Why Positive Emotions Matter in Animal Sentience
Abstract
Animal sentience research has historically emphasized negative emotions such as pain, fear, and distress, reflecting urgent ethical concerns. Yet positive emotions—including joy, curiosity, and satisfaction—are crucial for survival, fitness, and adaptive behavior. Recognizing and promoting these states represents the next frontier in sentience science, offering a more complete understanding of emotional capacities across species. This commentary discusses conceptual and evolutionary considerations, highlights methodological challenges in studying positive experiences, and outlines practical implications for welfare in research and agricultural contexts. By integrating positive and negative states, we can ensure that animals not only avoid harm but also experience enriched, meaningful lives.