
For example, American psychiatry professor Nancy Gee found that dogs (and cats) contribute to meaning during the pandemic, motivating them to "go on" in a healthy routine. Owners even indicated in the study that their dogs ensure that they get out of bed better in the morning, exercise more in the open air and contact their neighbors more quickly. It has also been proven that dogs provide a significant boost of the feel-good hormone oxytocin and a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol. That in turn means lower blood pressure, less stress and a better mood.
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