Teresa Howell
Biographic Data
| ID | 664756 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Teresa Howell |
| GIVEN NAMES | Teresa |
| FAMILY NAME | Howell |
| SIGNATURE | HOWELL T |
| AFFILIATIONS | La Trobe University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4932-5792 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 19 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 17 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2015 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Exploring Associations Between Child–Dog and Child–Cat Relationships and Working Memory and Inhibition
With more pets being kept in family homes, it is important to explore potential benefits of pet-keeping, particularly for children, whose cognitive skills and behavior are still developing. Parents and guardians (n = 293) of children aged between 4 and 12 years (M = 7.33, SD = 2.49) completed parent-report questionnaires as part of a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data originally collected for the development of the Child–Dog Engagement Sc…
From crisis to care: How social determinants of health shape companion-animal guardianship outcomes – A qualitative study
Background : Companion animals are often vital sources of emotional and psychological stability, particularly for individuals facing systemic disadvantage. Yet, the ability to maintain these bonds is frequently challenged by socioeconomic and health-related crises. Understanding how people navigate these pressures, and the role of charitable interventions, is essential to inform inclusive health and welfare policy. Methods : Guided by the Social …
Raising Puppies: A Qualitative Exploration of Australian Dog Breeders' Rearing and Socialization Practices
Exploring Myths and Misconceptions About Cat Behavior in a Spanish Population Sample
Recommendations for uniform terminology in animal-assisted services (AAS)
Through the years, the range of services involving animals benefiting people, often described as “animal-assisted interventions” (AAIs), has been plagued with confusing and inconsistent taxonomy, terminology, and definitions. This has caused difficulties for the delineation of roles of service providers, for the recipients of services, as well as for the preparation, training, and expectations of the animals that work in different roles. It can b…
Coping with Covid-19: The Role of Emotions and Support from Companion Animals in Mental Health
This study explored the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on mental health of companion animal guardians. First, the extent to which emotional responses to COVID -19 predicted mental health outcomes was explored. Support from companion animals and humans as potential moderators of observed relationships between emotional responses and mental health was then investigated. Using data collected from 895 guardians, it was found that guardians experien…
Disruptions in Transportation and Medical Care Experienced by Handlers of Assistance Dogs in Australia
Exploring Myths and Misconceptions About Dog Behavior in a Spanish Population Sample
Family Bonds with Pets and Mental Health during Covid-19 in Australia: A Complex Picture
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the health-promoting features of human-animal relationships, particularly for families with children. Despite this, the World Health Organization's (1986) Ottawa Charter remains human-centric. Given the reciprocal health impacts of human-animal relationships, this paper aims to (i) describe perceived pet-related benefits, worries, and family activities; and to (ii) examine differences in perceived bene…
From Puppy Love to Pet Peeve: What Causes Second/Successor Dog Syndrome in Assistance-Dog Handlers and Companion-Dog Owners
In a Guide Dog population, there is a higher return rate of handlers’ second dog compared with any prior or subsequent dog pairings. This phenomenon is called Second Dog Syndrome (SDS). Qualitative studies have identified defining features of this syndrome in Guide Dog handlers; however, there has been no peer-reviewed study into the experience of SDS in companion-dog owners or handlers of other assistance dogs. As such, this exploratory study ai…
Social Support and Wellbeing in Cat and Dog Owners, and the Moderating Influence of Pet-Owner Relationship Quality
People have kept companion animals for millennia, a tradition that implies mutual benefits due to its persistence; however, scientific investigations present mixed results. Some research suggests pet owners are less lonely than non-owners, but other findings suggest pet owners have higher psychological distress. Research comparing owners with non-owners is limited, and methodological inconsistencies need to be addressed. This study investigated s…
Companionship and Worries in Uncertain Times: Australian Parents' Experiences of Children and Pets During Covid-19
Companion animals (pets), especially cats and dogs, have featured regularly in the media and public discourse during the global COVID-19 pandemic, including increased demand for pet adoption and more time spent with existing pets. This qualitative study aimed to describe the experiences of Australian parents with a child under 18 years and a cat or dog. Within a broader survey, parents were asked open-ended questions about the benefits and challe…
