Study Says Petting Dogs or Cats Can Reduce Stress
- 5 years ago
Study Says Petting Dogs
or Cats Can Reduce Stress A study commissioned by Washington State
University has found that comfort from an animal
can have a “significant impact” on stress levels. In as little as 10 minutes, interacting with animals
was found to cause a significant reduction
of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. The study, which involved almost 250 college
students, examined four different groups. One group was allowed to interact with the cats
and dogs for 10 minutes, while the other three
groups either observed or remained isolated. Researchers then took saliva samples from the
participants and found that those who directly
interacted with the animals had less cortisol. Patricia Pendry, an associate
professor at WSU, believes the
study shows “exciting” results. Patricia Pendry,
via The Ladders
or Cats Can Reduce Stress A study commissioned by Washington State
University has found that comfort from an animal
can have a “significant impact” on stress levels. In as little as 10 minutes, interacting with animals
was found to cause a significant reduction
of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. The study, which involved almost 250 college
students, examined four different groups. One group was allowed to interact with the cats
and dogs for 10 minutes, while the other three
groups either observed or remained isolated. Researchers then took saliva samples from the
participants and found that those who directly
interacted with the animals had less cortisol. Patricia Pendry, an associate
professor at WSU, believes the
study shows “exciting” results. Patricia Pendry,
via The Ladders