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Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human...
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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: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 35263

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Birgit U. Stetina

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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 Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
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 Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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 (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
The Significance of Pets for Vulnerable Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Explorative Qualitative Study
by Peter W. A. Reniers, Ruslan Leontjevas, Ine J. N. Declercq, Marie-José Enders-Slegers, Debby L. Gerritsen and Karin Hediger
Animals 2022, 12(20), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202752 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1766
Abstract
Older adults receiving long-term care at home (LTCH-clients) were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its countermeasures. Previous research suggests that pets can mitigate some of the pandemic’s impacts for older adults but results are contradictory. Our aim was to investigate experiences of [...] Read more.
Older adults receiving long-term care at home (LTCH-clients) were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its countermeasures. Previous research suggests that pets can mitigate some of the pandemic’s impacts for older adults but results are contradictory. Our aim was to investigate experiences of LTCH-clients and the significance of their pets during the pandemic. Accounting for saturation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five LTCH-clients and four family caregivers of LTCH-clients with dementia. Participants were asked about their experiences with COVID-19 and the significance of LTCH-clients’ pets during the pandemic. Two researchers performed thematic analyses in ATLAS.ti using open coding and an iterative–inductive approach. All participants reported negative experiences as a result of COVID-19 countermeasures. Results suggested that caring for pets provided pet owners with structure, which may have contributed to a sense of stability and continuity. Our outcomes underlined an important role of pets for LTCH-clients both before and during the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
21 pages, 2069 KiB  
Article
Fantastic Beasts and Why It Is Necessary to Understand Our Relationship—Animal Companionship under Challenging Circumstances Using the Example of Long-Covid
by Christine Krouzecky, Jan Aden, Katharina Hametner, Armin Klaps, Zuzana Kovacovsky and Birgit U. Stetina
Animals 2022, 12(15), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151892 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2307
Abstract
Studies in the field of human–animal interaction tend to highlight the positive results of the influence of animals on humans, which supports the popular belief that the human–animal bond positively affects humans’ well-being (“pet-effect”). Nevertheless, contradictory results exist that seem especially visible since [...] Read more.
Studies in the field of human–animal interaction tend to highlight the positive results of the influence of animals on humans, which supports the popular belief that the human–animal bond positively affects humans’ well-being (“pet-effect”). Nevertheless, contradictory results exist that seem especially visible since the COVID-19 pandemic, a prominent external stressor. Despite critical findings, individuals seem to want to believe in the beneficial effects of the human–animal relationship (“pet-effect paradox”). Based on this background, the present study aims to investigate this phenomenon using a mixed-method design. Therefore, animal caregivers were surveyed online and compared using psychometric measurements and open-ended questions. In this context, a special focus was placed on the additional stressor of Long-Covid and related concerns. The results demonstrate once more the existence of the “pet-effect paradox” due to a contradiction in the quantitative and qualitative results. At a quantitative level, the findings show additional burdens on animal caregivers who are confronted with multiple loads. However, the qualitative results indicate a belief in the beneficial effects of pets at the biopsychosocial level. Additionally, the data demonstrate a shift in focus away from the environment to oneself when affected by Long-Covid, which might affect the ability to care for an animal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
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10 pages, 226 KiB  
Article
Awareness, Motivation, and Fear towards Canine Blood Donation—A Survey of Dog Owners in Lithuania
by Brigita Zakarevičiūtė, Dalia Juodžentė, Birutė Karvelienė and Vita Riškevičienė
Animals 2021, 11(11), 3229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113229 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2498
Abstract
The recruitment of canine blood donors remains a challenge, especially in countries where blood donation and veterinary medicine are still emerging medical fields. There are few previous studies that have discussed canine blood donation strategies, and the subject of fear and its influencing [...] Read more.
The recruitment of canine blood donors remains a challenge, especially in countries where blood donation and veterinary medicine are still emerging medical fields. There are few previous studies that have discussed canine blood donation strategies, and the subject of fear and its influencing factors have not been investigated. The main purpose of our study was to investigate dog owners’ awareness, motivation, and fear regarding canine blood donation in order to improve donor recruitment strategies. We created a six-page questionnaire and submitted it to dog owners (n = 207) in person. Two-thirds of the respondents (65.7%) were not aware that canine blood donation exists in Lithuania. We did not find any factors that would significantly affect the motivation of respondents toward donation. We found an association between the fear of the owner and the health status of the owned dog (p = 0.008), as well as if their animal had needed urgent care in the past (p = 0.031). The fact that some participants were blood donors themselves did not affect their motivation, but they were 19.76% less afraid of canine blood donation (p = 0.001), as were respondents who were aware of canine blood donation (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the recruitment strategy should focus on the management of fear toward canine blood donation and the education of clients, and donor welfare must remain a priority. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
12 pages, 427 KiB  
Article
Transforming the Emotional Intelligence of the Feeders in Agribusinesses into the Development of Task Performance and Counterproductive Work Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Stanley Y. B. Huang, Ming-Way Li and Yue-Shi Lee
Animals 2021, 11(11), 3124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113124 - 31 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
The present research poses a novel multilevel model to describe how transformational leadership can significantly affect task performance and counterproductive work behavior through intermediary effects of emotional intelligence, work engagement, and work burnout. The empirical data is from 240 livestock feeders from 80 [...] Read more.
The present research poses a novel multilevel model to describe how transformational leadership can significantly affect task performance and counterproductive work behavior through intermediary effects of emotional intelligence, work engagement, and work burnout. The empirical data is from 240 livestock feeders from 80 Taiwanese livestock production agribusinesses. The empirical results demonstrate that leadership could indeed transform the emotional intelligence of livestock feeders into positive task performance and negative counterproductive work behavior. The research results can provide an implementation method for livestock production agribusinesses to achieve the sustainable work of feeders in agribusinesses through handling task performance and counterproductive work behavior of feeders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
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18 pages, 687 KiB  
Article
Affordability, Feasibility, and Accessibility: Companion Animal Guardians with (Dis)Abilities’ Access to Veterinary Medical and Behavioral Services during COVID-19
by Haorui Wu, Ravinder Sarah Bains, Amy Morris and Celeste Morales
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2359; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082359 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4540
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
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Review

