Historically and traditionally, empathy has been linked to the female figure. And in the field of care, either from people or animals, this perception has been reinforced to become cliché: they are sensitive, natural caregivers, which ‘understand speechless’. However, the human-animal bond transcends gender, and more and more studies show it. One of the last, published in the magazine Welfare animalit has been proposed look beyond stereotypes to explore how and when men develop empathy towards other species. The result? Direct coexistence with animals, especially with pets, makes a difference.
The investigation, led by Georgia Anne Frampton and Jessica Lee Oliva, is based on a sample of 91 Australian men divided into three groups: Coexperants with family or company animals, workers in the agricultural field and men with little or no animal experience.
To more pets, more empathy
The study starts from a hypothesis known as Pets Ambussadorsthat suggests that Having an animal at home can be an emotional entrance way for respect and consideration Towards other animals. In other words, caring for a dog, cat or any other animal daily makes the message better that animals feel, suffer and deserve a decent treatment and life.
The results seem Confirm this idea and the cohabiting men with family animals obtained the highest scores on the animal empathy scale (a tool that measures empathic attitudes towards animals). Secondly, the workers of the livestock or agricultural sector were, and in the last place, those with little or zero interaction with animals. On average, the difference between the first and third group exceeded 25 points.
Jessica Lee Oliva, author of the study and professor of Psychology at James Cook University, in Douglas, Australia, summarizes it as “animals with animals matter. But those that imply a Emotional, economic and lifestyle investmentas happens when taking care of an animal without waiting for financial compensation, are the relationships that most encourage empathy. ”
DIRECT CONTACT OR DOCUMENTARY: What does most influence?
Beyond the numbers, the study also analyzed the personal experiences that influenced the perception of animals sensitivity. Among those who lived with pets, most mentioned their daily coexistence as the main influence factor. On the other hand, agricultural workers talked about their work experiences, and the group with little or no experience indicated sporadic interactions with other people’s animals.
This suggests that It is not enough to see animals in documentaries or know theories about their behavior. What really generates a change of look is the close link, direct contact and, above all, the responsibility for care. “Our study reveals that it is different when the link includes worry about your food, health, emotional well -being And quality of life, ”says one of the expert authors in the relationships between humans and animals.” That changes the way we see them … In my case, after living with my dog, I saw her gaze on every animal I suffered. “
Work animals and emotional self -care
A fact that caught the attention of the researchers was the difference in the evaluations between those considered pets and the work or consumption animals. Among the participants dedicated to agriculture and livestock, the most common type of animal in the home were birds or fish. When they talked about dogs, they did it as work tools: “I was surprised that none had a dog outside their work environment,” said Jessica Lee Oliva for Psypost.org. “This suggests that Not all dogs act as emotional ‘ambassadors’. It depends on how the link is established”
The team also points to a possible phenomenon of cognitive dissonance: if taking care of an animal implies generating affection, but that animal is part of an economic process that includes its death or suffering, it is possible that it establishes a certain emotional distance as a protection mechanism. And that can also move to other species.
Who takes care of who?
Although the study cannot demonstrate a direct causal relationship, that is, it does not confirm whether to live with an animal increases empathy or if it is empathic men who tend to introduce animals in their lifedoes indicate a clear correlation.
For those who work in education or dissemination, these types of results can lead to create strategies focused on direct contact with animals instead of simply appealing to reason or showing animal abuse figures. But it also implies a paradox, as one of the researchers comments. “Having or living with a pet can increase empathy, but also It implies controlling your freedom“, Recognizes Jessica Lee Oliva.” That is why it is important that the adoption or acquisition of an animal is a thoughtful and committed decision, with the willingness to enrich their life and allow them to decide on basic aspects of their day to day. “
Reference:
#study #explores #male #empathy #role #animals #emotional #catalysts
.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1075&ssl=1 "Crispr therapies have just taken a jump unprecedented: it is already possible")
