Can animals have traumas?

Questioning and understanding whether animals experience emotions and behavioral responses based on them is a question that has endured over time, generating scientific interest and at the hands of the investigation. As our understanding of emotional intelligence linked to the animal world expands, new Doubts about whether traumatic experiences have similar effects to those they have for humans.

Throughout history, we have observed in animals complex behaviors and displays of emotions that generate evidence of a rich inner life. We have witnessed their expressions of joy, sadness and fear; For example, the illusion of your dog when he realizes that you are going to take him for a walk, or the snort of your cat when you give him an unexpected scare. Can these emotions also express trauma?

Science has revealed that animals and humans share many similarities in terms of biology, emotions, and behaviors. Therefore, in this article, we will review current research focused on animal emotionality and its possibility of experiencing traumas to try to answer this question.

animals and emotions

A trauma, in the human context, is defined as an overwhelming and lasting emotional response to a traumatic event, which has a significant emotional impact on the person. These events may be situations of extreme danger, abuse, or significant loss. The experience of a trauma can leave emotional and psychological scars in people, affecting their well-being in the long term.

For a long time, the predominant perception in relation to animals was focused on considering them purely instinctive beings, devoid of complex emotions. However, in recent decades, science has dismantled this myth and has shown that animals have richer and more varied emotional capacities than we used to think. Research in etiology and animal psychology have revealed that numerous species, from mammals to birds and some invertebrates, are able to feel basic emotions such as fear, joy, sadness and anxiety, which are essential for their survival and adaptation to their around.

fear is essential

Fear is one of the emotions that has been characterized as crucial for the survival of most species. Before imminent threats, animals experience fear, which allows them to activate the “fight or flight” response to protect themselves. This response, as the name indicates, will determine whether the animals develop coping behavior against fear or avoidance to protect themselves. Similarly, joy is manifested in their behavior when finding food, establishing social ties or experiencing well-being with their environment.

• Related article: "What is fear? Characteristics of this emotion"

Mammals, the most emotional

Mammals, in particular, have come under increased scrutiny when it comes to their emotions, mainly due to its greater similarity with humans than animals belonging to other kingdoms or familiar. Elephants, for example, are known for their strong sense of family and the grief experienced after the death of a herd member.

Dogs, which have been closely linked to humans for thousands of years, are considered experts at understanding our emotions and giving empathic responses based on them.

emotional behaviors

In addition to considering these dog responses as empathic, animal research has also developed studies to assess their emotional capacities. A very prominent example is the work done with non-human primates, such as chimpanzees and bonobos. These studies have shown the existence of human-like emotional behaviors in situations involving empathy, compassion, and in some cases even feelings of guilt.

• You may be interested in: "Emotional psychology: main theories of emotion"

trauma in nature

The animal kingdom is an environment of constant interaction with its environment and other members of both its species and others. In nature, animals are exposed to very diverse challenges and threats that can lead to potentially traumatic experiences, at least understood from the human eye and perspective. While these experiences can vary widely between environments and animal species, some common situations can be stressful and have a lasting impact on your emotional well-being.

1. Predation and survival

Natural predators are an essential part of the ecosystem and play a role in controlling prey populations. However, being chased or attacked by a predator can be a terrifying experience for the prey animal. Although some animals are able to escape successfully, others may suffer serious physical and emotional injuries as a result of the encounter.

• Related article: "What is Ethology and what is its object of study?"

2. Loss of pups or mates

Family and social ties are common in many animal species. Loss of a calf or mate it can be emotionally devastating for an individual and can affect their behavior and well-being in the long run.

3. Changes in habitat or territory

Deforestation, urbanization and other environmental changes can cause the loss of natural habitats and competition for territory and resources. These events can lead to conflicts and stressful situations for the affected animals.

4. human intervention

Direct interaction with humans, whether through hunting, animal trafficking, or the destruction of their environments, can also lead to trauma in animals. Poaching and capture of animals for illegal trade petting are examples of activities that can cause great stress and emotional damage.

Scientific studies of animal trauma

We come to the main question of the article and the review of scientific studies focused on whether the animals experience trauma and in understanding the behaviors and emotional responses of different species.

Obviously, it is not possible to carry out studies based on verbal testimony with animals, but science makes use of different methodologies and observations to address this question. One of the most relevant fields of study is etiology, focused on animal behavior. Through systematic observation and analysis of behaviors in natural settings and in captivity, ethologists have been able to identify signs of trauma in animals.

etiology studies

In studies focused primarily on nonhuman primates, behavioral responses have been documented that suggest the presence of stress and distress after traumatic events, such as forced separation from their social groups or exposure to situations threatening. The elephants, known for their strong sense of community, have also shown signs of grief and distress. when they are separated from their loved ones, as mentioned before. This highlights the existence of similar emotional responses to what we consider human trauma.

Laboratory studies

In addition to field observations, laboratory studies have been conducted using experimental models to assess the reaction of animals to stressful situations. These experiments have revealed neurobiological and hormonal changes in animals subjected to chronic stress., indicating that they can experience emotions similar to the stress responses seen in humans.

These laboratory studies are relevant because they are used to study different psychopathologies in animals instead of doing it directly with humans. This scientific decision, despite being based on research ethics and non-human experimentation, shows that the answers emotions of animals and humans are significantly similar, since animal experiments make it easy to reach conclusions applicable to humans.

Traumatic memory studies

An emerging area of ​​research is the study of traumatic memory in animals. Traumatic memories can affect the way animals interact with their environment and with other members of their species. Some studies have shown that animals such as mice and rats can develop avoidance responses after experiencing stressful events in certain contexts.

ethical debate

Recognition of the possibility that animals may experience trauma raises important ethical considerations. If we accept that animals can have complex emotional experiences, including traumatic responses, the responsibility arises to protect their well-being and avoid actions that cause them unnecessary harm. This ethical debate extends to various areas, such as the use of animals in scientific research, the food industry, animal husbandry for entertainment and tourism, and habitat destruction natural. Discussions about sport hunting, trade in endangered species and treatment of animals in zoos and aquariums are also influenced by this deeper understanding of their ability emotional.

As awareness of animal welfare grows in society, so does the need to consider the ethical implications of our actions towards animals. Laws and policies related to the treatment of animals have evolved in many countries to reflect a greater consideration of their emotional and physical needs.

conclusions

Understanding and understanding more deeply whether animals experience trauma is fertile ground for research and reflection. Although we cannot access animal minds to know for sure what they feel, science has made it possible to understand their emotional reactions and responses to traumatic situations.

It is essential that, as a society, we move away from the reductionist view of animals as merely instinctual beings and towards a more informed and compassionate perspective. Considering the emotional well-being of animals not only enriches our understanding of the natural world, but also allows us to advocate for more ethical and sustainable practices in our interactions with they.

We have a responsibility to ensure that our actions and decisions promote an environment in which all living things can thrive and live without unnecessary suffering. By delving into the study of animal emotions, we get closer to a more harmonious and respectful coexistence with all our possible life partners.