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Heidi Bone
Prof. Panem
ENG 102
May 11, 2022
Stuffed Companions And Our Health
Stuffed animals are beloved soft toys that most children receive at young ages as their
first best friend. The significance of the connection between toy and child is much more than
happiness; and there is some science behind why they have this effect on not just children, but
adults too! As people age it becomes less socially acceptable to own or carry stuffed animals in
public since they are considered to not to be part of maturing. Yet, there is more beneath the fuzz
and they should be publicly accepted as they are a key component to child development, they
help people with stress, and are an accessible form of comfort.
To begin with, stuffed animals are most likely the first object a child comes in contact
with during infancy. This creates a bond between the stuffed animals, they help the child learn
and develop skills such as: learning social interactions, maintaining relationships, and a sense of
right and wrong. These stuffed animals have been coined the term “transitional objects” by Dr.
Donald Winnicott; which are objects that give meaning to children’s social development and
sense of security. Making sure that children develop in a healthy environment is very important
for them to “play, learn, speak, behave, and move” (CDC, 2021). Children will develop at their
own pace and their environment can reflect that in how they learn. Harsh or stressful
environments not suitable for children can delay development as much as underlying cognitive
disabilities. Some healthy environments that parents should provide include: responding to
children in a predictable way, having routines and household rules, and using appropriate
discipline without extreme harshness. The psychology behind these specific habits is to
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hopefully stop children from developing psychological disorders such as unhealthy forms of
attachment and stress towards the caretaker. When children are exposed to healthy parenting
practices, they are more likely to reach a developmental milestone. Developmental milestones
are general markers for what age a child will most likely develop a skill. Psychologists such as,
but not limited to, Erikson have created their own template of what they propose are the stages of
development such as: trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt… etc.
In addition to development, transitional objects have been theorized to make one stronger
or more resilient in the face of difference and trauma. When Colleen Goddard was an early
childhood educator visiting families prior to the start of school, most parents would say their
child did not need any transitional objects to the classroom environment (Goddard, 2014). When
that same child was confronted with the classroom they may have self-chosen transitional objects
such as mom’s scarf, a stuffed animal, or a pillow found around the room. These children would
then keep that object until the parent came back and there was no use for it anymore. Opposed to
more traditional forms of stress relief such as: therapy, counseling, forms of health exercises, and
healthy habits. Stuffed animals are the early connections a human needs to find comfort in
uncertain or uneasy situations. However, if the object is removed or was denied access to, it
could lead to more lasting effects such as anxiety, discourse, and other pathological disorders
(Goddard, 2014). Stuffed animals help to engage and introduce children into an environment that
asks them to behave in social surroundings and possibly encourages that behavior. Even at young
ages, transitional objects hold significant sentimental value that orchestrates human social skills
when confronted with situations that cause stress and anxiety.
