Why People Struggle To Believe That Animals Are Capable Of Feelings

Scientific advances have forever revealed evidence of complex mental abilities in animals previously thought to be uniquely human, specifically that animals are "alive", capable of feeling emotions, and experiencing pleasure and pain.

But new research from Kent suggests we may not be ready to listen to the lessons science teaches about animal complexity.

In five studies involving more than 2,000 participants, Dr. Stefan Leach and his colleagues in the School of Psychology study how we think about animal complexity, specifically how humans change their beliefs in response to evidence about animal intelligence.

In research, when evidence indicates that animals have advanced mental, social, or emotional capabilities, such as the empathic ability to mirror others and sense what they feel, participants become overly skeptical and less update their beliefs. Conversely, when evidence showed that the animals lacked this ability, the participants were too perceptive, even cocky, for the animals to think or feel. This means that the participant gave the animal less praise than the required evidence.

Now, research published in Cognition reveals an important psychological barrier that affects our perception of animals, which can make it difficult to appreciate them for what they are and properly regulate our attitudes toward them.

Dr Leach said: “It is important that we properly recognize the sensitivities and sufferings of animals. Since there is not any significant scientific disagreement on this subject for many animals (such as pigs), it is now a matter of understanding the psychological barriers that prevent the animal from appearing for what it is.” Our work He is the first to show that humans are in fact suspicious of animal spirits as the evidence suggests."

Dr Christophe Daunt added: “We are used to seeing animals below us. While our relationships with animals can be loving and caring, they are often exploitative, as their use in food, medical and consumer research, labor and employment can lead to them becoming Animals are the primary target. Our research highlights the conflicting relationship between humans and animals and will serve as a foundation for helping people reconcile their beliefs about animals with their actions."

More information: Stefan Leach et al., Changing Thoughts on Thoughts . DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2022.105263

Citation : Why People Struggle To Believe Animals Are Capable (March 20, 2023) Retrieved March 20, 2023 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-people-struggle-animals-capable.html

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