Emma Symonds

Papers

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About

Dr. Emma Symonds is a leading researcher in social cognition and human-animal interaction, whose work explores the psychological mechanisms underlying anthropomorphic thinking. Her most cited study, "Sociality Motivation and Anthropomorphic Thinking about Pets" (2014, 38 citations), fundamentally advanced our understanding of how social connection—or the lack thereof—shapes our tendency to attribute human-like mental states to non-human animals. By demonstrating that individuals with heightened sociality motivation are more likely to perceive their pets as having complex inner lives, Symonds bridged evolutionary psychology and social neuroscience, offering a compelling framework for why humans form deep bonds with companion animals. Her research has significant implications for animal welfare, pet ownership, and mental health interventions targeting loneliness. Beyond this landmark paper, Symonds has contributed to the broader literature on social motivation and its influence on perception, earning recognition for her innovative experimental designs. With a growing citation record and a reputation for tackling fundamental questions about the human need for connection, she continues to shape interdisciplinary conversations in social psychology and anthrozoology.