By: Christopher Wang
Pets, which are a staple in many US households, could secretly be the solution to one of America’s largest problems. As reported by a survey of US teens conducted in 2018, 70% of teens consider anxiety and depression to be a major problem amongst their peers and anxiety and depression rates continue to rise. However, recent studies have shown that pets may be able to reduce stress and anxiety, while also providing companionship and routine.
According to Gina McDowell, a licensed professional clinical counselor and behavioral health clinical educator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, “Playing with pets often creates positive emotions that can last throughout the day and may even help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
In a study done by the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2004, after petting a dog, people’s blood pressure dropped 10% within 15-30 minutes. Furthermore, humans have a psychological need for physical touch, which can signify safety and trust. Even basic warm touch can calm cardiovascular stress.
Steven Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, states that one of the main reasons children can find such comfort from pets is the non-judgmental presence that they provide. The presence of a family pet during childhood can cause an increase in emotional expression and control as a child. Further research also supports that even brief interactions with dogs can lower stress levels in children.
Feldman continues to highlight results demonstrated by a study researching the benefits of family dogs for kids led by the University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute. He stated that, “When compared to children in non-dog-owning households, children with a dog in the home were 23% less likely to have difficulties with their emotions and social interactions; 30% percent less likely to engage in antisocial behaviors; 40% percent less likely to have problems interacting with other children; and 34% percent more likely to engage in considerate behaviors, such as sharing.”
Pets can also provide a sense of routine and structure to the lives of children. They consistently rely on humans to feed them, take them out on walks, and other things. By allowing children to take part in these routine actions, it provides structure to their daily life, helping them thrive. Not to mention, many pets require physical activity such as going on walks, bringing the benefit of increased physical exercise. McDowell also stated that, “Additionally, allowing your child to participate in these tasks provides a sense of purpose and responsibility, improving feelings of self-worth.”
Ultimately, each relationship between a pet and its owner is unique. Not every child will experience the same benefits from owning a dog or a different pet, and not every household environment is suitable for one. Nonetheless, a pet might just be what a child needs to experience a more positive childhood.
Sources:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/hands_on_research#:~:text=T HYPERLINK “https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/hands_on_research”here%20are%20studies%20showing%20that,aka%20%E2%80%9Cthe%20love%20hormone.%E2%80%9D
https HYPERLINK “https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1655668327555x631845242129933800/How%20pets%20give%20your%20kids%20a%20brain%20boost%20-%20BBC%20Future.pdf”://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1655668327555x631845242129933800/How%20pets%20give%20your%20kids%20a%20brain%20boost%20-%20BBC%20Future.pdf
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pets-child-mental-health-development_l_60086e22c5b6efae62fe00c4