Do Animals Make Us Happy?

​ In the midst of contemplating adopting a rescue dog, I thought I’d check out what the research has to say….   
 
In a study titled “How animals contribute to subjective well-being,” psychologists at the University of Cologne in Germany investigated the risk and protective factors that mediate levels of satisfaction among animal caregivers (Luhmann and Kalitzki 2018). 
 
Their findings about dogs, cats and horses reveal that each animal comes, not surprisingly, with unique costs (horses: more financial investment; cats: least likely to provide support to the caregiver; dogs: more daily restrictions involved) and benefits (horses: contribute to a sense of purpose; cats: least likely to negatively affect partner relationships; dogs: greater physical activity for caregiver). 
 
Across animal caregivers, those who experienced more positive emotions while with the animal reported greater life satisfaction overall. Those who experienced negative emotions while with the animal reported poorer satisfaction. 
 
The extent to which one’s animal satisfied one’s need for autonomy was also found to be a protective factor for one’s mood and well-being. In addition, the extra social role that comes with being an animal caregiver was also found to be a protective factor. 

Interestingly, while feeling attached to the animal was positively associated with satisfaction and mood, a high degree of attachment was found to have the opposite effect (lower subjective well-being).  This finding is replicated in other studies, suggesting, perhaps, the disadvantage of too much attachment to animals should it come at the expense of human relationships.  
 
No worries – plenty of care and affection to go around – to people and animals!
                                                                            ****

Did you know...
 
The British Fashion Council has ended the use of animal fur in its London fashion shows as of this September.   A number of high profile designers, such as Versace, Burberry, and Stella McCartney, have also dropped fur from their global collections. 
 
Check it out: 
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/london-fashion-week-2018-fur-free-ban-british-fashion-council-burberry-gucci-a8528061.html