Big eyes, small noses, big heads, small size, round cheeks and clumsy movements are inseparably associated not only with kittens, but also with kittens. The sight of them evokes certain reactions in us. Empathy, compassion, the desire to protect are just some of them. In particular, it is a reflex that can be summed up with a short “Aww!”. Why is this happening? With the answer comes science.
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Big eyes and round cheeks. Why do these characteristics evoke certain reactions in us?
Young dogs, but also cats and other animals, are characterized by large heads or large eyes. Psychologists refer to the set of these characteristics as “babyness”. They noticed a long time ago that specific features, such as the already mentioned big eyes and a round face, but also a small nose and large heads, evoke in us reflexes responsible for strong protective feelings. These instincts have been used for years in cartoons and fairy tales.
Most people respond immediately to these traits with the release of oxytocin, the ‘cuddle’ hormone, and a rush of warm feelings and a desire to soothe and cuddle anyone or anything that emits stimuli.
– , American psychologist, lecturer at Oberlin College in Ohio.
Why do we find puppies so cute? Our brain is to blame
, often called a hormone, is responsible, among others, for for feeling the need for care, care, attachment, but also for pleasure, trust or … envy. It appears in the early stages of falling in love, but also during childbirth. The reactions evoked by oxytocin depend primarily on the specific situation.
The more infantile and childish the features (round face, high forehead, big eyes, small nose and mouth), the more cute they look and are perceived as such.
he adds. Interestingly, animals seem to elicit this reaction to a much greater extent than infants. In an article devoted to this reaction, Nancy Darling cited a study conducted in 2011, during which it was shown that most people react more positively to a dog or cat than to a human. In 2022, a similar study was conducted at Arizona State University. Scientists have shown that puppies aged around two months are considered the most friendly and cute to the eye. “At eight weeks of age, a puppy has the best chance of capturing our interest. It is at this age that he is most attractive to people who adopt him – prof. Clive Wynne, author of the study.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
