Introduction

Some studies have suggested that owning a pet may have wide-ranging beneficial implications may involve reducing stress, improving one’s mood, and stimulating social intercourse. These are the benefits of MNEs based on a literature review and evidence contained in this paper.

Methodology

The data was gathered purposively and from different sources, in the form of articles, questionnaires filled by different organizations, and opinion of professional therapists and veterinarians.

Findings

1. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety

Research from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI): The presence of a pet is the only thing that can significantly lower stress and the general high level of anxiety in a person. Pet owned beings reduce loneness, hence provide companionship which in turn relieves stress and anxiety (HABRI, 2020, “The Impact of Pets on Stress and Anxiety”).

Study by the American Heart Association: Those who own pets, particularly dogs, are less stressed, have lower blood pressure when under pressure than those who don’t own pets, preferably dogs more so the cardiovascular benefits on owning pets (American Heart Association, 2019).

2. Improvements in the Ways that People React Emotionally and Improvements in the State of Psychological Well-being

Journal of Psychiatric Research: Those who have interaction with pets have increased chances of producing serotonin and dopamine in the brains which has much impact on the moods (Saguay, M. (2021). The Neurochemical Benefits of Human-Animal Interaction. Journal of Psychiatric Research).

Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Pets owners, especially those with pet animals, have a lower likelihood of having a depressed state and are comparatively more comfortable than people without pet animals (CDC, 2020, Mental Health Benefits of Pet Ownership).

3. Increased Social Interaction

Research by the American Sociological Association: Being a pet owner ensures the owner has social contacts since pet usually ensures the owner has some contacts with other people. Among them, new friends can be met in a dog owner’s strolls, which has been claimed by the American Sociological Association: Among such benefits, one could list “Dog owners get a better chance to find new friends” (2018, Social Benefits of Dog Ownership: Special Issue).

Study in the Journal of Social Psychology: Pets in this case assist in the reduction of loneliness, particularly to the elderly since they give a responsibility and timetable (Source: Journal of Social Psychology, 2019, Heading: Reducing Loneliness through Pet Ownership and Happy Healthy Incredible Dogs: A Field Guide).

4. Mental Health Services for Mentally Ill Patients

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Yes, service animals or therapy animals are used in therapy of PTSD, and other disorders including autism and numerous other diseases. Friendliness may be obtained from the patient’s pet throughout the treatment (Veterinary Clinics of North America, 2021, Therapeutic Use of Animals in Mental Health Care).

National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH suggests that children with autism when they engage with animals, it brings about a positive impact especially in the social experience and psychological well-being of the child (NIH, 2020, Animal-Assisted Interventions in Autism).

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be stated that pet possession has several psychological advantages, for instance stress and anxiety reduction, mood boosting, increased interaction with people, and assistance with mental health disorders sort of imply that pet possession is a beneficial factor for the improvement of mental health among the populace.

References

• In today’s world, one important organization that invests in pet and animal related research is the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, or HABRI. (2020). Looking at the effects that pets have on stress: “Pets and Stress And Anxiety.”
• American Heart Association. (2019). ”The Science of PET Ownership as Related to Cardiovascular Health.”
• Journal of Psychiatric Research. (2021). What Makes Human-Animal Interaction Been So Spiritual: The Neurochemical Advantages.
• H1N1 Influenza: Pandemic (H1N1 2009) update 59 [last modified 7 December 2010]. World Health Organization.; Influenza (flu). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. (2020). The Major Advantages of Owning a Pet with Regards to Mental Health.
• American Sociological Association. (2018). I am a proud member of the ‘Dog Health Community’ and ‘Owner of Dogs’ and ‘Fur kids’ and these are the social benefits that come with owning a dog.
• Journal of Social Psychology. (2019). The following is one of the topics that were proposed by the magazine: Minimizing the effects of loneliness through finding a family pet.
• Veterinary Clinics of North America 17(1) 142-152. (2021). A title of a research study: ‘Animals as a Tool in Mental Health.’
• The National Institute of Health (NIH). (2020).: FACIL Animal-Assisted Interventions in Autism.