Integrating Facility Dogs into Legal Contexts for Survivors of Sexual and Family Violence: Opportunities and Challenges
Giving evidence in court can be stressful, especially for children. Since increased anxiety is associated with an increased likelihood of unreliable testimony among children, reducing anxiety in this context is important to improve the quality of evidence. Dogs have been used in legal settings, such as courtrooms, to provide comfort for vulnerable witnesses. Preliminary evidence supports their use, but further research is needed to better underst…
Sharing Our Wisdom: A Holistic Aboriginal Health Initiative
Colonization has had a profound effect on Aboriginal people’s health and the deterioration of traditional Aboriginal healthcare systems. Health problems among Aboriginal people are increasing at an alarming pace, while recovery from these problems tends to be poorer than among other Canadians. Aboriginal people residing in urban settings, while maintaining strong cultural orientations, also face challenges in finding mentors, role models, and cul…
Stories of Transformation: Aboriginal Offenders' Journey from Prison to the Community
R esearch indicates that Aboriginal peoples are overrepresented within the Canadian Criminal Justice System (CJS). To make the situation more challenging, Aboriginal inmate admissions have been growing; according to CSC statistics, from 2002 to 2012, the population of incarcerated Aboriginal men increased by 34 percent, from 2,209 men to 2,966 men. Rather, it focuses on one important component of the CJS: the reintegration of offenders into the c…
Moving toward holistic wellness, empowerment and self-determination for Indigenous peoples in Canada: Can traditional Indigenous health care practices increase ownership over health and health care de…
The Canine Cuteness Effect: Owner-Perceived Cuteness as a Predictor of Human-Dog Relationship Quality
The modern domestic dog's primary function is as a human companion. A strong human–dog relationship may be beneficial to both parties but not all relationships are successful. There is currently no consensus on why some dog–owner relationships flourish and others fail, but relationship quality may be partly influenced by canine characteristics. The extent to which canine cuteness and canine personality factors predict human–dog relationship quali…
Moving toward holistic wellness, empowerment and self-determination for Indigenous peoples in Canada: Can traditional Indigenous health care practices increase ownership over health and health care de…
Social Support and Wellbeing in Cat and Dog Owners, and the Moderating Influence of Pet-Owner Relationship Quality
People have kept companion animals for millennia, a tradition that implies mutual benefits due to its persistence; however, scientific investigations present mixed results. Some research suggests pet owners are less lonely than non-owners, but other findings suggest pet owners have higher psychological distress. Research comparing owners with non-owners is limited, and methodological inconsistencies need to be addressed. This study investigated s…
Integrating Facility Dogs into Legal Contexts for Survivors of Sexual and Family Violence: Opportunities and Challenges
Giving evidence in court can be stressful, especially for children. Since increased anxiety is associated with an increased likelihood of unreliable testimony among children, reducing anxiety in this context is important to improve the quality of evidence. Dogs have been used in legal settings, such as courtrooms, to provide comfort for vulnerable witnesses. Preliminary evidence supports their use, but further research is needed to better underst…
The Canine Cuteness Effect: Owner-Perceived Cuteness as a Predictor of Human-Dog Relationship Quality
The modern domestic dog's primary function is as a human companion. A strong human–dog relationship may be beneficial to both parties but not all relationships are successful. There is currently no consensus on why some dog–owner relationships flourish and others fail, but relationship quality may be partly influenced by canine characteristics. The extent to which canine cuteness and canine personality factors predict human–dog relationship quali…
Companionship and Worries in Uncertain Times: Australian Parents' Experiences of Children and Pets During Covid-19
Companion animals (pets), especially cats and dogs, have featured regularly in the media and public discourse during the global COVID-19 pandemic, including increased demand for pet adoption and more time spent with existing pets. This qualitative study aimed to describe the experiences of Australian parents with a child under 18 years and a cat or dog. Within a broader survey, parents were asked open-ended questions about the benefits and challe…
Raising Puppies: A Qualitative Exploration of Australian Dog Breeders' Rearing and Socialization Practices
Coping with Covid-19: The Role of Emotions and Support from Companion Animals in Mental Health
