Cardiovascular effects of human-pet dog interactions.

Recent research on human-dog interactions showed that talking to and petting a dog are accompanied by lower blood pressure (BP) in the person than human conversation. To clarify whether cognition, conditioning, or tactual contact exerted the major influence in this so-called "pet effect," 60 male and female undergraduates with either positive or neutral attitudes toward dogs interacted with a dog tactually, verbally, and visually while BP and heart rate were recorded automatically. Results revealed that (a) subjects' BP levels were lowest during dog petting, higher while talking to the dog, and highest while talking to the experimenter and (b) subjects' heart rates were lower while talking or touching the dog and higher while both touching and talking to the dog. Touch appeared to be major component of the pet effect, while cognitive factors contributed to a lesser degree. Implications for coping with hypertension are discussed, and suggestions for further research are stated.

Comments about cognitive therapy and behavior therapy.

This article identifies, describes and discusses two major sources of controversy between cognitive therapists and behavior therapists. One class of conflict has been generated by specific misinterpretations of opposing viewpoints. Appropriate quotations are used in an attempt to clarify the views of the major protagonists. The other source of conflict is the metaphysical issue of mind-body dualism and differing definitions of psychology. After discussing justifications for renewed research on cognitive interactions and the major behaviorist objections to such an effort, the author recommends intensified applications of behavioral technology in the socio-economic and political arena.