I do not know about you, but after a long day of lectures or suffering through test week, there is nothing better than coming home and seeing your pet curled up on your bed. There is nothing more stress-relieving than a wagging tail or a purring cat. Students and people are increasingly turning to pets for comfort. This article explores whether pets truly help students manage stress and whether the responsibility is worth it.
NIH News in Health illustrated that there is medical evidence that has shown that pets do more than just keep you company. They also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. They have been seen to reduce stress by decreasing cortisol levels and lowering blood pressure. Studies have also shown that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.
A classic example of this is therapy dogs, which are sometimes brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety. Studies are also being done regarding dogs in the classroom and their potential ability to help students with ADHD as well as autism spectrum disorder. These students were also seen to be calmer while playing with guinea pigs in the classroom.
The University of Pretoria has taken significant steps to accommodate guide dogs, including the construction of a dedicated rest area in the garden outside the Disability Unit’s offices (opposite the Chancellor’s Building). This area is meant to provide a safe space for visually impaired students and their guide dogs.
Pets also provide a mechanism to be more active. They give you a reason to go outside, get some fresh air, and be active – all of which improve your mood, sleep, and mental health.
Recent student poll results on the PDBY Instagram mirror these suggestions that pets have a positive impact on mental health. When asked whether pets help reduce stress levels, 69% of respondents said, “Yes, a lot”, while a further 14% said, “A little”. When asked how their pets made them feel, 66% of students voted that their pets made them feel happier, 17% reported feeling less lonely, and 16% said they feel more relaxed. This emphasises the overwhelming positive emotional impact pets have.
Pets may pose an additional responsibility (as reported by many students) with the additional time, attention, and financial commitment they need, which may be challenging for students who are already balancing academic pressure and limited budgets. However, the value of having a pet should not be understated, as they offer much-needed companionship and play a greater role than just being your pet – they support your emotional well-being too.
Visual: Gabriella le Roux
