Graphic design by Amanda
The bonds between humans and animals are powerful and the positive correlation between pets and mental health is undeniable. Children, adolescents, adults, and seniors all find joy in their pets. Therefore, pets and mental health go hand in hand. Adding to the plus side of positive mental health, emerging studies show an array of ways in which pets can provide us with support and a sense of calm for our daily emotional and psychological stresses.
However, we will see how certain points in the psychological effects of human-pets relationships relate to the issues of the exotic pet industry.
1. Tending instinct
The relationship between pets and pet owners lay nurturance, protection, and emotional bonds
- Pet-human relationship models a parent-child relationship which can be categorised into 2 types. They are mutualistic and parasitic relationships. The mutualistic relationship indicates that both sides benefit from the relationship; the parasitic relationship indicates that one side benefits at the cost of the other side. The parasitic relationship may model exotic pets owners and their pets since owners strip these animals of their natural environment which will be explained in more detail in the issue of exotic pets.
The use of linguistics captures underlying value orientations and relationships to animals
- Some pet owners deem themselves as “guardians” rather than “owners” . A study has found that owners who claim to be “guardians” exhibit higher levels of neutering, commemorating celebrations for their pets, expressing affection.
2. Anthropomorphism
In anthropomorphism, some pet owners speak to dogs in a similar register they speak to young children. People also claim to be “able to understand” what their pets are saying as they make apparent assumptions about the animals’ linguistic abilities. If a person perceives their pet to have a high quality mental state (such as their thoughts, desires, hopes and beliefs), that person will perceive their pet to be more similar to humans. Plus, this behaviour is not only demonstrated in adults, children may speak to the animals the same way they speak to a confidant.
However, anthropomorphism may not always be a good thing. The Awa Guaja is a tribe who takes monkeys from the wild are given to the women. The men are generally the ones who kill the baby monkey’s mother. The babies are then brought back, breastfed and then fed on pre-chewed food. Ownership of these wild monkeys are regarded as a status symbol. For example, the head woman, the matriarch, is allowed to have the most monkeys where she drapes the monkeys over her head and shoulders proudly like a badge.
3. Develop a sense of self
Symbolically and metaphorically related to our identity
Interacting with pets can develop the child’s sense of self. When children compare themselves with pets, this encourages the child to spot similarities-in-difference, this allows them to foster an early connection with non-human entities, and develop perspective-taking and empathy. Plus, stereotyping may also arise where animal lovers may identify themselves as a dog-person or cat-person.
In China, higher wages and better living standards mean many Chinese are no longer satisfied with cats and dogs, so they are embracing lizards, snakes, crocodiles and even rare ants. In an article, it was stated that many Chinese fans of exotic pets are ages 20 to 35, the millennial generation, who are passionate about exploring new things and seeking a unique identity. Young people are the major customers – instead of raising a traditional pet, they want something special to show off to their friends, especially via social media and enjoy the experience of learning and knowing more about a certain wild animal by raising it as a pet.
4. Stress reduction
Pets reduce anxiety, increase happiness, and buffer stressful situations
- Health benefits may indirectly come from psychological benefits. A study found that viewing an aquarium may allow the individual to feel calmer, more comforted and increase delight. Another study found that there is an increased level of blood oxytocin in women after interacting with their dogs for 25 minutes after getting home from work. All in all, pets can provide us with entertainment, and pleasurable and emotional experiences.
In addition to the topic, pet therapy is no new thing. For example, bringing a gentle Labrador or friendly golden retriever into a school, hospital or nursing home to provide relaxation to people who are stressed out or lonely. However, it seems that a new therapy is emerging and it is called “exotic pet therapy”. A group in Ontario has started an exotic pet therapy group to help people reduce stress and keep calm. The group features animals like capybaras which visit schools and seniors homes to connect people with different types of animals.
Pets feel more authentic to us
- The human language allows us to connect with others but may also lead to misunderstandings and separation. However, since animals are not able to apply human conventions, we view them as non-judgmental. Pets provide allows us to interact in a stress-free environment free of tensions and accountability.
5. Decreased loneliness
Pets provide us the desire to be wanted. Pets serve as an entity which requires attention and attend to our social needs. In addition, pets may serve as companions. A study found that elderly women, women living alone and elderly respondents reported to have lower levels of loneliness with a pet.
6. Positive effect on cognitive functioning
This effect is apparent in small children. A study found that preschoolers performed better in categorization task and memory task in the presence of a dog than a stuffed dog. For children with autism, dogs are a preferred form of social interaction – they can help those with autism to overcome fear by serving as a calming presence and encourage the child to take up new opportunities.
7. Facilitate closer relationships with other people
Dogs may facilitate interactions with strangers in everyday settings (walk in the park etc.). They are more likely to be approached by strangers when they are accompanied by a dog than alone. In addition, this provides a social community to share their love for animals and form a shared social environmental identity, values, and social norms.