Special Issue "Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Human-Animal Interactions, Animal Behaviour and Emotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2022.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Birgit U. Stetina
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Freudplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Interests: animal assisted interventions; dysfunctional and clinical aspects of human animal interactions; stress in the field of HAI
Lisa Emmett
E-Mail
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Freudplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Interests: animal assisted interventions; dysfunctional and clinical aspects of human animal interactions; stress in the field of HAI
Dr. Christine Krouzecky
E-Mail
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Freudplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Interests: animal assisted interventions; dysfunctional and clinical aspects of human animal interactions; stress in the field of HAI

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, many researchers are investigating the effects of animals on bio-psycho-social parameters and most studies (including short-term interactions with animals as well as long-term interactions such as ownership) report positive effects of animals on humans’ well-being. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about how both short-term and long-term relationships with animals influence coping in general, stress management, crisis response, and factors like resilience for humans and for animals – aspects that play a major role in the COVID-19 pandemic in particular.

Therefore, the aim of the current Special Issue is to provide a body of research on the topic of human animal relationship (long-term and short-term) and coping, stress and crisis response. This Special Issue invites all researchers contributing reviews and original articles within the field of HAI concerning stress and coping in general as well as in times of COVID-19. We especially (but not exclusively) invite papers on studies that focus on the role of professional and volunteer work in human-animal-interaction (ranging from veterinarians and animal welfare to people in any form of animal care and/or similar organisations).

Prof. Dr. Birgit U. Stetina
Guest Editor
Lisa Emmett
Christine Krouzecky
Co-Guest Editors

 

Keywords

  • coping, stress management
  • stress, crisis response
  • (vulnerable) populations
  • human-animal interactions
  • human-animal bond
  • animal-assisted interventions
  • COVID-19 pandemic

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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Article
Affordability, Feasibility, and Accessibility: Companion Animal Guardians with (Dis)Abilities’ Access to Veterinary Medical and Behavioral Services during COVID-19
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2359; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082359 - 10 Aug 2021
Viewed by 661
Abstract
The research aims to explore COVID-19 health and safety protocol impacts on companion animal guardians living with (dis)abilities relating to veterinary medical and behavioral service access. The COVID-19 global public health crisis has impacted almost all international communities; however, vulnerable and marginalized groups [...] Read more.
The research aims to explore COVID-19 health and safety protocol impacts on companion animal guardians living with (dis)abilities relating to veterinary medical and behavioral service access. The COVID-19 global public health crisis has impacted almost all international communities; however, vulnerable and marginalized groups have been disproportionately affected. Within the human–companion animal domain, COVID-19-driven societal impacts (e.g., social, health, and economic) not only boomed with new companion animal guardians, but also negatively influenced guardians’ access to veterinary services. Although studies have examined guardian-related COVID-19-specific challenges, there is a paucity of concentration on vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs). Responding to this research deficit, this study recruited twelve companion animal guardians to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews, and eight (67%) of the twelve participants self-identified as PWDs. From a PWD perspective, this research reveals three pandemic-triggered primary barriers, preventing PWDs from pursuing veterinary services: (1) service affordability, (2) assistance program feasibility, and (3) veterinary service accessibility. This article argues that PWD-driven approaches could improve existing assistance and support programs to address PWDs’ unique requirements, promoting a healthy human–animal bond. Full article
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Review

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Review
Effects of Dog-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions in Prison Population: A Systematic Review
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112129 - 16 Nov 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1310
Abstract
Background: Animal-assisted interventions, in concrete dog-assisted intervention, have been introduced in prisons to reduce recidivism as well as to improve the well-being of prisoners. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review is to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the [...] Read more.
Background: Animal-assisted interventions, in concrete dog-assisted intervention, have been introduced in prisons to reduce recidivism as well as to improve the well-being of prisoners. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review is to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the effects of dog-based animal-assisted therapy in prison population. Methods: An electronic search of the literature was performed, and 20 articles were included. The PRISMA guideline methodology was employed. Results: Included studies involved a total of 1577 participants. The vast majority of protocols included activities related with dog training, dog caring, or activities, which included vocational or educational components. Duration of dog-based therapies ranged between 60 and 120 min, with the frequency being between 1 and 3 days/week. Statistically significant improvements in prisoners were observed in 13 studies. Conclusions: Dog-based animal-assisted therapy may improve anxiety, stress, recidivism, and other social variables in male or female inmates. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Fecal cortisol, weight and behavior as measures of stress and welfare in shelter cats during their assimilation into families of children with autism
Authors: Gretchen K. Carlisle; Rebecca A. Johnson; Colleen S. Koch; Leslie A. Lyons; Ze Wang; Jessica Bibbo; Nancy Cheak-Zamora
Affiliation: University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction
Abstract: Cats are the most common companion animal (CA) in United States households, and many of these cats live in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of ASD is one in 54 and many children have behavior challenges, as well as their diagnostic communication disorders. Benefits of CAs for children with ASD have been identified, but little is known about the welfare of CAs in these homes. This pilot randomized controlled trial explored the welfare of cats (N = 10) screened for calm temperament using the Feline Temperament Profile (FTP) and adopted by families of children with ASD. Cat stress was measured using fecal cortisol, weight and a behavior stress measure (Cat Stress Score). Measures were taken at baseline, in the shelter, two to three days after adoption, and at weeks six, 12 and 18. Cats assimilated into these families without a statistically significant increase in stress. Families of children with ASD may provide a possible home for shelter cats, when cats have been screened for calm temperament and families provided with cat behavior educational support.

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