Why We Feel Better When We Help

I know that a blog reporting on a research study can be boring.

But a recent brain research study helped explain our behaviors and relationships when it comes to providing support and comfort for our pets, so I felt compelled to share it with you.

You can find the entire article in the March-April 2012 Spirituality and Health magazine. But, for now, here's the down and dirty version of the study and its conclusion.

Researchers at UCLA scanned the brains of 20 women while their boyfriends received painful electric shocks. (I know, I know. It sounds torturous and we have to wonder why people agree to participate in these studies, but the findings are revealing.)

At times, the women could hold their boyfriends' arms while they received the shock and, at other times, they were only allowed to squeeze a rubber ball as they watched. The article continues with a whole lot of brain talk, complete with words like amygdala, septal area, and CHOCOLATE!

It's the conclusion that I found interesting.

The findings showed that when the women were able to HOLD their boyfriends, there was increased activity in the reward-related region of their brains. Researchers also found that women who reported stronger connections with their boyfriends felt more pleasure about being able to provide support.

In a nutshell, then, it would seem that providing physical support (like hugging or holding) for a loved one who is in pain reduces our own stress and therefore makes us feel better. And, when we feel good, we're more likely to repeat the behavior and more likely to feel good about how we have supported our loved ones.

Why am I so fascinated by this particular study? Because I remember the days when it was quite common for veterinarians to discourage highly-bonded pet parents from holding their pets (or even being in the room!) while the pet was euthanized.

And I've talked with so many of those pet parents who still feel guilty about not comforting their animals when the pet most needed the comfort.

I know from my own clinical experience that pet parents who have been present when their pets died, who held them and petted them and felt they provided comfort, felt more at peace with the experience. This is why it is important for pet parents to understand the euthanasia process and to know they have the option of being with their pets when they die.

Perhaps those of us who have deep connections with our companion animals can feel a bit better when we lose them if we can hold them and be with them when they die.

This study scientifically reinforces what I know from experience. And that makes me happy.

--Laurel

Comments

[Marty Tousley]

Thank you so much for sharing this important information, Laurel. Both my professional and my personal experiences fit with your own conclusion that being physically present with a beloved animal companion during euthanasia can be very peaceful and comforting, as well as deeply moving and spiritually meaningful, for both human and animal.

[DogMomApril]

I have been with my dogs at euthanasia since the first one passed (three so far). While everyone is different and this is a very personal decision, I would recommend it. For me it, was a gift to be with each of them as they passed (and it helped in my grieving process too). I believe it's the last loving thing we can do for our dear furry-friend.

[Laurel]

You're welcome, Marty, and I so agree with you, April. Thank you both for reading and for your comments!