Research paper on Psychological Effects of Having a Pet or Owning Animals
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Psychological Effects of Having a Pet or Owning Animals
Introduction
The human-animal bond has been a part of our history for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to modern times, humans have formed deep connections with animals, often keeping them as pets or companions. While the benefits of owning a pet are well-known in terms of physical health, such as reduced blood pressure and increased physical activity, the psychological effects of having a pet are equally significant. This research paper aims to explore the psychological benefits of owning animals and the impact they have on human well-being.
Body
1. Emotional Support and Stress Reduction
Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, creating a sense of emotional support for their owners. Research indicates that interacting with animals can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The act of petting an animal releases endorphins and reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Furthermore, the presence of a pet has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Pets offer a source of comfort and a non-judgmental space where individuals can express their emotions freely.
2. Improved Mental Health
Owning a pet has shown positive effects on mental health. Pets provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. Caring for an animal promotes routine, encourages physical activity, and provides a sense of structure and stability in one’s life. Additionally, pets offer companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness, which is essential for maintaining good mental well-being.
3. Social Connection and Increased Social Support
Pets can also act as social facilitators, helping individuals connect with others. Walking a dog, for example, provides opportunities for social interaction with other dog owners in the community. Pets serve as conversation starters and can help individuals overcome social barriers or feelings of isolation. Furthermore, pet ownership has been associated with increased social support networks, providing individuals with a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness.
4. Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence
The companionship and unconditional love provided by pets can have a positive impact on one’s self-esteem and confidence. Pets offer acceptance and non-judgment, which can boost self-worth in individuals who may struggle with self-esteem issues. Additionally, caring for an animal successfully and witnessing their well-being can increase feelings of competence and mastery, leading to increased self-confidence.
5. Therapeutic Benefits
The use of animals in therapy settings has gained recognition for its therapeutic benefits. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves the presence of trained animals in therapeutic interventions to assist individuals in achieving specific treatment goals. AAT has been effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improving social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. The presence of animals in therapeutic settings provides comfort, promotes relaxation, and aids in establishing trust between the therapist and the individual.
Conclusion
The psychological effects of having a pet or owning animals extend far beyond mere companionship. Pets provide emotional support, reduce stress levels, improve mental health, enhance self-esteem and confidence, facilitate social connections, and even offer therapeutic benefits. The human-animal bond is a powerful force that can significantly contribute to overall well-being and quality of life. Recognizing the importance of pets in our lives and incorporating them into therapeutic interventions can lead to improved mental health outcomes for individuals. Thus, it is crucial to appreciate the profound impact that animals have on our psychological well-being and continue to promote the human-animal bond in our society.
