Supervisors info:
Γεώργιος Ηλιόπουλος Διδάσκων, ΔΠΜΣ, Ζώα: Ηθική, Δίκαιο,
Ευζωία, Τμήματος Φιλοσοφίας Ε.Κ.Π.Α
Βασίλειος Ε. Πανταζής
Σταύρος Καραγεωργάκης
Summary:
In the last five decades, the contribution of animals to people's lives has beenthrough a
special method of intervention in the mental, cognitive and social development of
children. Such interventions are carried out with the help of animals, in different
scientific fields such as genetics, biology, developmental psychology, psychoanalysis,
nursing, medicine and veterinary science. These interventions are categorized as
follows: a) animal-assisted therapy - animal- assisted therapy - and b) animal-assisted
interventions in human activities - animal-assisted activities - there are approximately
47 million pet cats and 41million cats in Europe dogs.
Animals are an important part of children's lives. Their place in the children's world
depends to a large extent on the richness of the meaning they convey and the roles
assigned to them. On the one hand, animals of all kinds are oftenfound as protagonists of
beloved fairy tales, books, children's shows and games. Children cannot identify with
their heroes and stories, projecting their emotions and inner conflicts. Common
characteristics of young children and animals (dependency on adult care, rely mostly on
non-verbal communication,are present, honest, etc.) facilitate these identities.
In any case, it is easier for them to express and deal with their concerns by making up a
story about an animal or playing with animal figures than by talking about them
directly. On the other hand, many children have a pet at home and see it as a faithful
friend, a refuge in difficult times, a source of support and security, a friend with whom
they can share their problems and secrets while learning to take responsibility,
recognize, to accommodate and accommodate the needs of another creature.
This specific study aims to describe the relationship of preschool children in their
contact with companion animals. Specifically, how their interaction withthis affects the
psyche of the children, their cognitive ability, as well as their better socialization. In
addition, how the coexistence of children with pets offers physical, mental and social
health.
Keywords:
Preschool children, pets, pets,social development, mental health.
