In a new study from Konkuk University in South Korea, published in PLOS One, researchers have uncovered that engaging in specific activities with dogs can increase brain activity in areas associated with relaxation, emotional stability, attention, and concentration. Moreover, such interactions can lead to a decrease in stress and foster positive emotional responses. This intriguing discovery adds a scientific backing to the age-old bond between humans and dogs, suggesting that our furry companions could play a key role in improving mental health and cognitive functions.
The motivation behind this study stems from the growing evidence of the health benefits derived from human-animal interactions, particularly with dogs. Previous research has highlighted that spending time with dogs can increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief, and decrease cortisol, a stress hormone, contributing to lower risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Despite the wealth of knowledge on the general benefits of animal-assisted interventions, there’s been a lack of specific research into how different types of activities with dogs affect psychological and physiological responses. This study aims to fill that gap by investigating the impact of various dog-related activities on the human brain and subjective mood.
The research team recruited 30 participants, ranging from 20 to 40 years old, through advertisements placed in pet salons and a dog beauty academy. To participate, individuals had to be free from allergies to dogs, cynophobia (fear of dogs), significant health conditions, and pregnancy. They were also asked to refrain from consuming stimulants like caffeine and nicotine before the experiment. This selection process was vital to minimizing external factors that could influence the study’s outcomes.
The experimental setup was designed to provide a controlled environment that would mimic natural interactions with dogs while minimizing distractions and external noise. The activities took place in an independent office space, specifically prepared to ensure a consistent and suitable environment for the study. The activities included meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photography, hugging, and walking with a dog. Following each activity, participants completed mood questionnaires.
A significant component of the methodology was the use of electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity, a technique that provides insights into the electrical activity of the brain. Participants wore a wireless EEG device equipped with dry electrodes, offering a non-invasive way to record brainwave patterns during each activity.
EEG data is represented as waveforms, which can be analyzed to understand different aspects of brain activity. The brain generates electrical signals at various frequencies, which are categorized into bands such as delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. Each of these bands is associated with different brain states.
One of the key findings of the study was the significant increase in brain activity observed during certain interactions with dogs, particularly activities that involved playing and walking. The EEG data revealed enhanced activation in areas of the brain associated with relaxation and emotional stability, as indicated by increased alpha wave activity.
This suggests that engaging in playful activities or taking walks with dogs can lead to a more relaxed and emotionally stable state. Furthermore, these activities were also found to stimulate areas of the brain related to attention and concentration.
The mood questionnaire data corroborated the EEG findings, as participants reported feeling significantly less stressed and more positive after engaging in activities with the dog. Notably, activities such as feeding, massaging, and hugging the dog were associated with particularly positive mood states, including reduced feelings of fatigue and depression, and increased feelings of vigor. This aligns with the notion that direct, physical interactions with dogs can foster a sense of emotional well-being and connection.
Moreover, the research highlighted the specificity of the brain’s response to different types of activities. For instance, massage and grooming activities were associated with increased brain activity in regions involved in concentration and attention, as well as in sensory and motor functions.
“Our study demonstrates that animal interaction activities, such as playing, walking, massaging, and grooming dogs, have a positive effect by facilitating increased brain activity in healthy participants,” the researchers concluded. “This indicates that certain activities activate relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity. Notably, playing with the dog has an affirmative effect on both relaxation and concentration. Additionally, through a subjective mood assessment, results revealed that interactions with dogs can decrease human stress and induce positive emotional responses.”
Despite these promising results, there are some limitations to note, including a relatively small sample size and the possibility of bias due to the participants’ predispositions towards animals. Future research with larger groups and a broader range of activities is suggested to further understand and validate the mechanisms behind these beneficial effects of human-animal interaction.
The study, “Psychophysiological and emotional effects of human–Dog interactions by activity type: An electroencephalogram study,” was authored by Onyoo Yoo, YuTong Wu, Jin Soo Han, and Sin-Ae Park.
