Cori Bussolari
Biographic Data
| ID | 213596 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Cori Bussolari |
| GIVEN NAMES | Cori |
| FAMILY NAME | Bussolari |
| SIGNATURE | BUSSOLARI C |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of San Francisco |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3136-2077 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 25 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 17 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2009 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Purpose through partnership
Background : Animal-assisted services (AAS), including therapy, education, and support programs, have become increasingly valued as a resource for improved human physical and emotional health. Despite this growth, little empirical attention has been given to the volunteers who make AAS possible. Understanding what drives their participation, how they internalize their role identity, and how their relationships with their animals contribute to per…
Honoring lives and legacies
The death of a dog often results in profound grief that is often disenfranchized. While memorialization practices such as obituary writing are increasingly used by bereaved owners, little is known about how these narratives vary across human-dog relationship contexts or how they function in meaning-making and continuing bonds following loss. This exploratory qualitative study examined how online obituary and memorial narratives reflect grief, con…
Dog training-related guilt
While professional organizations advocate for positive reinforcement in dog training, many owners continue to use aversive methods, potentially creating guilt when their practices deviate from recommended approaches. Similar to parental guilt in child discipline, dog owners may experience negative emotions when resorting to punishment-based training techniques. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of dog training-related guilt among …
The impact of owner personality traits and cat lifestyle decisions on cat-related guilt
Introduction: The current study aimed to expand current knowledge on cat-related guilt beyond work cat conflict and guilt about cat parenting to determine the influence of owner’s personality traits, choices regarding their cat’s lifestyle, and cat-related guilt factors. Additionally, we sought to assess potential predictors of anxiety and depression to determine the contributions of cat-related guilt, owner personality traits, and social compens…
The Loss of a Service Dog Through Death
The purpose of this research was to explore how service dog partners experience the death of their service dog. Twenty-five partners who had lost a service dog self-selected from those who participated in a larger quantitative study. The quantitative study consisted of an online, anonymous survey targeting service dog handlers who had lost a dog within the last five years. Directed content analysis was used to identify prevalent themes. Results d…
Pet Death and Owners’ Memorialization Choices
An increasing number of people view their pets as family members and the death of a pet often induces a grief reaction of comparable severity to the loss of a significant human relationship. Yet, despite similar levels of grief, the death of a pet typically does not involve similar rituals that allow owners to express their grief. This study was designed to better understand how people memorialize their pets through the use of continuing bonds (C…
Cat owners’ disenfranchised guilt and its predictive value on owners’ depression and anxiety
Numerous studies have found pets to have a beneficial effect on people’s psychological well-being, yet a growing body of research suggests that the positive impact of pet ownership is more complex than once thought and does not always lead to improved owner physical and mental health. One potential drawback to pet ownership is pet-related guilt. Research pertaining to work-family conflict and parental guilt has traditionally focused on human fami…
Dog owners
Parental guilt, one common subtype of guilt often associated with work-family conflict (WFC), has been found to be associated with depression and anxiety. Because many people view their pets as family members and even children, the current study was designed to explore dog owners’ dog-related guilt and its relationship with depression and anxiety. Through an online anonymous survey, the results of our study suggest that dog owners’ guilt and dog-…
The Loss of a Service Dog Through Death or Retirement
This study was designed to better understand how service dog partners experience the loss of their service dog. An anonymous survey was distributed to service dog partners who had lost a dog within the last five years. One-way ANOVAs were used to assess loss differences (retirement vs. death) on scores for Centrality of Events Scale, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Social Constraints Measure, and Self-Compassion Scale. Linear regressio…
US Adults’ Perceptions of Dog Breed Bans, Dog Aggression and Breed-Specific Laws
Dog aggression directed towards people is a leading reason for relinquishment and a major public health hazard. In response to the threat of dog aggression and dog bites, breed-specific legislation has been introduced in numerous cities within the United States and countries throughout the world. There is limited evidence, however, to suggest that such laws are effective. This study explored, through an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey, …
The euthanasia decision-making process
The purpose of this study was to explore and assess bereaved companion animal (CA) owners’ (N = 672) responses to a question about the decision to euthanize their animal. Content analysis revealed four major themes: grief without guilt (73%); euthanasia as appropriate decision, accompanied by guilt and/or ambivalence (22%); sole expression of guilt (6%); and veterinarian collaboration with decision (32%). Results suggest that most believe they ma…
Self-Compassion, Social Constraints, and Psychosocial Outcomes in a Pet Bereavement Sample
This study investigated self-compassion in the context of grief following the death of a companion animal in a recently bereaved sample ( N = 431). We addressed social contexts and individual differences focusing on how psychosocial outcomes vary as a function of social constraints, as well as individual differences in self-compassion and use of continuing bonds (CB). We observed that self-compassion related to the frequency of engagement in CB. …
Posttraumatic Growth Following the Loss of a Pet
