Study shows children choose to confide in pets over parents
We all talk to our pets, sometimes a little crazily at the best of times and usually as a way of letting off steam! However, a new study undertaken by the Centre for Family Research at Cambridge University has shown that young children are more likely to choose to open up and confide in their pets over their parents or siblings.
The study analysed 100 families in the UK, focusing on children aged 12, for a period of over ten years. The findings showed that family pets, such as cats and dogs, were the preferred chosen confidantes of young children, as the children saw their pets as the least judgemental listeners in the family.
The research found that pets provide a non judgemental listening role for the minds of young children, and can help them deal with emotionally challenging issues that may affect a family such as bereavement, illness or divorce.
Matt Cassels, who conducted the research, commented on his findings, believing the emotional support animals bring to their young owners is a surprising but important factor:
“It’s really surprising that these children not only turn to their pets for support when faced with adversity, but that they do so even more than they turn to their siblings.
“This is even though they know their pets don’t actually understand what they are saying,” he said.
Results also showed that children can develop closer relationships with their pets than their peers.
Cassels commented: “They may feel that their pets are not judging them and since pets don’t appear to have their own problems they just listen. Even confiding in a journal can be therapeutic, but pets may be even better since they can be empathetic.” he said.