In Spain they registered 86,595 divorce cases In 2024, an increase of 8.2% after two years of decline, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics. These are numbers that reflect the emotional fragility we live in during times of overload and exhausting rhythms.
For years there has been talk about Benefits of living with a dog Or a cat and how it helps reduce stress, regulate blood pressure, relieve loneliness, and even improve cardiovascular health. But a new study suggests that companionship with animals not only improves one’s well-being; Quality of romantic relationships. His interpretation focuses on positive feelings that last beyond the moment we pet the animal.
Infectious effect
The starting point for the study was a seemingly innocent question: Can the emotions we feel when interacting with our dog or cat have an indirect impact on how we relate to our partner? The hypothesis was that contact with animals, by awakening expressions of joy or tenderness, could leave a mark Emotional imprint Which extends to communication between humans.
To verify this, the authors collected 164 people (74 couples and 90 friends) and invited them to participate in a series of video-recorded conversations. Some of these conversations were conducted in the presence of their animals (mostly dogs), others with a stuffed animal, and others without any stimulation. Next, the researchers analyzed each participant’s subtle facial gestures using an emotional coding tool used in the science of human behavior. ohare-v3.
The results showed that when couples were accompanied by their dog, The number of positive expressions increasedFrom spontaneous smiles to knowing looks. But the most interesting thing came later: that positivity She continued into the next conversationwhen there is no longer a dog involved. However, the same effect did not occur among friends.
This phenomenon, which the authors call the “residual effect,” suggests that the well-being we feel with our animals does not remain on the surface. In other words, the dog that makes us smile may be, without us knowing it, Improving the emotional health of the bond That we share with someone else.
An invisible emotional regulator
The idea that animals act as human mood regulators is not new. Many studies have proven that petting a dog or looking into its eyes It releases oxytocinBut so far it has been studied mainly at the individual level, not at the relationship level.
This new approach expands the map by incorporating the concept that it’s not just about how animals feel, it’s also about how they feel. It seeps into our human interactions. The study authors highlight that this effect appears to be specific to the romantic bond. In friendships, the presence of the animal also generated smiles, but the good mood was not maintained afterwards. A possible explanation is that the relationship between spouses requires greater emotional harmony and, therefore, More sensitive to emotional changes in the environment. If the dog reduces tensions, softens his facial expressions, and creates an atmosphere of shared tenderness, the benefits multiply.
Oddly enough, something similar but to a lesser extent happened with the participating couples who had a stuffed animal in the test. Researchers believe this symbolic stimulation could do just that Activating the animal’s own memory And with it the positive feelings associated with it.
Love, dogs and emotional resilience
The conclusion of the study is that animals can act like Emotional mediators In life as a couple. Not because it “save” relationships in crisis, but because it fosters an environment of sustainable well-being. In relationship psychology, small gestures, such as a smile, a friendly tone of voice, or affectionate physical contact, carry the most weight in the perception of mutual support and contentment. If animals can replicate these positive microexpressions, they are practically contributing More harmonious coexistence.
This finding correlates with previous research that has already indicated how dog caregivers tend to describe themselves as more energetic, compassionate, and optimistic. Also with other studies that have shown that single women tend to view men with dogs as more attentive and emotionally stable, which speaks to a cultural imaginary in which animal welfare is linked to emotional care.
Not that living with a dog is couples therapy, but it does seem to have desirable side effects by generating it More laughter, less stress, and a more accepting emotional atmosphere.