Latest news with #EuropeanPsychologist
The Star
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Dogs are being seen as children as pet ownership increases
Affection, vulnerable and totally dependent on their humans, dogs share many characteristics with children. These similarities may explain why some people refer to their pets as their 'babies', suggests a Hungarian study. This increasingly common anthropomorphic trend nevertheless raises ethical questions. In developed countries, the domesticated dog has become much more than a simple pet – it's often considered a family member in its own right. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, and one that has given rise to a forthright anthropomorphisation of our pets. In fact, it's no longer unusual for dogs adopted by Millennials or Gen Zs to have their own Instagram or TikTok accounts. The phenomenon is so widespread, particularly in Europe, East Asia and North America, that dogs are frequently referred to as 'fur babies'. Nothing is too good when it comes to offering these pooches the very best, as can be seen with the proliferation of dog-related products and services over the last few decades, including luxury grooming salons, strollers, dog parks and doggie daycare. There are even restaurants for dogs! Evident analogy The analogy with a young child is sometimes evident, and owners don't shy away from it: some even refer to their dog as their 'child' or 'baby'. Whether it's a way to ease loneliness, the satisfaction of having a dependent being to protect and train, or the feeling of being useful or needed, there are many reasons why these canines are perceived as child substitutes. A team of Hungarian researchers from the Department of Ethology at ELTE Eotvos Lorand University (Budapest) has studied this phenomenon in Western societies. Published in the journal European Psychologist, their study highlights several factors that may explain the phenomenon of likening dogs to children. One is that dogs' cognitive abilities and adaptability to human communication enable them to adopt a wide range of social behaviours, often comparable to those of pre-verbal children. But their morphology could also play a role in this association. In particular, the researchers link the appeal of small dogs – especially brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs and pugs – to infantile traits that can make them appear 'as helpless, harmless and innocent as small children.' Seen as children... but not quite as humans In the light of these arguments, it's easy to understand why some people call themselves 'dog parents' rather than 'masters' or 'owners' of their pets. But there are nevertheless some key differences. 'Despite the high dependency and attachment of dogs to their caregivers, in the eyes of many, commitments coming with dog ownership remain less burdensome than child parenting,' explains Laura Gillet, a PhD student at the Department of Ethology and coauthor of the study, quoted in a news release. Another difference is that, since dogs don't live as long as humans, their owners generally assume that they will outlive them – which is obviously not the case with a child. 'While some owners might see their dog as a child surrogate to spoil, others actively choose to have dogs and not children, bearing in mind that they have species-specific characteristics and needs,' the study authors write. They point out that, contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children. 'In most cases, dog parents choose dogs precisely because they are not like children, and they acknowledge their species- specific needs,' explains study coauthor, Eniko Kubinyi. These researchers are not new to the subject. They have also carried out another study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Involving over 700 dog owners, the research compared the relationships we have with our dogs to those we have with our loved ones. The results reveal that, in the eyes of their owners, dogs are more than just loyal companions: they combine the qualities of a child with those of a best friend. They inspire a sense of security and the need for protection, just as a child would, while at the same time offering a harmonious, conflict-free relationship, similar to a deep friendship. – AFP Relaxnews
Forbes
06-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Are Pets Replacing Children In Today's Families? A Psychologist Explains
As birth rates drop, more and more people are choosing pet parenting over child rearing. Here's why ... More it feels just as rewarding to them. Birth and fertility rates are falling in nearly every country. In the 1950s, women had an average of 4.9 children in their lifetime. But since 2023, statistics indicate that this number has dropped, by more than half, to a mere 2.3. For many, traditional parenthood is no longer a mandatory milestone. It's now a choice that is often deferred or declined altogether. Meanwhile, as more people move away from having children, many are turning instead to pet ownership to fill that space. Dogs, cats and other companion animals are increasingly being regarded as central members of the household. They are loved, cared for and deeply integrated into familial routines; they are no longer considered as 'just pets.' A May 2025 study published in European Psychologist sought to examine this novel norm, as well as what makes it so compelling to today's child-free couples. Led by researchers Laura Gillet and Enikő Kubinyi, the study uncovered various reasons why many couples find raising pets — particularly dogs — just as meaningful as raising children. Here's a breakdown of their three key