The trend of having rabbits as pets has been popular for quite a while now. Yet, only recently have specialists managed to prove that those animals are not just pretty but also good for our health. Now, the relatively new technique of having cells with bunnies present during consultation sessions with psychologists and psychotherapy is becoming increasingly popular.



The new study was conducted by a team of specialists from the University of Missouri and was led by Professor Rebecca Johnson. The results of the study show that even mere presence of bunnies gives women sense of calmness and tranquility. Furthermore, the scientists observed decrease in the level of stress hormone cortisol in the women’s bodies after they petted those fluffy animals for a few minutes.

Dr. Johnson notes that presence of a bunny in a household and the process of taking care of it facilitate social bonding, teach women and girls how to better understand themselves and others, and how to communicate with other people more effectively. In particular, women who had rabbits also had better control of their emotions and behavior. Bunnies used as part of therapy also facilitate healing of serious illnesses in children and adolescents, such as autism or depression, and help them cope with lack of confidence.

Source of the image: Photl.