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The Positive Benefits Of Human Animal Bond

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In writing my final reflection assignment, I chose to conduct my research on the many positive benefits that a human-animal relationship has on a person’s emotional, physiological and even physical wellness across the lifespan, in this paper I will discuss a review of the literature regarding my chosen topic and how this information will impact my life. I chose to conduct further research on the importance of the human-animal relationship, because according to our class readings, interactions with animals can help reduce harmful stress caused by the body’s sympathetic nervous system, the affection and bonding time one experiences from owning a pet, can cause a happy emotional response by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, as…show more content…
Shubert (2012) explains that animals are useful in changing harmful behavior because, “unlike many people, their feedback is both quick and honest. In addition, working with animals can lead to increased feelings of self-efficacy and accomplishment,” (p.23). Many studies were conducted centered around the theory of attachment, they found that human-animal relationships form attachment behaviors, “particularly when the animal serves as a confidant and provides solace during times of stress . . . the aspects of attachment theory that are equally applicable to both human-human attachment and human-animal attachment include an emotional bond, goodness of fit, secure base, seeking proximity, and representational models, a relationship with a companion animal represents one of many potential social bonds,” (Shubert, 2012, p. 24). Many studies were also conducted on Pet ownerships and the effects on physical health, specifically on human-dog relationships, researchers found that the use of dogs enhanced the life expectancy of individuals with cardiovascular disease, as well as contact with a therapy dog reduced anxiety and depression, therefore they concluded that human-dog relationships “meet a large variety of human needs, both physical and emotional,” (Shubert, 2012, p. 25). Research
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