Love, violence, and sexuality in relationships between humans and animals

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This research explores the complex relationships between humans and animals, focusing on biophilia and the dynamics of loving, violent, and sexually intimate interactions. The first study examines how preferences for different animal species correlate with human personality traits, suggesting that individuals choose companion animals that fulfill specific emotional needs, such as affiliation or nurturance. This connection indicates that people are drawn to animals whose characteristics resonate with their own personalities and unconscious desires. The second study delves into the experiences of male juvenile sex offenders, revealing a troubling ambivalence towards animals. Many of these individuals, often from abusive backgrounds, reported both affectionate relationships with animals and a significant incidence of violent behavior. The findings suggest a link between their personality traits, particularly psychopathy and Sensation Seeking, and their interactions with animals, supporting the notion that animal abuse may correlate with broader patterns of interpersonal violence. The third study addresses the less-explored topic of sexual relationships between humans and animals, commonly known as bestiality or zoophilia. Contrary to common perceptions, data indicate that individuals engaging in these relationships are not necessarily more violent or psychologically impaired. Love appears to play a significant role in these int