Looking for a man with empathy? Here’s the detail you should look out for

Your next partner should be handsome, smart, and kind? For the first two criteria, there’s not much we can do. For the third, however, we have a clue: certain types of men are more empathetic than others in their daily lives. Those men are pet owners. And science says so, according to a new study published in Animal Welfare.

Pet owners who own pets for fun are the most empathetic

In this study, researchers surveyed Australian men aged 18 and over, divided into three groups: pet owners, farmers and non-pet owners. The survey included demographic questions, an assessment of empathy towards animals using the Animal Empathy Scale (AES) and an open-ended question about participants’ beliefs about animal cognition and emotions. A total of 91 participants were included in the study, of whom 41 identified as pet owners, 28 as farmers and 22 as non-pet owners.

The results revealed significant differences in empathy levels between groups.

• Pet owners showed the highest levels of empathy towards animals, scoring significantly higher than farmers and non-pet owners;
• Farmers, who often had extensive experience with a variety of animals in a work setting, showed lower levels of empathy than pet owners but higher levels than non-pet owners;
• The results suggest that the personal and emotional connection involved in pet ownership plays a crucial role in promoting empathy toward animals.

Proof of self-giving without expecting anything in return?

“The bottom line is that interactions with animals are important, we need that contact with them in order to appreciate that they have internal experiences similar to ours.“, declared the author of the study Jessica Oliva, lecturer in psychology at the magazine PsyPost.

In this context, the greatest empathic gains are likely to come from those who demand an investment of emotional and financial sacrifice to care for that animal, but without expecting financial compensation. This is not the case for farmers, who may love their animals, yes, but expect a professional return and a return on investment.

The study, like all scientific research, must take into account some caveats, however. The cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality, meaning it is unclear whether pet ownership increases empathy or whether more empathetic individuals are attracted to pet ownership. Additionally, the self-reported nature of the survey may introduce bias.

Still, the decision to adopt a pet when made thoughtfully, with a commitment to caring for that animal and finding ways to enrich its life throughout it, can be a great, and charming, place to start. So, do you have a dog or cat? Could this be the new criteria to ask on a date?

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