Professor Takeshi Kikusui and Associate Professor Miho Nagasawa of the Laboratory of Intermediary Zoology, Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Azabu University, and Professor Itaru Ishiguro of the Department of Psychology, College of Contemporary Psychology, Rikkyo University, conducted a project in Chuo Ward, Sagamihara City, titled "Dog Breeding and Start a survey on "connection with the community" and "relationship between residents' happiness" (sponsored by Azabu University and Rikkyo University).
At Azabu University, we have learned that interaction with dogs induces physical changes related to trust and security in humans, and that the presence of dogs may strengthen the trust network between humans. I've figured it out.These findings suggest that dogs may contribute to human-community ties and, through this, ultimately improve individual well-being.
Therefore, in this research project, with the cooperation of Chuo Ward, Sagamihara City, we will investigate whether raising dogs will increase residents' ties with the community and their happiness.Specifically, a questionnaire survey will be conducted to clarify whether there is a difference in community ties and residents' happiness between areas with a large number of dogs and areas with a small number of dogs.
It is hoped that this research will lead to the resolution of issues facing Japan today, such as well-being, which is at the bottom of developed countries, the isolation of children and families, and the collapse of local communities.This survey research is part of the research project "Improvement of well-being through coexistence of humans and dogs: Relationships with strengthening of physical, pro-social, and social networks" (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S) in 2023). implement.