Likewise to child development, stuffed animals have been shown to be beneficial to
adults as well. Supposedly the reason why stuffed animals and other childlike comforts, such as
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bottles and blankets are unacceptable to the public is because they are not associated with
societal standards of “acting your age”. Growing status as an adult is crucial in order to gain the
respect of peers. When someone acts outside of their own age group they may be considered
immature or unassociated with sophistication. However, there are no notable downsides to
having a stuffed animal whether young or old. Adults can benefit from the comfort just as much
as children. “As we become more independent, we usually lose attachment to these items, but
even as adults, we can use them to bolster our emotional and mental wellbeing, especially in
times of transition or loneliness” (Hains, 2021). Sometimes it is hard having to juggle
responsibilities, and that is okay. No one said that growing up would be easy and stuffed animals
are a great companion to cuddle with and use to unwind. However, the possible coping
mechanisms change with age and more unhealthy ways to deal with stress are easily available to
adults. The way most children handle stress is with sudden outbursts of anger and aggression in
the form of tantrums, which are not normal for adults. Some ways that adults are forced to
release their stress is either with activities such as drinking and smoking, physical violence
whether in the gym or against other people, or to hold it in. “It is often highlighted that using a
comfort object is a healthier coping mechanism than alcohol or drugs when we need to soothe
ourselves, but is a challenge when it comes between you and seeking comfort from others, if it is
consuming hiding it or it is stopping you from sleeping without it.” (Hains, 2021). According to
Hlangani in 2019 their article “ The benefits of cuddling stuffed animals (for children and adults
alike)”. Stuffed animals provide comfort in unfamiliar environments, release Oxytocin, have
sentimental value, and are nurturing. These are the same general qualities that provide children
with comfort, and adults are no exception to this. The areas of the brain that is the most
stimulated to attachment anxiety, or depression is associated with the right or midline frontal
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lobe, and a dose of antidepressant medication tends to be related to the left frontal lobe of the
brain (Kiefer, 2017). This roughly links the effect of sentimentality to attachment and the area of
the brain associated with attachment. This also links the potential correlation between stuffed
animals releasing oxytocin to where it is stimulated. It is not uncommon for adults ages 25 to 54
to own and sleep with a stuffed animal for comfort, they make up roughly 4.54% (or more than
three million) of the population (Hains, 2021).
In addition to coping mechanisms, therapy is another option to dealing with stress. The
U.S. has been a capitalist nation as far back as the seventeenth century and remains to be how the
market and economy functions to this day. People will bargain a price for their product worthy of
the price of the materials and the time it takes to manufacture it in order to gain profit. Those
with the best bargain or cheapest prices can make the decision to buy goods easier because they
gain money and the consumer thinks they paid less than its value. However there are some
valuables that do not have a set price and are instead based on how much the person thinks their
skills and time are worth. Psychotherapy is one of those professions where income is based on
how many people they can book in a day for one hour intervals. There is no definitive price
because each therapist values their skill at different levels. According to (Hayes, 2021) the
average price of one initial therapy session in New York City can be about $300 to $500 and
every session after that may cost an additional $100 to $250 or more for an average 45 minute
session. However therapy is not necessarily the most quick resolving solution. On average, it can
take roughly 12-16 sessions depending on the severity of the situation for therapy to fully feel the
benefits of therapy (Caraballo, 2019). That would mean a person who spends only $90 per
session for 12 sessions will cost about $3,500 in 3-4 months just for therapy when stuffed
animals can be kept much longer with no payments per month. The average 20 inch stuffed
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animal may cost around $35 and they last up to years if taken care of properly. This may be the
most affordable temporary solution especially if someone does not have access to health care.
Despite how soft, cuddly, and filled with all the love a person could give, there are many
downsides and health risks to having all that love in one place. According to a January 4, 2021
blog by Shanon Woods, she found many things that contribute to health risks in children's
stuffed animals including where it is from, how old the toy is and the possible toxins and
chemicals that go into manufacturing them. Toys mass produced in China tend to have low
quality standards and may have heavy metals or toxic chemicals. Older toys could be made from
dangerous materials not found in newer toys. It is crucial to consider these factors when deciding
on a toy because children exposed to these kinds of chemicals can cause lasting conditions such
as cancer, developmental delays, parkinson’s, delayed milestones, and other cognitive changes.
Along with the effects on the brain that stuffed animals can have there are also physical risks to
consider. There are potential risks when letting a child sleep with a stuffed animal. “children who
had extended proximity to these furry toys had a bigger chance of developing rhinitis and other
allergies,” (Mrunal, 2018). Rhinitis is supposedly caused by an infection or allergic reaction and
something that can cause that is exposure to dust and mites which can be found on the fuzz of
stuffed animals and pets. Although this can easily be avoided by limiting the playtime of a
stuffed animal or properly washing them, it does not change that stuffed animals can harbor
germs and bacteria just as much as live pets while only being a toy. A child’s safety and
happiness are one of the top priorities in parents and being conscious that a toy is toxic or
unhealthy should not have to be a concern. As noted by Woods, “Since your child spends so
much time and close contact with their stuffed animals, it is really important to make sure they
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are free of toxins.” and goes as far as to list the types of toys that are non-toxic and eco-friendly
as well as some of their recommended brands.
