Even the thought of a beloved pet has a positive effect on our well-being. Scientists’ evidence.
Pets bring us good even at a distance. American psychologist Allen R. McConnell asked participants in an experiment to recall a situation in which they felt alone, helpless, or rejected. And then write a short essay about your pet or best friend (the control group drew a plan of the campus). As a result, the scientist was convinced that the memory of a beloved animal helps us to survive an unpleasant moment and feel better just as effectively as the thought of friendly support*.
* Journal of Personality and Social Psychologу, 2011, vol. 101, № 6.