Study Finds Pets Significantly Benefit Emotional Health

New research published in a study reveals the significant positive impact of pets on emotional wellbeing. The study, conducted by a team of psychologists, examined the effects of pet ownership on a diverse group of individuals. The results indicated that having pets, such as dogs or cats, led to remarkable improvement in emotional health and wellbeing.

Furthermore, the research delved into the mechanism behind these beneficial effects. It was found that interactions with pets stimulated the release of oxytocin, often referred to as “the love hormone”, which is associated with bonding and positive emotions.

“In the first study of its kind, the connection between owning an animal and mental health in individuals living with severe mental illness and whether the perceived strength of the bond between owner and animal was associated with mental health and species of the animal owned.”