Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology (한국동물생명공학회지)

The Korean Society of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology (한국동물생명공학회)
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Mental stress of animal researchers and suggestions for relief

  • Ahn, Na (Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University) ;
  • Park, Jaehak (Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University) ;
  • Roh, Sangho (School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2022.03.07
  • Accepted : 2022.03.14
  • Published : 2022.03.31
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Abstract

The use of animals heavily impacts the mental health of researchers performing the animal experiments. The animal researchers need to take care of animals but also give pain and sacrifice them at the same time. This circumstance can cause a variety of mental stress to the researchers. The stress generated in the laboratory would not only negatively affect the management of animals and the research results, but also would harm the researchers' physical and mental health. Because the feeling of sympathy for animals is a natural feature of humanity, psychological stress following a laboratory animal's death after use is not surprising. It is necessary to revise the relevant laws based on understanding the difficulties of animal researchers in society and to develop related educational programs at the national level to help the psychology and emotions of researchers who conduct animal experiments.

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References

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