findings. Gillet and Kubinyi suggest that the emotional bond between a human and their dog may mirror the attachment between a parent and child in many ways — beyond the extent of mere resemblance. Perhaps the most influential tool for studying attachment is Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). It involves placing an infant in a room with their primary caregiver, and then bringing a stranger into the room. The caregiver then leaves, only to return after around 10–15 minutes. The way the child responds in this brief period of time (by crying, clinging, exploring or calming down quickly) offers observers invaluable insights into the security of the child's attachment style. Remarkably, dogs have shown similar patterns when placed in an adapted version of the SSP. Gillet and Kubinyi highlight that dogs, too, tend to become more playful, explorative and relaxed in the presence of their owners. They also tend to grow more anxious or withdrawn when separated from them. As the authors note, dogs often perceive their humans as a 'safe haven' in the same way children do — a term lifted straight from attachment theory to describe the emotional security provided by a trusted figure. Beyond comforting the dog, this kind of bonding also triggers the caregiving system embedded intrinsically within humans. For many, their attachment to their pet (and feeling as though that attachment is reciprocal) can be incredibly rewarding. In many ways, the sense of being needed, trusted and appreciated scratches the same psychological itch as traditional parent–child relationships. The 2025 study also notes that attachment doesn't operate in a vacuum. Every strong bond, be it between a parent and child or a person and their dog, activates an underlying caregiving system. That system, Gillet and Kubinyi argue, is shaped by the consistent behavioral patterns we know as 'parenting styles.' In fact, their literature review suggests that many dog owners naturally fall into parenting patterns that largely mirror those of actual parents: permissive, authoritarian or authoritative. They develop routines. They establish boundaries. They adapt their responses to fit the temperament of their dog. They even learn to interpret their dogs' whining, barking or subtle shifts in behavior. In other words, they come to know their pet in much the same way a parent comes to know their baby. At the same time, pet parenting is likely also perceived as lower-stakes. As psychological researcher Małgorzata Szcześniak explained to me in a recent interview, 'We live in a world where an increase in the standard of living does not mean a linear increase in its perceived quality.' As such, she argues, 'These factors may translate into more people postponing parenthood.' In her research on the role of future anxiety in delayed parenthood, Szcześniak points to growing economic uncertainty, political instability, climate change and global conflict as key drivers of anxiety in potential parents. Many people today feel unsure whether simply being a good parent is enough to protect a child from the challenges that lie ahead. Pets, in contrast, can be sheltered far more easily from those threats. They don't need to go out and navigate the world alone. They don't need college funds, social media accounts or protection from the existential weight of adulthood. For many couples, this reduced risk — coupled with the many emotional rewards of caregiving — makes pet parenting a valid way to fulfill our deep, evolutionary drives without the immense responsibility of raising a child in an increasingly uncertain world. Beyond emotional bonding and caregiving behavior, Gillet and Kubinyi highlight the fact that dogs are remarkably intelligent — in ways that are strikingly similar to young children. Their review suggests that adult dogs possess cognitive abilities comparable to those of a 2- to 2.5-year-old child. Dogs consistently pass visible displacement tasks (where they watch an object being hidden and can successfully retrieve it). They demonstrate a firm grasp of object permanence. They can distinguish between similar shapes, colors and sizes. They're even capable of forming complex multi-sensory representations of both social beings and inanimate objects. These are some of the very same early cognitive milestones that human children reach within the first few months of life. Beyond the fact that dogs possess these cognitive abilities, they actually use them to interact with us on a daily basis. Dogs aren't smart in an abstract sense; they're emotionally intelligent, socially attuned and remarkably responsive to human behavior. Gillet and Kubinyi note that dogs often mirror our moods, respond to our tone of voice, maintain eye contact and even imitate our modelled behaviors. Many dogs can even understand up to dozens of spoken words and gestures. Their ability to integrate into human social environments so seamlessly and exceptionally well is part of what makes them such beloved companions. Watching a dog develop and become more attuned to your presence — much like children do — can be an invaluable source of pride and joy. But, in all likelihood, dogs' emotional resonance may be what makes pet parenting feel most meaningful of all. They're fiercely loyal. They're uncommonly devoted. And, most sacredly, they love us unconditionally. Do you find pet parenting a fulfilling part of your daily life? Take this science-backed test, and find out how connected you are to your (furry) little one: Pet Owner Connectedness Scale
Free Malaysia Today
03-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Why do some pet owners see dogs as their ‘furry children'?
