Explanatory Theories of Human-Animal Positive Interactions: Multidisciplinary Perspective Cover Image

Teorii explicative ale interacţiunilor pozitive om-animal: perspectivă multidisciplinară
Explanatory Theories of Human-Animal Positive Interactions: Multidisciplinary Perspective

Author(s): Alina S. Rusu
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Psychology, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, Experimental Pschology
Published by: Editura Academiei Române
Keywords: human-animal interactions; biophilia hypothesis; oxytocin system; attitudes toward animals;

Summary/Abstract: Literature in the fields of psychology, anthropology and ethology (i.e. scientific study of animal behavior) indicates an increasing number of studies addressing the beneficial effects of human-animal interactions (HAI), from pet ownerships to the insertion of animals in educational and therapeutic settings. This chapter offers a multidisciplinary overview of the most commonly cited theories and models behind the positive effects of HAI, such as: the oxytocin system (the calm-and-connectedness system), the biophilia hypothesis, the mutualism relationship hypothesis, the attachment-based theory, the theory of the activation of intrinsic motivation, and the biopsychosocial model of health.A special attention in discussing the potential mechanisms of HAI is given to the attitudes toward animals, which are subject to cultural influences and education.

  • Issue Year: XVII/2018
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 70-79
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Romanian