Washington State University scientists conducted the first study that shows a reduction in cortisol levels during a real-life interaction rather than in a laboratory setting.
Students in our study that interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.”
Source: Salon, August 14, 2019 via AAHA NEWStat. Link. What we wanted to learn was whether <pet> exposure would help students reduce their stress in a less subjective way. And it did, which is exciting because the reduction of stress hormones may, over time, have significant benefits for physical and mental health.”