Do you talk to your pets? Do you have full-on conversations with your dog like it's a person? Then guess what, it does not make you stupid. It makes you brilliant or so science says.
This groundbreaking information comes from the University of Chicago's nifty psychological study entitled On Seeing Human: A Three-Factor Theory of Anthropomorphism. The findings from the study published by the American Psychological Associatio show that the tendency for human beings to talk to animals is founded not on insanity, but on intelligence and creativity.
The Study
This strange habit of having a one-sided conversation with animals is a phenomenon known in science as anthropomorphism. Nicolas Epley, the lead author of the study, claimed that this habit is a natural by-product of the tendency that makes humans intelligent.
"Anthropomorphizing [manifests] as a sign of childishness or stupidity, but it is a natural byproduct of the [inclination] that makes humans uniquely smart on this planet," Epley explained.
The study indicates a clear difference between the inanimate objects and the breathing pets. Interacting with animals, according to the research, is a "natural, normal" thing. It is because of the relationship you share with them that the interaction is based from.
The concept of Anthropomorism
Anthropomorphism, according to the research, describes the tendency to fill the real behavior of nonhuman agents with humanlike character, motives, intentions, and emotions. Epley, a professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago, believes this ability makes humans stand out from the rest of the species belonging to the Kingdom Animalia.
According to another study authored by Gary D. Sherman and Jonathan Haidt from Harvard University, interaction with animals such as horses, cats, and dogs may have both immediate and long-term effects on a person's mental well-being. Sherman and Haidt's study also suggested that human beings who favor being with and talking to their pets have a higher possibility of being more "intelligent" than the others who don't engage with animals.
Dr. Henry Feldman, of the Division of Hospital Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, who did not take part in the study, said in a statement, that animals "do not have preconceived notions" of humans. Instead, Feldman shared that "They provide unconditional love, which encourages interaction and helps people feel more confident."
How Interactions Affects Your Pet
Anthropomorphism isn't limited to humans; some animals have shown signs of it as well. Studies suggest that anthropomorphism can make our pets smarter, too.
Apparently, pets learn specific words and actions from their human friends for many years, says one research published in the Journal of Scientific Research. According to this particular study, dogs could recognize and empathize with human feelings. So, a dog would feel when a pet owner is upset or when he is feeling sad because of the facial expressions. Likewise, a happy owner can make a pet feel happy and satisfied as well. In most cases, dogs will exhibit signs of empathy in situatios like these — a clear sign that the by-product of anthropomorphism is at work.
This particular phenomenon is visible in various aspects of human life, in addition to the examples exhibit in their interaction with pets.
Takeaway
Take for instance, the fact that scientists are continually using 'individual' names for hurricanes. Nobody disputes the naming scheme and nobody tags the use of human names to storms as an actual sign of stupidity. It is, yet again, another example of anthropomorphism.
Naming our pets is the most common way we anthropomorphize. This behavior is also identifiable when people refer to their pets as 'babies' or when they tag their spoiled pup as their 'little princess.'
So to validate what you're thinking, you are not a delusional psycho, nope. it's just basic science that it is natural to humans. So fear not, you have yet to lose your mind even as you converse with your fur babies as often as you wish.