Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, psychologist and clinical services instructor at Newport Healthcare, agrees, explaining that "strong human-animal bonds" can be very beneficial for people."[They] are associated with reduced stress, improved mood, increased emotional regulation and a greater sense of connection and companionship," she says.
Related: 7 Traits of People Who Talk to Their Pets Like Humans, According to Psychologists
Is It Normal To See Your Pet as Your Child?
"This type of attachment is not replacing human relationships. In most cases, it is expanding them," says Dr. Lauren Mahoney, a New York school psychologist who provides private practice services at Authentically Living Psychological Services. "People who view their pets as children are still very aware of context... When people say, 'He’s part of my family'... they are describing how the relationship is experienced psychologically."Dr. Dragonette adds that most people "are aware that the relationship is different from parenting a child," but they can still experience a deep and meaningful bond with their pet. She says it's "less about confusing pets with human children and more about expressing attachment, responsibility and emotional closeness."Related: Psychologist Says if You Give ‘People Names’ to Your Pets, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
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2. Caring
Dr. Dragonette says that someone who thinks of their pet as a child probably "genuinely [enjoys] nurturing and caring for another living being." She adds that this caregiving attitude helps people gain "a sense of meaning, responsibility and emotional fulfillment" from their lives.
Related: People Who Sleep in the Same Bed as Their Pets Often Display These 10 Traits, Psychologists Say
4. Routine-oriented
Dr. Mahoney agrees, sharing that many will structure their day around their pet.
The consistency of love from a pet "can be appealing to people who find human relationships stressful or unpredictable," says Dr. Vogel.
That is, of course, appealing to those who are conflict-averse.
6. Perceptive
"Individuals who view their pets as children tend to be highly attuned and deeply consistent in how they show up," says Dr. Mahoney, adding, "You will hear things like, 'Something’s off, I can tell,' or 'He’s not acting like himself today.' Dr. Dragonette adds that a perceptive mindset can expand beyond their bond with their pet."In many cases, they are attentive not only to the needs of their pets, but also to shifts in mood and emotional tone in their broader relationships," she shares.Related: 8 Things ‘Highly Perceptive’ People Instantly Notice About Others, According to a Psychologist
7. Loyal
Is It Bad or Appropriate To Say You Think of Your Pet as Your Child?
While you may think of your pet as a child, it's not uncommon for parents of human children to take offense to that.
But she adds that a strong connection with a pet "does not invalidate or compete with the experience of parenthood" because the relationships simply "serve different roles, and both can hold significant emotional importance simultaneously."
"People are capable of forming profound emotional bonds across many different types of relationships," she states.
"Different people interpret that language differently," she adds. Even if it's not your intention, she says, "It may feel like a comparison that minimizes their experience."
"I’m looking at whether it enriches their daily lives, supports their emotional well-being and coexists with other healthy relationships," she notes. "If it does, then it’s generally a positive and adaptive bond."
Related: 7 Traits of People Who Prefer the Company of Dogs Over Humans, According to Psychologists
Sources:
Dr. Meghan Marcum is the Chief Psychologist at AMFM Healthcare.Dr. Jennifer Dragonette is a psychologist and the clinical services instructor at Newport Healthcare.Dr. Laura Vogel is a psychologist and the Director of Mental Health Services at the Momentous Institute.Dr. Lauren Mahoney is a New York school psychologist providing private practice services at Authentically Living Psychological Services.Hence then, the article about psychologists say if you think of your pet as your child you likely have these 7 traits was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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