We continue our Human Animal Bond Series today with Part 3. Theories explaining the healing power of the Human Animal Bond. This is a continuation of my learning received through some introductory courses at the Dreamcatcher Association and at Healing Hooves, interspersed with some personal life connections and reflections.
There have been several different ways people have tried to explain how their bonds to animals have created such life-altering benefits. As noted in the first two articles of the series, these benefits can range from emotional well-being, to physical decrease in anxiety to improved social skills and cognitive abilities, and more. Depending on how an intervention harnesses the healing power of the Human Animal Bond (HAB), these bonds can help people to identify their true selves, practice skills that have been scary or unfamiliar such as being assertive or learning to be vulnerable with others, and helps people make connections between how they are around the horses and other parts of their “regular lives”. It can be interesting to see the ways in which people have tried to explain this connection. Some of the common theories are listed below. They are not a complete list. In fact, there may be other real life experiences that help you explain this bond and its benefits in your life!
Biophilia
Biophilia translates to a love of or affinity for living things. The idea behind this is that humans naturally spent time with animals over centuries and we have evolved to show biological shifts in their presence. The presence of animals and spending time in nature settings usually have calming effects. Biophilia is thought to explain why we are naturally drawn to nature and living things, although everyone has their differences.
Attachment
There are different explanations describing the attachment inherent in the Human Animal Bond. In other words, these ideas speak about how the human animal bond offers one a chance at a safe or secure bond with another living being, which is known as healthy attachment. When people struggle with attachments to other people in their lives, having a bond to their companion animal is a nurturing safe connection with someone who is nonjudgmental and reliable in their responses. These ideas explain that the special bond between humans and companion animals arises out of the natural need to be attached or close to someone significant in our lives, and these attachments can help one to develop skills and ability to have such connections with safe others also.
Motivation and Learning Theory
This theory explains the healing power of the Human Animal Bond as being highly motivating for people. Being with animals can motivate one to do things such as taking the dog for a walk. People also thrive on trying new things with their animals’ encouragement. Learning theory talks about how the more that something a person does causes positive consequences, the more likely they are to do it again in the future. Being with animals can feel restful and enjoyable. This idea talks about how there is a strong bond between animals and humans because of the powerful reward effect and good feelings that animal company provides.
Social Support
This theory focuses on how being with animals and the Human Animal Bond can reduce loneliness and isolation and create natural opportunities for social connections with others. Anyone who visits the dog park or walks their dog knows that being around other dog lovers can inspire a social network of support and mutual interest. This also applies to the bond with cats and other animals. People also feel less lonely when they enjoy positive and supportive bonds with their pets, which has benefits for their mental and physical health in the long term. This can also explain the healing power of the HAB in research and in personal experience.
Do these ideas stir up any particular thoughts or feelings? Do you relate to any of these ideas or do you have other ideas that explain the Human Animal Bond better for you? Please share any questions or comments below.
