Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
948267 | Journal of Experimental Social Psychology | 2012 | 4 Pages |
A substantial amount of research shows that social exclusion is a threat to mental health. In the research reported here, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of a companion animal can serve as a buffer against these adverse effects. In a controlled laboratory experiment, we found that only socially excluded participants who did not work in the presence of a dog reported lower mental well-being compared with socially excluded participants who performed in the presence of a dog and participants who were not socially excluded. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
► Social exclusion is perceived as highly threatening to individuals' mental health. ► Presence of companion animals buffers the adverse effects of social exclusion. ► Participants were either socially excluded or included. ► Participants performed either in the presence or absence of a dog. ► Absence of a dog decreased mental well-being in socially excluded participants.