Dogs share many characteristics with children, which is why some humans refer to pets as their 'babies', a Hungarian study suggests. (Envato Elements pic) PARIS : In developed countries, the domesticated dog has become much more than a simple pet – it's often considered a family member in its own right. Nothing is too good when it comes to offering these pooches the very best, as evidenced by the proliferation of dog-related products and services over the last few decades, including luxury grooming salons, strollers, dog parks, and doggie daycare. There are even restaurants for dogs! The analogy with a young child is sometimes evident, and owners don't shy away from it: some even refer to their dog as their 'child' or 'baby'. Whether it's a way to ease loneliness, the satisfaction of having a dependent being to protect and train, or the feeling of being useful or needed, there are many reasons why these canines are perceived as child substitutes. A team of Hungarian researchers from Elte Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest has studied this phenomenon in western societies. Published in the journal European Psychologist, their study highlights several factors that may explain the phenomenon of likening dogs to children. ADVERTISEMENT VIDCRUNCH Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Quality Auto Back 360p 240p 144p Auto Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x / Skip Ads by One is that dogs' cognitive abilities and adaptability to human communication enable them to adopt a wide range of social behaviours, often comparable to those of pre-verbal children. But their morphology could also play a role in this association: in particular, the researchers link the appeal of small dogs – especially breeds like French bulldogs and pugs – to infantile traits that can make them appear 'as helpless, harmless and innocent as small children'. In the light of these arguments, it's easy to understand why some people call themselves 'dog parents' rather than 'masters' or 'owners' of their pets. But there are nevertheless some key differences. 'Despite the high dependency and attachment of dogs to their caregivers, in the eyes of many, the commitments of dog ownership remain less burdensome than child parenting,' PhD student and study co-author Laura Gillet outlined. In most cases, dog parents choose canines precisely because they are unlike children, acknowledging their different species-specific needs. (Envato Elements pic) Another difference is that, since dogs don't live as long as humans, their owners generally assume they will outlive them – which is hopefully not the case with a child. 'While some owners might see their dog as a child surrogate to spoil, others actively choose to have dogs and not children, bearing in mind that they have species-specific characteristics and needs,' the study authors highlight. They point out that, contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children. 'In most cases, dog parents choose canines precisely because they are NOT like children,' stressed study co-author Enikő Kubinyi. These researchers are not new to the subject: recently, they carried out another study published in the journal Scientific Reports that compared the relationships we have with our dogs to those we have with our loved ones. The results reveal that, in the eyes of their owners, dogs are more than just loyal companions: they combine the qualities of a child with those of a best friend. They inspire a sense of security and the need for protection, just as a child would, while offering a harmonious, conflict-free relationship – similar to a deep friendship.
