Four Psychological
Powers of Teddy Bears
Priscilla V. Marotta,
Ph.D.
Teddy Bears are a wonderful tool
for psychological health. Look around your home and the home of your friends.
Almost every home has a collectable teddy bear or a collectable teddy bear figurine.
What is so powerful about a teddy bear? Why does even the thought of a teddy
bear bring a smile to your face? Teddy bears are cherished, many are
collectable, and there are so many types of cuddly collectable teddy bears.
This is understandable when you realize that there are four powerful
psychological effects of teddy bears.
First, teddy bears are the symbol
of child-like innocence. The remind us of being nurtured and cared for by
others. Teddy bears are a symbol of the care free moments of childhood when our
greatest concerns were the next play time. We all hold on to our “inner child”
that still remains with us. No matter what adult responsibilities that we may
have, we all need to have moments of escape. Also, there are children in our
lives that are still receiving there quota of teddy bear gifts.
Second, teddy bears remind us of
a special person who loved us and brought us a teddy bear. Teddy bears remind
us of the joy of being loved. Teddy bears are not a sex symbol…they are a love
symbol! They remind us that someone loves us and treasures us. Psychological
assessment tests have proven teddy bears have a positive effect on people’s
emotions. The psychological necessities for love and caring are central to
human lives. Teddy bears are used by police officers and fire fighters to bring
comfort to families who are experiencing difficulties. They are a universal
symbol of caring.
Third, teddy bears are also used
as gifts to remember special occasions. Therefore, teddy bears are treasured
for the memory that they represent. It may be a special boyfriend or
girlfriend, or a teddy bear from your youth, or a teddy bear purchased for
Mother’s Day. I have a special teddy bear on my bed, given to me from my son on
Mother’s Day. Each time I look at the bear, holding my heart, I think of my son
and a warm feeling floods my heart. The psychological value of treasured
memories is great. Pleasant memories color our world with happy thoughts and
bring comfort in difficult times.
The fourth powerful psychological
impact is the power of the soft touch. A huggable, warm teddy bear brings the
comfort of touch. Touch is a powerful need among human beings. Holding
something soft gives us immense psychological comfort. The ability to hug a
soft object provides a seductive combination. Holding a teddy bear is a simple
pleasure that provides relief from stress. A few moments with a teddy bear are
a simple tool to bring your blood pressure down, put positive endorphins in
your body, and provide a moment of peace.
It is amazing to realize that a
teddy bear is a unique personalized gift and that teddy bears are special. In
today’s hectic world, a teddy bear is a proven comfort item with multiple
psychological benefits.
Hug a teddy bear today!
