Why have pets become their humans’ “ideal babies”?

Nearly six in 10 Belgians say they prefer their pet’s company to their partner’s when they need to relax during stress. Véronique Servais, a psychologist and professor of communication anthropology at the University of Liège, says the finding needs to be read carefully.

The result sounds spectacular if it is taken to mean that people prefer animals to their partners. But a differently worded survey might have found that people prefer running, walking in a forest or hitting a ball when dealing with stress. Even so, a cat or dog makes it easier to release tension. The animal asks nothing, and may simply allow itself to be stroked, which increases oxytocin and lowers stress hormones.

Animal relationships are less socially demanding, Servais said. They allow people to let go and enjoy the simple presence of an animal that appears to accept them “as we are.” These relationships rest on different foundations, including the basic pleasure of being together. Contact with an animal can help people reframe a situation and see things differently.

Since social science research on pets began in the 1980s, researchers have considered animals a possible response to the difficulties of an individualistic and stressful way of life. Servais said more people clearly experience loneliness, while relationships with pets can offer comfort and a reassuring presence. By giving affection to an animal, isolated people can maintain a social identity and meaningful relationships with living beings for whom they matter.

But pets are found mainly in families, she said, so it would be wrong to see their main function as helping lonely people. People can also feel lonely within a family and find comfort in the family pet. Walking a dog may create social ties, but it can also isolate someone further, for example when the person stops visiting friends or going out.

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as we are