In late 2019 and early 2020, Australia experienced devastating bushfires that not only destroyed habitats for millions of animals but also left thousands of people homeless.
The impact of these fires on Australian children was significant, with UNICEF estimating that 40 percent of children in the country were somehow affected by the fires. Many children experienced trauma as a result, leading UNICEF to organize therapy sessions where children could make and keep handmade teddy bears, which have proven to have a calming and comforting effect.
The emotional attachment that people have to teddy bears is gaining attention from researchers, as they explore how these cuddly companions can help clinicians treat anxiety, reduce fear, and address trauma. The science behind teddy bear hugs has the potential to significantly impact the well-being of individuals.
Research has found that teddy bears provide comfort to young children as they navigate the journey towards independence from their parents. By touching and cuddling teddy bears, children feel assured and secure, allowing them to develop social skills and interact more positively with others. Teddy bears have also been found to help children who feel excluded to become more prosocial in their interactions with peers.
Psychologists have long recognised the value of teddy bears in helping children cope with feelings of insecurity or fear. In recent years, teddy bears have been used as therapeutic tools to assist traumatised or fearful children in responding to upsetting situations. Studies conducted in Israel and Germany showed that children who engaged in activities such as admitting their teddy bears to a teddy bear hospital exhibited reduced anxiety and increased health knowledge compared to control groups.
A team of French scientists recently conducted a study to understand the physical and sensory characteristics that make a teddy bear “cuddle-worthy.” The study involved 395 participants from 13 French cities, with an average age of 18. The participants were asked to bring their own bears, and if they did not have one or their bear did not meet the study’s criteria, loaner bears were provided.
The participants were given various tasks to perform with their bears, including answering questionnaires, taking measurements, and photographing them in a makeshift photo studio. Towards the end of the session, a “stranger bear” was introduced. Participants were then asked which bear they would most likely cuddle if they felt sad or scared – their own bear, the standard bear provided by the study, or the stranger bear.
The results overwhelmingly showed that participants preferred their own bears over the standard and stranger bears. This finding indicates a strong emotional bond between individuals and their teddy bears, highlighting their role as a source of comfort. The study also revealed that participants rated bigger and softer bears as more comforting. Fur types were found to influence perceptions of comfort as well.
The history of teddy bears dates back to November 1902 when the US President Theodore Roosevelt was on a hunting trip in Mississippi. Despite other hunters in his group successfully shooting black bears, Roosevelt was unable to do so. To ensure that the president didn’t return empty-handed, assistants captured a young bear, tied it to a tree, and encouraged Roosevelt to shoot it. But Roosevelt refused, arguing that shooting an injured and restrained animal was unfair.
This act of compassion by Roosevelt caught the attention of the public, and a political cartoonist depicted him as soft. In response, toy makers created plush “Teddy Bears,” which instantly became popular. Interestingly, teddy bears gained popularity during a time when Americans feared and despised wild bears. Over time, teddy bears evolved from resembling scary wildlife versions to having features that resembled babies. Today’s teddy bears often have wide foreheads, small mouths and noses, and sewn-in smiles.
The therapeutic benefits of teddy bears have stood the test of time. From providing comfort during times of distress to helping children navigate difficult situations, teddy bears continue to play a vital role in promoting emotional well-being.
Teddy bears have proven to be invaluable companions for children and adults alike. The emotional bonds formed with these cuddly creatures offer comfort and solace during challenging times. As researchers continue to delve into the science behind teddy bear hugs, their potential to alleviate anxiety, reduce fear, and address trauma becomes increasingly evident. The power of these beloved toys extends far beyond their soft fur and endearing features; they provide a sense of security and healing that can make all the difference in the lives of those who embrace them.
