Animals and Us

Social Learning Theory

Are Humans Superior to Other Animals?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on March 14, 2023

Many animal species exhibit behaviors such as tool-making that were once considered uniquely human. But when it comes to language and culture, humans are truly exceptional.

Many animal species exhibit behaviors such as tool-making that were once considered uniquely human. But when it comes to language and culture, humans are truly exceptional.

Animal Behavior

The Use and Misuse of Emotional Support Animals

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on February 13, 2023

In a new study, 60 percent of emotional support animal owners misrepresented their animals so they could enter stores, restaurants, and parks.

In a new study, 60 percent of emotional support animal owners misrepresented their animals so they could enter stores, restaurants, and parks.

Psychiatry

Do Emotional Support Animals Actually Help?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 19, 2022

Is federal legislation that allows people suffering from mental illnesses to live with emotional support animals in no-pet housing based on actual evidence?

Is federal legislation that allows people suffering from mental illnesses to live with emotional support animals in no-pet housing based on actual evidence?

Diet

The Meatless Thanksgiving Dinner Paradox

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 22, 2022

More Americans will have a plant-based Thanksgiving this year, and the number of vegetarians and vegans has doubled, so why hasn't meat consumption dropped?

More Americans will have a plant-based Thanksgiving this year, and the number of vegetarians and vegans has doubled, so why hasn't meat consumption dropped?

Animal Behavior

Does Your Dog Really Have a Better Life Than Other Dogs?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 4, 2022

People tend to believe they are above average in traits ranging from driving ability to their sense of humor. Does this cognitive bias also apply to being a good dog owner?

People tend to believe they are above average in traits ranging from driving ability to their sense of humor. Does this cognitive bias also apply to being a good dog owner?

Genetics

More Evidence Suggests That Vegetarianism Is Mostly Due to Genes

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on August 29, 2022

New research dissects the nature and nurture of giving up meat.

New research dissects the nature and nurture of giving up meat.

Stress

Is Time With Pets Good for Our Cardiovascular Health?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on August 11, 2022

Will interacting with a dog decrease your stress levels and lower your blood pressure? Here's what 129 studies discovered about the biology underlying the human-dog bond.

Will interacting with a dog decrease your stress levels and lower your blood pressure? Here's what 129 studies discovered about the biology underlying the human-dog bond.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Vaccinations, Vegans, and the Problem of Moral Consistency

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on July 19, 2022

Attitudes towards animals are often inconsistent. For example, many Americans oppose animal research yet support the development of COVID vaccines tested on animals.

Attitudes towards animals are often inconsistent. For example, many Americans oppose animal research yet support the development of COVID vaccines tested on animals.

Anxiety

Do You Suffer From Pet-Related Separation Anxiety?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on June 20, 2022

Many people become anxious when they are separated from their pets. Two studies reveal insight into this important yet rarely-studied aspect of the human-animal bond.

Many people become anxious when they are separated from their pets. Two studies reveal insight into this important yet rarely-studied aspect of the human-animal bond.

Depression

What You Didn't Know About Having a Pandemic Pet

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on May 27, 2022

COVID lockdowns offer researchers a unique opportunity to assess the impact of pets on human mental health. The results of these studies are surprising.

COVID lockdowns offer researchers a unique opportunity to assess the impact of pets on human mental health. The results of these studies are surprising.

Child Development

Do Kids and Adults Value Animal Lives Differently?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on April 29, 2022

New research sheds light on developmental changes in human thinking about the moral status of different species of animals.

New research sheds light on developmental changes in human thinking about the moral status of different species of animals.

Loneliness

Does Having a Pet Really Benefit Your Mental Health?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on March 31, 2022

Do pets stave off loneliness, depression, and stress during COVID lockdowns? A new study provides some surprising answers.

Do pets stave off loneliness, depression, and stress during COVID lockdowns? A new study provides some surprising answers.

Grief

Can Bereaved Pet Owners Suffer Prolonged Grief Disorder?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on March 3, 2022

Why are severely bereaved pet owners omitted from the DSM-5 diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder?

Why are severely bereaved pet owners omitted from the DSM-5 diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder?

Diet

Why Do People Think Cultured Meat Is Disgusting?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on February 7, 2022

"Cultured meat" is produced from tissue cells rather than dead animals. Understanding why many meat-eaters and vegetarians find it disgusting will be key to its acceptance.

"Cultured meat" is produced from tissue cells rather than dead animals. Understanding why many meat-eaters and vegetarians find it disgusting will be key to its acceptance.

Beauty

Why People Care More About Beautiful Animals Than Ugly Ones

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on January 28, 2022

Recent studies help explain why humans care more about attractive species than ugly ones.

Recent studies help explain why humans care more about attractive species than ugly ones.

Positive Psychology

The Puzzling Relationship Between Pet-Keeping and Happiness

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on December 22, 2021

According to the pet products industry, getting a pet will make you a happier person. is this claim backed up by research?

According to the pet products industry, getting a pet will make you a happier person. is this claim backed up by research?

Ethics and Morality

Can a Moral Machine Make Good Decisions about Animals?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 29, 2021

Researchers recently developed a "thinking machine" designed to mimic human moral decision-making. Here's how it performed on ethical issues related to the treatment of animals.

Researchers recently developed a "thinking machine" designed to mimic human moral decision-making. Here's how it performed on ethical issues related to the treatment of animals.

Appetite

Genes May Have a Big Influence on Vegetarianism

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on November 8, 2021

A new twin study suggests genes play a surprisingly significant role in the decision to become a vegetarian. Could this explain why most people find it hard to give up meat?

A new twin study suggests genes play a surprisingly significant role in the decision to become a vegetarian. Could this explain why most people find it hard to give up meat?

Anxiety

Do Anxious Owners Raise More Anxious Dogs?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on September 21, 2021

Recent studies have found that anxious dogs owners tend to have dogs that are fearful, excitable, and nervous. But which way does the causal arrow point?

Recent studies have found that anxious dogs owners tend to have dogs that are fearful, excitable, and nervous. But which way does the causal arrow point?

Depression

Are Pets as Good for Us as We Think They Are?

Hal Herzog Ph.D. on September 9, 2021

New studies call into question the idea that getting a pet will make you healthier and happier.

New studies call into question the idea that getting a pet will make you healthier and happier.