Lovely and lively pets can bring joy to one's family. In addition, some research findings show one can benefit physically and emotionally from interaction with their pets. PSYNET will introduce the "Pets and Mental Health" series in three successive issues of OffBeat.

In the book "Pets and Mental Health", Odean Cusak (1988) cites various studies to illustrate the benefits of human-pet interaction to physical and mental health. According to the study by Erika Friedmaan in the 80's, the one-year survival rate of patients of coronary heart disease with pets is higher than that of patients without pets. Why can pets facilitate the rehabilitation of patients? The fact that walking a pet dog will increase one's exercise may be one of the factors contributing to the rehabilitation. In addition, some studies find that stroking and patting small animals can temporarily lower one's blood pressure and heart beat rate. Interaction with pets can indeed reduce one's physical response to stress.

Why do animals possess such magic power? Various studies and observations point out:

(1) As pets are active and energetic, taking care of them will indirectly increase one's exercise;

(2) The presence of, or playing with, pets can temporarily distract one from problems and worries;

(3) Caring of pets may encourage a sense of nurturance for the weak so as to raise one's motivation and interest in life;

(4) Faithful pets can establish a stable and intimate relationship with their owners by giving unconditional love;

(5) Pets can assist one in removing social barriers. Pets can be a topic of conversations with strangers, so animals can be considered as a social lubricant.

Recently, an article in the "British Journal of Health Psychology" issued in February 2007 by the British Psychological Society reviewed a number of research findings over the years about animals and human health. It shows that animals can minimise the impact of some stressful events (such as death of family members and divorce, etc.) by reducing one's anxiety, loneliness and depression, as well as enhancing one's ability and sense of self-control and self-esteem.

Though one can benefit a lot from interaction with pets, it is not suggested one should buy a pet merely because of the above benefits, without giving due consideration. Just like children, small animals will have physical, emotional and behavioral problems if they do not receive proper care and guidance, which will consequently increase your stress. Therefore, as a responsible owner, you have to ask yourself these questions:

(1) Do I really like small animals without seeing them as something new and trendy?

(2) Is my home spacious enough for my pet to move around?

(3) Do I have time and patience to look after my pet?

Bear in mind that keeping small animals is a lifelong commitment.

How can people who cannot afford keeping pets benefit from interaction with animals? This is the subject of "Animal Assisted Therapy" in the next issue.

References:

* Cusak, O. (1988). Pets and Mental Health. New York: Haworth Press.

* http://www.deltasociety.org

* Wells D.L. (2007). Domestic dogs and human health: An overview. British Journal of Health Psychology, 12, 145-156.