In conclusion, stuffed animals are very beloved objects held near and dear by children
and adults alike. The benefits of stuffed animals outweigh the negatives which are preventable.
The downside of stuffed animals are the potential health risks such as: asthma, rhinitis, and other
allergies that affect the respiratory system, or surface of the skin. All of this can be avoided with
knowing how to clean and preserve the plush toy for longer periods of time. Proper care of
stuffed animals and knowing when children should not be around one is a good start to being
able to keep them safe. The benefits of having a stuffed animal whether child or adult is the
comfort it provides to someone. Stuffed animals have a great impact on a persons’ mental
wellbeing ranging from it being an accessible tool for childrens’ development to being an
affordable and healthy coping mechanism for stress. Although possessing stuffed animals may
not readily be accepted in public, it does not change their impact on people. They are still soft
companions that have helped with: child development, helping people with stress, and are an
accessible form of comfort. Nevertheless stuffed animals should not be considered a “cure all”
and are not a permanent solution to stress, general anxiety, and or depression. There are more
effective ways to cope with stress and stuffed animals are merely a temporary solution. For more
serious mental conditions or disorders, it is advised to seek professional help if possible because
letting stress fester for too long can cause more problematic issues in the long run.
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Works Cited
Beetz, Andrea et al. “Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal
interactions: the possible role of oxytocin.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 3 234. 9 Jul. 2012,
doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234
Caraballo, Jor-El. “How Often Should You Talk to Your Therapist to Feel the Benefits?”
Talkspace, 10 Dec. 2020, https://www.talkspace.com/blog/therapist-talk-howoften/#:~:text=Therapy%20has%20been%20found%20to,months%20of%20once%20week
ly%20sessions.
Goddard, Colleen. “More than Just Teddy Bears.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers,
15 July 2014, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-guest-room/201407/morejust-teddy-bears.
Hains, Rachel. “Psychologist Explains Why Adults Still Sleep with a Teddy Bear.”
WalesOnline, 10 Oct. 2021, https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/psychologistexplains-millions-adults-still-21779048.
Hayes, Marianne. “How Much Does Therapy Cost?” Northwestern Mutual, 22 Dec. 2021,
https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/how-much-does-therapy-cost-andhow-do-you-pay-for-it/.
Hlangani, Anneline. “The Benefits of Cuddling Stuffed Animals (for Children and Adults
Alike).” Parent, Parent, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.news24.com/parent/Child_712/Development/the-benefits-of-cuddling-stuffed-animals-for-children-and-adults-alike20191009.
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Kiefer, M., Neff, U., Schmid, M.M. et al. Brain activity to transitional objects in patients
with borderline personality disorder. Sci Rep 7, 13121 (2017).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13508-8
Montalbo, Agnes. (2016). Stuffed Animal as a Source of Comfort in Group Psychotherapy.
Research JOurnal of Social Science and Management. Volume 6. 111-118.
Mrunal, Rashmi. “Dangers of Sleeping with Stuffed Animals: Risk of Rhinitis in
Children.” FirstCry Parenting, 31 Oct. 2018, https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/whysleeping-with-some-soft-toys-is-dangerous-for-your-child-how-to-keep-him-safe/.
United States, Department of Health and Human Service, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. “Child Development Basics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Sept. 2021,
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts.html.
Woods, Shannon. “The Best, Organic Stuffed Animals.” Natural Baby Mama, 4 Jan. 2021,
https://naturalbabymama.com/organic-stuffedanimals/#:~:text=The%20materials%20in%20many%20stuffed,look%20for%20organic%2
0stuffed%20animals.