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Are millennials really substituting dogs for children? Obviously not – as any dog owner would know
Sometimes, when surprising new findings are published, you can't help but wonder why they asked that particular question, even as your interest is piqued by the answers. Last week, European Psychologist published a review of recent advances in pet research, and wrote: 'Given the two trends of more dogs being viewed as family members and a decline in the number of children, an important question arises: are people choosing dogs as a substitute for children?' The authors concluded: well, sometimes. One study found that 16% of dog owners actively thought of their dogs as children; another commented on the frequency with which owners referred to themselves as 'pet parents', their best friends as 'fur babies'. However, they also cautioned that, 'contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children. In most cases, dog parents choose dogs precisely because they are not like children.' The authors are based in Hungary, where low birthrates have been a hot-button issue for ages. This has led to policies that hit peak Handmaid's Tale this year, when the prime minister, Viktor Orbán, announced that mothers of two children or more would be exempted from paying income tax for life. So this intervention was rather cheering – in the first place, for being entirely factual and not prescriptive, and in the second, for talking about dogs. Generally speaking, and very noticeably when it comes from Orbán, the low-birthrate conversation is just hard-right world-building, an illogical mix of being fiercely anti-immigration while simultaneously hand-wringing that you're one generation away from having not enough people. Bring dogs into it, and everything feels calmer, kinder – or, at least, it does if you love dogs. And those who do will never quite get what non-dog lovers object to about them, which is a good thing, because if they did – or should I say, if we did – this is a hill we'd definitely die on. If you have a dog and a child, or just a dog, or neither but have had a dog in the past and have also met children, you'll know that, far from being fungible objects of love, they're actually the opposite of one another. While once people talked about the history of canine domestication via the wolf, it has since emerged that dogs and wolves are not that similar, and as much as we domesticated dogs, they also domesticated us. They taught us how to commune with another species, surrender to the unknowable, driven by nothing more or less complicated than love. Dogs can also sit and, often, give you their paw. Children, by contrast, are completely untrainable, and by the time they have trained themselves in ways that are very surprising (this could never be said about a dog), they'll be on their way. Which, again, is not a thing that dogs do. Speaking for myself, if I wanted to unlock this conundrum, I'd look elsewhere. Are birthrates going down because of declining living standards? Or to put that more simply: can anybody afford a baby? If we wanted to create societies conducive to large families, would we need to rediscover ambition in public services, and generosity in state support? Is there a pressing global pessimism, rooted in real and observable catastrophes such as inaction on the climate crisis and impotence in the face of conflict? Could it be that the world increasingly looks like an unlovely place for an infinitely precious and fragile human? And if I were absolutely determined to bring dogs into it – for instance, if I were a specialist in dog-human relationships – I would still lean towards the social determinants of pet ownership over parenting. This could focus on the availability of family care, and economic and time constraints, which the paper mentions briefly, rather than individual behaviours, such as mistaking your dog for a baby. The real reason dog ownership can't be seen as fulfilling 'a nurturing drive similar to parenting, but with fewer demands' (as the authors put it), is that it's not actually easier than having children. If there's any parallel, it's with the very earliest years of child rearing, when they have no independent universe of their own, look to you as their sun and moon, and will put literally anything in their mouth just to see what happens. As much joy as there is in this phase, it's easily the hardest bit. Considering this post-pandemic world, in which dog ownership, in the UK at least, is through the roof – 3.2m pets were bought during lockdown alone – you realise how much people relish having demands on their time and affection. Zoe Williams is a Guardian columnist
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Pets will never replace babies even though they're easier option for millennials… or this country will go to the dogs
WE all know someone who is a 'pet parent', don't we. Those who cherish and adore their dog 'fur babies', who puts their needs before their own and constantly spoils them. 7 7 It's a bond that should be cherished. After all they are man — and woman's — best friends. But our obsession for dogs is, incredibly, threatening the future of our country. A new academic report has shown that many people are actually avoiding having babies because they see dogs as 'their children' instead. Which is absolutely barking. This report, published in the journal European Psychologist, helps explain why our birth rate is declining. It says pets are fulfilling 'a nurturing drive similar to parenting, but with fewer demands than raising biological offspring'. Pet parents are even choosing dogs with 'infant-like features' such as large eyes, small noses and rounder faces. In other words, they look like babies. It's our millennials — those aged 29 to 36, who are in their peak baby-making years — who think a dog's life is the perfect, and only, way for them. How sad that they have already ditched any