- Less anxiety
- Comfort during trauma filled situations
- Improved Physical Health
- Fewer feelings of loneliness 
- Reciprocal care and love

Benefits of having an emotional support animal

Attachment theory is a psychological, evolutionary, and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans. This theory focuses on understanding the functions of a close bond with an attachment figure such as a parent or spouse. It was formulated by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby.

Attachment Theory

- Ancestors of dogs (wolves) live in complex social systems where they learn to interpret the needs of others around them so that they can work together
- Wolves have a heightened sensitivity to human emotions and intentions that may allow them to integrate more easily within human social systems.

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Research has not been able to demonstrate that emotional support animals provide any more benefit than a regular pet would provide. Research should be done around when emotional support animals can be beneficial for someone. 

Research Around Emotional Support Animals

Ferrell, J and Crowley, S.L. (2021). Emotional Support Animals: A Framework for Clinical Decision-Making. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 52 (6), 560-568. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000391

Emotional Support Animals: A Framework for Clinical Decision-Making

The Human - Animal Bond: Dogs

Studies have found that having an emotional support animal can: 
- lower blood pressure
- decrease respiration rates
- improve ability to cope with pain 

Benefits of having an emotional support animal: Improved Physical Health

These animals can provide companionship. This is especially important if someone is living by *themselves* and is experiencing emotional hardship. 

Benefits of having an emotional support animal: Fewer Feelings of Loneliness

- Caring for these animals can give people a sense of purpose
- Require care and love in return so it can feel emotionally rewarding

Benefits of having an emotional support animal: Reciprocal Care And Love 

Social Support Theory Hypothezises that human-animal relationships combat loneliness, spark conversation/interaction, and create community.

In addition to fewer feelings of loneliness, pet ownership has demonstrated positive social benefits such as more prosocial behaviors, social competence, and increased social networks and interaction. 

Emotional Support Animals can facilitate positive social relationships and many in the handler's community may feel solidarity due to the positive interaction with pets.

Additional Benefits of Emotional Support Animals in regards to Social Support Theory

- ESA may elicit a powerful biological and emotional desire to care for a dependent being
- creating symbols of safety in the absence of other attachment figures
- nonjudgmental and consistently available 

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