You may think stuffed animals are strictly for children but psychologists agree that they have positive effects on adults. In fact, it’s not uncommon for adults to sleep with a teddy bear or other plush animal.
They can be used as a comforting object when facing health concerns or the loss of a loved one. Stuffed animals can also provide a sense of security for a good night’s sleep.
They’re Comforting
For many people, stuffed animals can help them feel more secure and comfortable. They can be comforting during anxiety episodes and serve as a reminder that you’re strong. They can also remind you of happier times in your life, making them a symbol of resilience and a source of comfort. There are many stuffed animal names options for you to choose from for your beloved stuffed animal.
Stuffed animals can play a role in attachment therapy and serve as transitional objects for children. According to psychologist Donald Winnicott, these objects can fill the gap between a child and their caregiver, especially during difficult times or transitions in their lives. This can be helpful for children who have experienced neglect or have a challenging home environment. They can help them develop healthy relationships and learn to love and trust themselves.
Even as adults, stuffed animals can be comforting. A survey conducted by OnePoll and Life Storage found that four in 10 Americans own a stuffed animal, with millennials being the largest group to own one. This shows that adults aren’t afraid to break stereotypes and embrace their inner child. In addition, a 2022 study published in PLOS One showed that touch from a loved one—including that of a teddy bear or other stuffed animal—has health benefits.
For example, when writer Aileen Weintraub was sick during the pandemic and unable to go out, she turned to her beloved stuffed animal for comfort. She wrote about her experience on her blog and received a wave of emails from others who cherish their emotional-support stuffed animals as well. While stuffed animals can be comforting, they can also be a distraction and should not be used as a replacement for social interaction. Moreover, if you are relying on your stuffed animal to fall asleep, you should reassess your relationship with it.
They’re Cute
We tend to think that stuffed animals are for kids, but if you visit a nursing home, you’ll find plenty of adults sleeping with teddy bears or other childhood toys. While some people feel a stigma around sleeping with a stuffed animal, the truth is that this habit can help adults sleep better and cope with stress.
Stuffed animals are more than just toys – they’re confidants, secret-keepers, and loyal companions. They’re the silent listeners who never judge and the ever-smiling faces that greet us at the end of a long day. Their cuteness makes them hard to resist, and their soft bodies and adorable features make them irresistibly huggable.
Many stuffed animals are designed to look like animals or fictional characters, and they can be filled with a variety of materials. They’re also available in a variety of colors, cloth surfaces, fur textures, and humanizing embellishments. In addition to their teddy-bear aesthetic, some stuffed animals are designed with cultural or socially conscious themes, such as gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Having a stuffed animal can be a great way for children to learn important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, patience, and sharing. They can also help kids develop independence and decision-making, and encourage them to use their imaginations and creativity. Stuffed animals can be useful for parents, as they can be used to teach children about different cultures and traditions, and can help ease anxiety and fear during difficult or stressful situations, such as doctor visits or first nights away from home.
As adults, we may be less inclined to sleep with our teddy bears or other childhood stuffed toys. However, this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have them around for emotional and mental health support. Just be mindful that your stuffed animal doesn’t become the only thing you need to fall asleep, and don’t let it take up too much room in your home.
They’re Sturdy
Unlike many other types of toys, most stuffed animals are sturdy enough to endure the wear and tear of repeated cuddling. This is because they are usually made from durable fabrics, such as soft plush or cotton. They may also have protective padding and other features to ensure that the toys stay safe from damage, including zippers and stitching. In addition, stuffed animals are usually designed to be a good size for cuddling. They can be thumb-sized or as large as a person, and they are often made to look like familiar animals (including teddy bears), mammalian pets, or fictional characters from movies, books, and TV shows.
For adults, sleeping with a stuffed animal can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed at bedtime. Stuffed animals are also typically soft and warm, sensations that can make people feel calm and at ease. They can also serve as a comforting reminder of childhood or other happy memories.
Some experts argue that there’s nothing wrong with sleeping with a stuffed animal, even as an adult. “If an adult is comfortable with it and it doesn’t negatively impact their life or health, there’s no reason to not sleep with it,” says Wachholtz. She has seen her adult patients bring their stuffed animals for overnight stays in the hospital to help them feel more comfortable away from home.
Still, it’s important for adults to assess their relationship with their stuffed animals and consider how they’re using them in their lives. If a person only uses their teddy bear as a security blanket and doesn’t have a close relationship with other people, they should try to find other ways to find comfort in their lives.
They’re Versatile
Many adults use stuffed animals as their emotional support companions and they carry them with them into adulthood. Stuffed animals have been shown to ease loneliness, aid grief and reduce anxiety and depression. They can also help people get a good night’s sleep. According to a survey by Build-A-Bear Workshop, 40% of adults still sleep with a stuffed animal. This may be because of the comfort they provide or because they remind them of childhood.
When children play with stuffed animals they often personify them and develop their first relationships, learning how to care for someone outside of themselves and empathize. These skills will serve them well throughout their lives. Stuffed animals are a great way to express complex emotions in a safe environment and can be used for role-playing. They can even be used to teach children about basic body parts and the food chain.
The soft texture of stuffed animals is soothing for those with sensory processing issues. Additionally, interacting with them lowers stress levels and increases feelings of belonging. In fact, a study conducted by psychologists found that simply holding a stuffed animal decreases cortisol levels in the body, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
While some adults might find it odd or immature to have a plushy, the truth is that there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s important for adults to know how to recognize their anxiety triggers and find a way to cope with them that works best for them, such as turning to a stuffed animal for comfort. This is a completely valid and healthy way to manage stress and can give adults a confidence boost by breaking free from societal expectations.
They’re Fun
While it may seem like plush toys are more geared towards kids, the truth is that many adults carry their childhood stuffed animals into adulthood. In fact, a recent survey found that 44% of people still sleep with a stuffed animal. Plush toys are also gaining visibility as a therapeutic tool for adults. They’re especially helpful for those with anxiety. These cuddly friends have been known to ease loneliness, aid grief and generally improve mental health. Plus, they’re just fun to have around!
In some cases, stuffed animals are used to help children cope with separation from their parents or other loved ones. This is because a child can feel comfort and security when they’re snuggling up with their teddy bear. It also teaches them to self-soothe when they feel anxious, which is an important skill that they can take with them into adulthood.
Stuffed animals have also been used in therapy for adults who suffer from PTSD, bipolar and other mental disorders. In one study, stuffed animals helped patients with disorganized attachment styles form secure attachments and repair their impaired attachment bonds. This helped them lead richer, happier lives. These stuffed animals are also a lot cheaper than live animals, making them more accessible to those in need of help.
If you’re an adult who struggles with anxiety, consider getting a stuffed animal to keep with you at all times. It will help you calm down and get a better night’s sleep. Just be sure to treat it with care and respect, so you don’t become dependent on it. Just like any other object, it’s not a replacement for real-life support systems. If you’re able to find the right balance, you’ll be able to enjoy your teddy bear even more.