Scientists Claim That Three Minutes With a “Donkey or Small Horse” Can Save Teenagers From Depression

Scientists have discovered that a brief interaction with a donkey or small horse can significantly alleviate teenage depression symptoms. A study published in Science Reports found that teens who spent just three minutes petting and caressing the animals experienced reduced anxiety, sadness, and loneliness, as well as a calmer state of mind.

Lead researcher Rebecca Calisi-Rodríguez, a neurobiology professor at UC Davis, expressed delight at the quick positive impact of nature on mood. The study aimed to examine how animals respond to different human interactions. Participants were divided into two groups, one stroking the animals' backs and the other scratching their necks, similar to how horses groom each other.

Researchers observed that donkeys wriggled their lips, a sign of pleasure, more during neck-scratching, while walking away when petted on the back. The teens who observed the animals' choices reported bigger reductions in loneliness and sadness, even those whose animals walked away. Calisi-Rodríguez emphasized the importance of reciprocity in the interaction, suggesting that the animals' ability to choose whether to engage or not enhances the authenticity of the experience.