plans for real-life babies while their biological clocks are still firmly ticking. But I get it. I was very nearly one of them. Heartwarming moment pet owner cries with joy as he reunites with lost dog at burned LA home after thinking he was dead There were points, when me and the Geordie struggled to become human parents, that I truly thought our Boxer dog Layla was actually enough for me. We chose our wedding venue so she could be there, Layla has her own Instagram account and she often eats better food than we do. I have spent more than a year's salary just keeping her alive with operations on her legs and eye, scans for her kidney disease, hideously expensive medication for her allergies and when she had cancer last year we even paid for her to have chemotherapy. I couldn't love her any more than I do. But I will always be grateful that we became human parents too. Because I now know with complete certainty that being a mum to a dog just can't be compared. Different love, different interactions, different aspirations, different everything. It is on a different plane. I feel lucky that I have them both. Not everyone can have a child. And some never want one. There's no reason they should. But if you were contemplating parenthood it can these days seem like being one to a pet is the easier option. Less complicated While kids are stuffed into expensive nurseries, dogs are allowed to trot into the office and never leave your side. You see dogs in prams, in baby carriers. They are allowed in B&Q, Waterstones and John Lewis. We barely have to leave them at home. In Italy this week they ruled that large dogs can even sit next to their pet parents on planes. They are cheaper, easier, less complicated. But if the number of fur babies increases we must make sure that they, just like our kids, have boundaries. Because not everybody loves dogs — some are scared, others are allergic to them. I've seen an owner let their dog sprawl in the aisle of a train as passengers were forced to step over him, another who let their pooch stand on a table in a pub. If I allowed my six-year-old to do that there would — rightly — be outrage. I hope that those who are thinking of making one their entire family — instead of part of it — don't regret that decision in the long run. And I hope that as they raise them they try to realise that regardless of their love for their fur baby, it can never truly replace a human. Because if they do not, this country really will go to the dogs. Let 'em Loose again AS the chaos surrounding daytime TV emerged this week, I decided – for the purpose of research – to watch some recent episodes of Loose Women. It was the first time I'd seen it in about two decades, not because I am averse to daytime TV, but because when it is on I am usually at work. I discovered not a lot has changed – the same format, the same arrival into the studio as though they're bursting on to Stars In Their Eyes and outfits that make them look like fruit Skittles. But the major difference is that they are no longer 'loose women'. The show now appears scripted, staged and stale – full of woke opinions with a dose of fake shrieking. Which is a shame. Sadly, it is no surprise bosses want to cut down the episodes. But what they should have done is revamped it before shoving a gaping hole in the lives of all those who see it as part of their essential daily routine. Or, you know, actually allowed the presenters to do their jobs properly to pull in viewers and be what they're supposed to be – loose women. Every litter helps THE idea of Tesco setting up a wedding list sounds like a sensible one – after all, 'every little helps' doesn't it? So many couples live together be-fore they tie the knot, so they usually have their fill of tea towels and mugs before the big day arrives. But there's just something unromantic about a wedding gift package that includes bin bags, antibacterial hand wash and loo rolls, isn't there? And imagine only being able to remember what great aunt Margaret bought you as a gift because you're sitting on the loo. Ben serves beefcake – your turn next, Jamie BEN SHEPHARD is the latest middle-aged man to prove that they're not over the hill at 50. He looks amazing. Fans loved him stripping off for Men's Health. Ben is the newest star to hit the milestone and pack in the protein and the intense gym routines to transform their bodies and get a rippling six- pack. He follows in the shirt-stripping antics of 50-year-olds David Beckham, Jamie Lomas and Idris Elba. Now you've got to wonder who's next. Jamie Oliver hits that milestone on Tuesday. And if anybody was going to do it, you'd imagine it would be The Naked Chef. No pressure, Jamie. Becks rift is so sad 7 THE fallout between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents is sad. Not because they are in the spotlight or because they are rich and famous, but because any family fallout is unpleasant. And now this rift appears to have rippled up to Brooklyn's grandparents, because last Sunday he failed to wish his grandad Tony Adams, Victoria's father, a happy birthday. Which is so sad considering they were once so close. It's not because Brooklyn has lost the ability to use social media. The week before, he posted to mark the anniversary of the death of his wife Nicola's grandmother saying how he misses her 'every day'. It may be wise for Brooklyn to remember how heartbroken he is about her when thinking of his own family. As the saying goes, you should never go to sleep on an argument. Because none of us ever know what the future holds. A real shock MOLLY-MAE HAGUE might be a reality star, but she appears to have actually lost her grip on reality. After a flight from Dubai and a seven- hour hair appointment, she got leg pain and thought she had a blood clot, so went to A&E. It was 'packed', a 'sad environment' with such a long queue she headed home. She was forced to return, still in pain the next day. And she came back to Planet Earth.
