Love for animals: what does it depend on and how does it affect us?

In the last times, The love for animals has increased within our society. Not only are we more aware that they are living and sentient beings, that they deserve respect and have the right to a dignified life. In addition, more and more people are establishing bonds with these creatures who often become another member of the family. However, not all of us share this feeling to the same degree.

There are still those who cannot feel that empathy or emotional closeness towards their companions in the animal kingdom. For many people, bringing a pet into the home is unthinkable; and, although they would never harm them, they simply do not experience that connection that others find so rewarding and beneficial. What are these differences due to and how do they affect us? We explore it below.

Where does the love for animals come from?

Animal characteristics

Historically, human beings have lived with animals of other species in the natural environment and have established different relationships. From hunting to domestication, our interactions with them have led us to empathize, cohabit and take these beings into consideration to an increasing degree.

Research, carried out by Northeastern University, showed that We are even capable of experiencing greater compassion for animals than for members of our own species.. Thus, in this research, 256 participants were shown a (fake) news story in which a puppy, a dog, a human baby or an adult (depending on the case) had been attacked and beaten.

When evaluating the level of empathy that the volunteers felt for the victim, the adult human came out worst. The baby, the puppy and the dog (in this order) managed to awaken more feelings of compassion and distress in those who read the text. So, it seems that The vulnerability perceived in animals mobilizes our feelings to a high degree, even greater than if it were our fellow human beings.

Furthermore, in the absence of human reasoning, there is no judgment, manipulation or resentment. So, Animals offer us their presence, their love and their company in a pure and genuine way, they accept us as we are.. This is one of the reasons why so many people love animals.

Personality traits

On the other hand, people who experience love for animals to a greater extent usually share a series of qualities. These are generally individuals with great sensitivity, solidarity and sense of justice; They are noble and compassionate people.

On the contrary, those who do not feel any empathy towards animals and even mistreat them are more likely to suffer from psychological and emotional disorders. These are usually selfish, narcissistic and despotic people, with a greater tendency to also be violent towards other human beings.

Personal history and background

We cannot ignore the fact that upbringing has a great influence on the perception that each person has of animals. Those children who grow up in the company of pets and in homes in which animals occupy an important place are more capable of appreciating their virtues, connecting with them and benefiting from the interaction.

On the other hand, fear or dislike of animals can also be acquired by growing up with parents who hold these attitudes or by experiencing an unpleasant event with an animal.

How does love for animals affect us?

As the French writer Anatole France stated: “until you have loved an animal, part of your soul will remain asleep.” And it is that The emotional bond we establish with these beings is extremely enriching. and different from any other. Those who live with pets or interact with animals obtain multiple benefits. For example:

They turn into more compassionate and altruistic people.Blood pressure is reduced, heart rate is leveled and stress decreases considerably.They have a higher level of well-being and satisfaction, Improves mood and experiences more positive emotions.

However, love for animals is not always so positive. Some people with social difficulties find in them the comfort, acceptance and company that they cannot obtain from other people. Thus, They may choose to take refuge in animals instead of working on their interpersonal limitations..

On the other hand, When this love is excessive it can harm the individual on a personal, work, social or economic level.. For example, leading to hoarding, preventing you from performing professionally, or consuming your time or money resources to an excessive degree.

In short, loving animals enriches us, it allows us to experience a unique emotional bond that benefits our mental and physical health. However, if it interferes with our routine, it is important that we seek help.

In the same way, Those who do not feel this special connection with animals and prefer not to share their lives with them maintain a position that is just as respectable., as long as they don’t make any years of it. Each individual finds well-being in his own way.

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