Attachment is an emotion that we can only portray when a commodity or an individual actually really means something to us. Speaking of which, we do not just randomly get attached to something or someone, it happens over time and it’s not something an individual is able to control. This article talks about exactly why we are attached to inanimate objects or stuffed animal, besides persons in real life sometimes.
Security Blankets :
When we talk about attachment, what is the first thing that we think of?
Family, Partner, Friend, Child, Pet?
Now, what is the one thing in common amongst all of these?
Well, it’s simple. You feel something for them. It could be any kind of emotion in its most actual sense. It could be love, hate, affection, sympathy, empathy, literally anything and everything. You cannot feel a sense of affection for someone you don’t know or someone you haven’t really spoken with. The fact of the matter being, every individual may have a soft corner for someone or something they are actually close with and this includes inanimate objects or stuffed animal, like stuffed toys as well.
The affection that an individual feels for inanimate objects or stuffed animal has come to be known as ‘Security Blankets’. Almost anything or anyone that gives you some sort of comfort and a sense of security could be included under this category.
Neoteny :
Have you ever caught yourself petting a stuffed animal, a completely inanimate object with absolutely no emotions whatsoever?
This affection or attraction or behavior that triggers your vitals instantly, when a cute plush toy is lying before you, is known as neoteny. We are not talking about Neoteny in scientific terms, we’re speaking in terms of platonic and unrealistic behavior towards objects that cannot reciprocate the same kind of emotions.
Stuffed toys and objects possess this feature; It is sort of a physical trait and has the potential to make you feel for it, as though it wishes to be taken care of or fed, in simple terms a mother-child kind of affection.
This trait is not just present in stuffed toys, it is also something that animals possess, though animals actually do reciprocate these feelings in some or the other way (licking, cuddling, etc.)
Transitional Objects :
When we speak of stuffed toys, we most often picture a child. This is because children find it difficult to frame or control, manage or present their emotions before someone, so their stuffed toys sort of become their go-to support system. They cuddle with it, toy it, tool it, beast it even (when they’re angry or feel reckless), in this case, these stuffed toys become transitional objects or transitional submissives. The child is aware of the fact they could do anything to their stuffed toys and the commodity won’t react.
Other reasons why you may feel attached to your soft toy or stuffed animals:
When individuals deal with emotions, which they most certainly do on a routine basis, it is common for them to take a moment for themselves and think about things, give perspectives to certain ideas and matters which might even lead them to think about the objects around them. Say, they might suddenly in their subconscious mind stare at the couch in their room and think about how the intricate carving on its handles is the most beautiful sort of art that’s ever been created. The next moment they might hold their soft toy and think of the time it was gifted to them by someone important or close to them and they take a drive down memory lane.
Feeling a sense of nostalgia is another form of attachment towards someone or something. It’s like the girl you hated in school, who is now married with two kids, but you don’t feel the same kind of hate anymore, it’s just that you feel attached to that particular memory, because at that point in time you felt something, even if the first emotion you carried within yourself was hate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Do stuffed toys help with anxiety?
A1. Yes, stuffed toys can be great serotonin (the hormone that brightens your mood) boosters. Stuffed toys are objects that make you feel comfortable and happy just by being there doing nothing, it doesn’t particularly even have to be your toy, in fact, it could be your pillow even. Have you ever caught yourself crying into your pillow or hugging it when your mood isn’t the best? This is because you feel safe with it, you know you are not being judged for how you’re behaving no matter what. This helps with your anxiety big time.
Q2. Is it normal for adults to feel attached to stuffed toys?
A2. People are constantly looking for something or someone to feel close to, someone who can listen to them rant about any and everything without judging them in return. It is not only normal as an adult to feel attached to a stuffed toy, it is absolutely necessary in some cases. In order to feel something, you need to have a source to instill your emotions upon, even if it’s just a stuffed toy.
Q3. Why are soft toys said to be good for babies?
A3. Stuffed toys are like babies themselves and giving your infant one to hold onto, is a good decision. There are various reasons your baby should actually have one, a few of which are listed below:
- Emotional and Social Skills: Stuffed toys help your baby with their social and emotional skills. As the infant grows up, they begin to hold actual conversations with their toy, which is healthy for their brain development as well.
- Sensory Skills: Your baby gets to see different colors around their toy which helps them grasp a sense of how color works and how sizes vary for instance.
- Temper Tantrums: Soft toys can also help your baby keep their frustrations under control and learn to fix things and instead of diving into a fit of rage.