The current study examined Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners in the United States, French-Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of participants who answered "yes" to a question about experiencing PTG and explored to what extent the cross-cultural responses mapped onto the five factors of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). For the U.S.…
Continuing Bonds and Psychosocial Functioning in a Recently Bereaved Pet Loss Sample
Research has shown that pet loss can be a devastating and complex experience for some human survivors, yet this loss may not be fully recognized by friends, partners, or acquaintances as a significant bereavement. The objectives of the current study were to consider how continuing bonds (CB) expressions relate to psychosocial functioning and to identify perceived social constraints as well as areas of resilience associated with efforts to cope wi…
Posttraumatic Growth Following the Loss of a Pet
The current study examined posttraumatic growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of 308 participants who answered yes to a question about experiencing PTG. Within the five factors model of PTG, the most endorsed included the following: Relating to Others ( n = 76), Appreciation of Life ( n = 52), Personal Strength ( n = 51), Spiritual Change ( n = 32), …
A positive affect intervention for people experiencing health-related stress
In this article we present background, theoretical rationale, and pilot data on the development of an intervention designed to increase positive affect in people living with serious health-related stress. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that a multiple-component positive affect intervention is feasible and acceptable for people newly diagnosed with HIV. Retention in the intervention and adherence to home practice were high. Participants …
What works in coping with HIV? A meta-analysis with implications for coping with serious illness
Knowledge of effective ways of coping with HIV is critical to help individuals with HIV maintain the best possible psychological and physical well-being. The purpose of the present article is to determine, through meta-analysis, the strength of the evidence regarding 2 questions: (a) Which types of coping are related to psychological and physical well-being among people with HIV? and (b) Do contextual (pre?post introduction of highly active antir…
Continuing Bonds and Psychosocial Functioning in a Recently Bereaved Pet Loss Sample
Research has shown that pet loss can be a devastating and complex experience for some human survivors, yet this loss may not be fully recognized by friends, partners, or acquaintances as a significant bereavement. The objectives of the current study were to consider how continuing bonds (CB) expressions relate to psychosocial functioning and to identify perceived social constraints as well as areas of resilience associated with efforts to cope wi…
What works in coping with HIV? A meta-analysis with implications for coping with serious illness
Knowledge of effective ways of coping with HIV is critical to help individuals with HIV maintain the best possible psychological and physical well-being. The purpose of the present article is to determine, through meta-analysis, the strength of the evidence regarding 2 questions: (a) Which types of coping are related to psychological and physical well-being among people with HIV? and (b) Do contextual (pre?post introduction of highly active antir…
A positive affect intervention for people experiencing health-related stress
In this article we present background, theoretical rationale, and pilot data on the development of an intervention designed to increase positive affect in people living with serious health-related stress. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that a multiple-component positive affect intervention is feasible and acceptable for people newly diagnosed with HIV. Retention in the intervention and adherence to home practice were high. Participants …
Pet Death and Owners’ Memorialization Choices
An increasing number of people view their pets as family members and the death of a pet often induces a grief reaction of comparable severity to the loss of a significant human relationship. Yet, despite similar levels of grief, the death of a pet typically does not involve similar rituals that allow owners to express their grief. This study was designed to better understand how people memorialize their pets through the use of continuing bonds (C…
What works in coping with HIV? A meta-analysis with implications for coping with serious illness
Knowledge of effective ways of coping with HIV is critical to help individuals with HIV maintain the best possible psychological and physical well-being. The purpose of the present article is to determine, through meta-analysis, the strength of the evidence regarding 2 questions: (a) Which types of coping are related to psychological and physical well-being among people with HIV? and (b) Do contextual (pre?post introduction of highly active antir…
A positive affect intervention for people experiencing health-related stress
In this article we present background, theoretical rationale, and pilot data on the development of an intervention designed to increase positive affect in people living with serious health-related stress. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that a multiple-component positive affect intervention is feasible and acceptable for people newly diagnosed with HIV. Retention in the intervention and adherence to home practice were high. Participants …
Posttraumatic Growth Following the Loss of a Pet
The current study examined posttraumatic growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of 308 participants who answered yes to a question about experiencing PTG. Within the five factors model of PTG, the most endorsed included the following: Relating to Others ( n = 76), Appreciation of Life ( n = 52), Personal Strength ( n = 51), Spiritual Change ( n = 32), …
Posttraumatic Growth Following the Loss of a Pet
The current study examined Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners in the United States, French-Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of participants who answered "yes" to a question about experiencing PTG and explored to what extent the cross-cultural responses mapped onto the five factors of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). For the U.S.…
Continuing Bonds and Psychosocial Functioning in a Recently Bereaved Pet Loss Sample
