Tag Archives: Dr. Eunice Johannson

The Psychological Benefits of Animals

Posted by: Asa Don Brown on July 6, 2012 4:09 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The old thinking was that if your family had a pet, the children were more likely to become allergic to the pet.  And if you came from an allergy-prone family, pets should be avoided.”                                                                                                

~ James E. Gern, M. D.

As humans, we are often known to show superior attitudes to our fellow dwellers of this planet.   In fact, we not only have an ability to cognitively outwit the animal kingdom and we have a means with which we can measure our intellectual superiority through IQ (Intelligence Quotient) testing.  Ironically, despite our intellectual superiority over the animal kingdom, we have yet to manufacture a substitute for our four legged friends.  Moreover,  the health benefits received from relationships with our four legged and feathered friends seems to be irreplaceable. 

What is it about the relationship with our pets that we cannot live without? Why is it that children are instantly drawn to a new puppy or kitten? What causes the heart of a hardened criminal to melt like butter when playing with a puppy?

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*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

The Benefits of Laughter

Posted by: Asa Don Brown on September 2, 2011 10:52 am

What is Laughter? 

Laughter is the ability to create sound as a reaction to a stimuli evoked by internal or external events, situations, or persons.   It is this physical manifestation that is signaled by a state of being; a state of thought; or as an emotional response. Laughter is the body’s release valve, allowing for the pressure within the body, both good and bad, to manifest through a physical expression and a vocal inflection.  Laughter is an exhilarating experience that can be fueled by having a basic sense of purpose.

There are varying types of laughter from a chuckle, chortle, giggle, titter, twitter, roar, bellow, cackle, tee-hee, snicker, and a laugh.  Laughter is the ability to express one’s internal emotions with an external expression.    

Laughter is the purest form of communication.  It expresses our real desires and intent.   Through laughter we are capable of being real, genuine, and authentically ourselves.  Dr. Robert Provine of University of Maryland, suggests that laughter is perhaps the earliest form of language known unto humankind.  Dr. Provine has suggested that laughter predated the spoken language.  Laughter’s ignition begins at the earliest stages of life. 

Dr. Johannson fondly recalls her strongest memories of laughter being associated with her father.  “The first vision that comes to my mind on the topic of laughter is of my dear father and seeing him laughing so many times… it was wonderful to see.. and actually when I think of him, I see him laughing… about even the simplest matters.” 

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*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA