Researchers from Konkuk University in South Korea explored how interactions with dogs influence brain activity related to stress regulation, attention, and mood. Findings appeared in a peer-reviewed journal article published in PLOS ONE.
To delve into how animal contact shapes cognitive and emotional states, the study invited 30 adult volunteers to engage in eight distinct activities with a well-trained dog. Participants photographed, played with, and offered treats to the animal during the session.
During the experiments, every participant wore electroencephalography devices to monitor electrical brain activity as they interacted with the dog.
Results showed that the alpha rhythm, a marker often linked to relaxation, increased when volunteers played with or walked with the dog. In healthy adults, alpha activity is typically strongest in the parietal, occipital, and sensorimotor regions of the cortex.
Conversely, engaging in brushing, stroking, or other interactive play with the dog led to a rise in beta activity, a pattern associated with heightened concentration. Beta waves are primarily observed in the frontal areas but can spread to other regions with intense mental effort.
The researchers emphasized that the patterns observed provide useful insights into how human-animal interactions may influence mental states. The data could inform future approaches for reducing anxiety and stress through animal-assisted experiences.
Earlier work in this field has pursued the evolutionary underpinnings of why humans form bonds with animals, offering context for these contemporary findings.