Study: Pets boost positive emotions in couples
Pets increase positive emotions in interactions, especially for romantic partners.
Why it matters
- Pets can enhance social interactions and mood, potentially improving well-being.
- The effect is stronger and longer-lasting for romantic partners compared to friends.
By the numbers
- 164 participants: 37 romantic couples and 45 friend pairs.
- Pets increased positive facial expressions more than stuffed animals.
- The effect lasted longer for romantic couples than friends.
The big picture
- Pets may act as social facilitators, enhancing positive emotions during interactions.
- The effect is longer-lasting for romantic partners, suggesting pets may strengthen these relationships.
What they're saying
- "Pets can have a positive effect on humans' facial expressions and mood during social interactions, potentially even if the pet is not physically present." - Study author Ece Beren Barklam.
Caveats
- Participants were mostly satisfied with their relationships.
- Participants knew they were being recorded, which may have influenced behavior.
What’s next
- Further research needed to understand how pets affect different types of relationships.
- Explore mechanisms behind pets' effects on social interactions.