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12 pages, 1155 KiB  
Review
Poultry Production and Sustainability in Developing Countries under the COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons Learned
by Youssef A. Attia, Md. Tanvir Rahman, Md. Jannat Hossain, Shereen Basiouni, Asmaa F. Khafaga, Awad A. Shehata and Hafez M. Hafez
Animals 2022, 12(5), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050644 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 11726
Abstract
Poultry farming is a significant source of revenue generation for small farmers in developing countries. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the daily protein requirements of humans through meat and eggs consumption. The recently emerged pandemic Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) impacts the poultry [...] Read more.
Poultry farming is a significant source of revenue generation for small farmers in developing countries. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the daily protein requirements of humans through meat and eggs consumption. The recently emerged pandemic Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) impacts the poultry production sector. Although the whole world is affected, these impacts may be more severe in developing countries due to their dependency on exporting necessary supplies such as feed, vaccines, drugs, and utensils. In this review, we have discussed poultry production in developing countries under the COVID-19 crisis and measures to regain the loss in the poultry industries. Generally, due to the lockdown, trade limitations have negatively impacted poultry industries, which might exacerbate global poverty. Coordinated activities have to be taken at the private and government levels to arrange soft loans so that these farms can restore their production and marketing to normal levels. In addition, here, we have focused on the supply of farm input, feed, other raw materials, management system, improved breeding efficiency, veterinary services, and marketing of egg and meat, which have to be ensured to secure a sustainable poultry production chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
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19 pages, 1594 KiB  
Review
Effects of Dog-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions in Prison Population: A Systematic Review
by Beatriz Villafaina-Domínguez, Daniel Collado-Mateo, Eugenio Merellano-Navarro and Santos Villafaina
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112129 - 16 Nov 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9146
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping, Stress and Crisis Response within the Field of Human Animal Interactions)
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