Research has shown that pet loss can be a devastating and complex experience for some human survivors, yet this loss may not be fully recognized by friends, partners, or acquaintances as a significant bereavement. The objectives of the current study were to consider how continuing bonds (CB) expressions relate to psychosocial functioning and to identify perceived social constraints as well as areas of resilience associated with efforts to cope wi…
The euthanasia decision-making process
The purpose of this study was to explore and assess bereaved companion animal (CA) owners’ (N = 672) responses to a question about the decision to euthanize their animal. Content analysis revealed four major themes: grief without guilt (73%); euthanasia as appropriate decision, accompanied by guilt and/or ambivalence (22%); sole expression of guilt (6%); and veterinarian collaboration with decision (32%). Results suggest that most believe they ma…
Self-Compassion, Social Constraints, and Psychosocial Outcomes in a Pet Bereavement Sample
This study investigated self-compassion in the context of grief following the death of a companion animal in a recently bereaved sample ( N = 431). We addressed social contexts and individual differences focusing on how psychosocial outcomes vary as a function of social constraints, as well as individual differences in self-compassion and use of continuing bonds (CB). We observed that self-compassion related to the frequency of engagement in CB. …
US Adults’ Perceptions of Dog Breed Bans, Dog Aggression and Breed-Specific Laws
Dog aggression directed towards people is a leading reason for relinquishment and a major public health hazard. In response to the threat of dog aggression and dog bites, breed-specific legislation has been introduced in numerous cities within the United States and countries throughout the world. There is limited evidence, however, to suggest that such laws are effective. This study explored, through an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey, …
Cat owners’ disenfranchised guilt and its predictive value on owners’ depression and anxiety
Numerous studies have found pets to have a beneficial effect on people’s psychological well-being, yet a growing body of research suggests that the positive impact of pet ownership is more complex than once thought and does not always lead to improved owner physical and mental health. One potential drawback to pet ownership is pet-related guilt. Research pertaining to work-family conflict and parental guilt has traditionally focused on human fami…
Dog owners
Parental guilt, one common subtype of guilt often associated with work-family conflict (WFC), has been found to be associated with depression and anxiety. Because many people view their pets as family members and even children, the current study was designed to explore dog owners’ dog-related guilt and its relationship with depression and anxiety. Through an online anonymous survey, the results of our study suggest that dog owners’ guilt and dog-…
The Loss of a Service Dog Through Death or Retirement
This study was designed to better understand how service dog partners experience the loss of their service dog. An anonymous survey was distributed to service dog partners who had lost a dog within the last five years. One-way ANOVAs were used to assess loss differences (retirement vs. death) on scores for Centrality of Events Scale, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Social Constraints Measure, and Self-Compassion Scale. Linear regressio…
The impact of owner personality traits and cat lifestyle decisions on cat-related guilt
Introduction: The current study aimed to expand current knowledge on cat-related guilt beyond work cat conflict and guilt about cat parenting to determine the influence of owner’s personality traits, choices regarding their cat’s lifestyle, and cat-related guilt factors. Additionally, we sought to assess potential predictors of anxiety and depression to determine the contributions of cat-related guilt, owner personality traits, and social compens…
The Loss of a Service Dog Through Death
The purpose of this research was to explore how service dog partners experience the death of their service dog. Twenty-five partners who had lost a service dog self-selected from those who participated in a larger quantitative study. The quantitative study consisted of an online, anonymous survey targeting service dog handlers who had lost a dog within the last five years. Directed content analysis was used to identify prevalent themes. Results d…
Pet Death and Owners’ Memorialization Choices
An increasing number of people view their pets as family members and the death of a pet often induces a grief reaction of comparable severity to the loss of a significant human relationship. Yet, despite similar levels of grief, the death of a pet typically does not involve similar rituals that allow owners to express their grief. This study was designed to better understand how people memorialize their pets through the use of continuing bonds (C…
Dog training-related guilt
While professional organizations advocate for positive reinforcement in dog training, many owners continue to use aversive methods, potentially creating guilt when their practices deviate from recommended approaches. Similar to parental guilt in child discipline, dog owners may experience negative emotions when resorting to punishment-based training techniques. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of dog training-related guilt among …
Purpose through partnership
Background : Animal-assisted services (AAS), including therapy, education, and support programs, have become increasingly valued as a resource for improved human physical and emotional health. Despite this growth, little empirical attention has been given to the volunteers who make AAS possible. Understanding what drives their participation, how they internalize their role identity, and how their relationships with their animals contribute to per…
Honoring lives and legacies
The death of a dog often results in profound grief that is often disenfranchized. While memorialization practices such as obituary writing are increasingly used by bereaved owners, little is known about how these narratives vary across human-dog relationship contexts or how they function in meaning-making and continuing bonds following loss. This exploratory qualitative study examined how online obituary and memorial narratives reflect grief, con…
Psychology (14 works) · Human-Animal Interaction Studies (13 works) · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health (9 works) · Grief (7 works) · Psychiatry (7 works) · Clinical Psychology (6 works) · Medicine (6 works) · Social Psychology (6 works) · Animal welfare (5 works) · Clinical Psychology (5 works)