Grief for a pet can be as powerful as the loss of a human: scientists explain why

Research shows that attachment to another person manifests in our perception of them as a reliable source of comfort, support when upset, enjoyment of their presence, and longing for them in times of separation. It’s interesting that scientists have identified the same characteristics of our relationship with our beloved pets, writes Science Alert.

Our relationships with pets can be just as emotional as our relationships with other people, according to Sam Carr, Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Bath and the Center for Death and Society. This has been confirmed by scientific studies.

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Research shows that certain groups of people tend to develop closer relationships with their pets. Typically this applies to isolated older people, those who have lost confidence in others, and those who rely on assistive animals.

In addition, scientists have discovered that we pay a high price for our close bonds with our furry, scaly, or furry friends – that is, we mourn the loss of our pets. According to Carr, there are two of the most common and powerful causes of our grief – euthanasia and powerless grief.

FirstlyThe death of a loved pet may be the only time in life most of us will face euthanasia. Feelings of guilt or doubts about a decision made can torment people and greatly exacerbate grief.

Studies show that there are different responses to pet euthanasia. For example, a study in Israel shows that after euthanizing a pet, 83% of people believe they made the right decision and give the animal peace of mind. However, a Canadian study shows that 16% of people feel like a murderer after such an experience. A study conducted in the USA shows that 41% of people feel guilty after pet euthanasia and 4% experience suicidal feelings.

It’s important to understand that euthanasia also gives people the chance to prepare for the loss of a pet, spend more time together, show love and attention, and prepare a favorite treat for a friend.

latterAccording to Carr, we may face disenfranchised grief – such loss is even less acceptable in the social world. In simple terms, we experience disenfranchised grief when society does not fully appreciate our grief and perhaps even dismiss it as an inadequate cause. For example, your boss won’t know whether you’re taking a day off or a vacation to deal with the pain of losing a pet.

According to psychologists Robert Neumeyer and John Jordan, disenfranchised grief is the result of a lack of empathy when people deny their own grief as shameful or inadequate.

Scientists believe that disenfranchised grief hinders emotional expression and makes it harder to process the loss and live with it.

Previously Focus wrote about the cat’s alphabet – scientists told how we communicate with our pets.