SEOUL: A recent study carried out by researchers from Konkuk University, South Korea, has shed new light on the benefits of spending quality time with dogs. Published in 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the study indicates that interacting with dogs can diminish stress levels and augment brain wave activity linked to relaxation and focus.
Led by Onyoo Yoo and his team, the study aimed to explore how various interactions with dogs influence individuals’ moods and physiological responses. Diverging from previous research that typically examined general mood assessments or hormone levels, this study delved into the specific impacts of activities like playing, grooming, and feeding on participants’ well-being.
Thirty adult participants engaged in eight distinct activities with a well-trained dog, encompassing actions such as playing with toys, offering treats, and capturing photos. Electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes monitored participants’ brain wave activity during these interactions, while their subjective emotional states were recorded immediately afterward.
The results unveiled noteworthy positive effects on participants’ mood and brain wave patterns. Engaging in activities like playing and walking with the dog triggered an increase in alpha-band oscillations in the brain, indicating a state of relaxed wakefulness. Conversely, tasks such as grooming, massaging, and playing elicited heightened beta-band oscillation strength, correlating with enhanced concentration. Overall, participants reported reduced feelings of fatigue, depression, and stress following interactions with the dog.
Although some participants did not own pets themselves, their affinity for animals likely influenced their willingness to participate, potentially introducing bias into the findings. However, the study underscores the potential for targeted animal-assisted interventions in the future, based on the specific physiological effects of different activities.
This research enriches our comprehension of the therapeutic advantages of engaging with dogs and emphasizes the significance of integrating such activities into healthcare and educational environments. As animal-assisted interventions gain prominence, studies like this offer valuable insights for crafting effective and tailored programs geared toward enhancing well-being and alleviating stress.
