The Science Behind Why Dogs Make Us Feel Calmer
Have you ever noticed feeling calmer or more focused after spending time with a dog? Now, scientific research backs up why dogs can lower stress and improve focus.
A study conducted by Konkuk University in South Korea and published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE highlights the positive effects dogs have on human stress levels and brain function.
Research Approach: Animal-Assisted Interventions
The study examined animal-assisted interventions, which are therapies that involve animals to help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and build trust. These interventions are common in hospitals and schools. However, most previous research only considered the overall benefits of interacting with animals, without differentiating between various types of activities such as playing, grooming, or feeding.
To explore this further, the research team, led by Onyoo Yoo, conducted an experiment involving 30 adults who participated in eight distinct activities with a well-trained dog. These activities included playing with a toy, grooming, and taking photos with the dog. The participants wore EEG electrodes to track brain activity and reported their feelings before and after the activities.
The Positive Effects of Spending Time With Dogs
The findings were revealing. Activities like playing with and walking the dog were linked to an increase in alpha-band oscillations in the brain, which is associated with a state of relaxed alertness. Meanwhile, grooming or gently massaging the dog led to increased beta-band oscillations, which are related to improved concentration. Additionally, participants reported feeling less tired, depressed, and stressed after spending time with the dog.
It is important to note that the study had a small participant group, and not all participants were pet owners, which could affect the results. However, the study suggests a strong link between specific activities with dogs and positive changes in both brain activity and mood. This insight could help design more effective animal-assisted therapy programs in the future.
This research highlights the potential benefits of interacting with dogs, offering scientific support for the sense of comfort and focus many people experience around their canine companions.