Pets are another member of the family. Learn about the positive impact your bond with your dog has on your mental health.
More and more experts confirm the effect of pets in the mental health of people. Interact with dogs can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and promote an overall sense of well-being.
So far, information on the impact on brain activity caused by the effects of interaction with dogs is insufficient. That is why it remains a matter of research. But, little by little, the first conclusions are beginning to arrive.
A study confirmed that playing with pets relaxes us
A group of researchers from the Konkuk University in South Korea They conducted a series of experiments and published their findings regarding the relationship between people and dogs in the scientific journal PLOS One. The study verifies the positive effects to interact with dogs in human brain activity.
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Through data collected through electroencephalographygreater activation was revealed in brain areas associated with relaxation and the emotional stability when interacting with animals. This increase in activity was reflected in the increase in alpha waves, indicating an improvement in memory and a reduction in mental stress, as reported by CNN.
The scientists observed a marked increase in brain activity mainly during certain interactions with these faithful companions, especially in play and walk situations.
How was the experiment that confirmed the theory?
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The study was carried out between 30 healthy adults with an average age of 27 years South Korea. The experiment participants performed eight different activities with a dog, such as playing, feeding, massaging and photographing. Each action took place for three minutes, a period in which brain waves were measured in the prefrontal, frontal, parietal and occipital lobes.
In the second part of the study, people had to complete a questionnaire to describe your mood and feelings. Finally, the scientists compared these responses with the brain activity recorded in each participant.
The research concluded that specific activities with dogs can induce a greater relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration and creativity, by stimulating greater brain activity. These results offer valuable insight into the therapeutic effects of animal-assisted interventions. However, there are more studies and tests to be carried out regarding this great finding.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