This study explored the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on mental health of companion animal guardians. First, the extent to which emotional responses to COVID -19 predicted mental health outcomes was explored. Support from companion animals and humans as potential moderators of observed relationships between emotional responses and mental health was then investigated. Using data collected from 895 guardians, it was found that guardians experien…
Disruptions in Transportation and Medical Care Experienced by Handlers of Assistance Dogs in Australia
The Canine Cuteness Effect: Owner-Perceived Cuteness as a Predictor of Human-Dog Relationship Quality
The modern domestic dog's primary function is as a human companion. A strong human–dog relationship may be beneficial to both parties but not all relationships are successful. There is currently no consensus on why some dog–owner relationships flourish and others fail, but relationship quality may be partly influenced by canine characteristics. The extent to which canine cuteness and canine personality factors predict human–dog relationship quali…
Sharing Our Wisdom: A Holistic Aboriginal Health Initiative
Colonization has had a profound effect on Aboriginal people’s health and the deterioration of traditional Aboriginal healthcare systems. Health problems among Aboriginal people are increasing at an alarming pace, while recovery from these problems tends to be poorer than among other Canadians. Aboriginal people residing in urban settings, while maintaining strong cultural orientations, also face challenges in finding mentors, role models, and cul…
Stories of Transformation: Aboriginal Offenders' Journey from Prison to the Community
R esearch indicates that Aboriginal peoples are overrepresented within the Canadian Criminal Justice System (CJS). To make the situation more challenging, Aboriginal inmate admissions have been growing; according to CSC statistics, from 2002 to 2012, the population of incarcerated Aboriginal men increased by 34 percent, from 2,209 men to 2,966 men. Rather, it focuses on one important component of the CJS: the reintegration of offenders into the c…
Moving toward holistic wellness, empowerment and self-determination for Indigenous peoples in Canada: Can traditional Indigenous health care practices increase ownership over health and health care de…
Integrating Facility Dogs into Legal Contexts for Survivors of Sexual and Family Violence: Opportunities and Challenges
Giving evidence in court can be stressful, especially for children. Since increased anxiety is associated with an increased likelihood of unreliable testimony among children, reducing anxiety in this context is important to improve the quality of evidence. Dogs have been used in legal settings, such as courtrooms, to provide comfort for vulnerable witnesses. Preliminary evidence supports their use, but further research is needed to better underst…
Companionship and Worries in Uncertain Times: Australian Parents' Experiences of Children and Pets During Covid-19
Companion animals (pets), especially cats and dogs, have featured regularly in the media and public discourse during the global COVID-19 pandemic, including increased demand for pet adoption and more time spent with existing pets. This qualitative study aimed to describe the experiences of Australian parents with a child under 18 years and a cat or dog. Within a broader survey, parents were asked open-ended questions about the benefits and challe…
Family Bonds with Pets and Mental Health during Covid-19 in Australia: A Complex Picture
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the health-promoting features of human-animal relationships, particularly for families with children. Despite this, the World Health Organization's (1986) Ottawa Charter remains human-centric. Given the reciprocal health impacts of human-animal relationships, this paper aims to (i) describe perceived pet-related benefits, worries, and family activities; and to (ii) examine differences in perceived bene…
From Puppy Love to Pet Peeve: What Causes Second/Successor Dog Syndrome in Assistance-Dog Handlers and Companion-Dog Owners
In a Guide Dog population, there is a higher return rate of handlers’ second dog compared with any prior or subsequent dog pairings. This phenomenon is called Second Dog Syndrome (SDS). Qualitative studies have identified defining features of this syndrome in Guide Dog handlers; however, there has been no peer-reviewed study into the experience of SDS in companion-dog owners or handlers of other assistance dogs. As such, this exploratory study ai…
Social Support and Wellbeing in Cat and Dog Owners, and the Moderating Influence of Pet-Owner Relationship Quality
People have kept companion animals for millennia, a tradition that implies mutual benefits due to its persistence; however, scientific investigations present mixed results. Some research suggests pet owners are less lonely than non-owners, but other findings suggest pet owners have higher psychological distress. Research comparing owners with non-owners is limited, and methodological inconsistencies need to be addressed. This study investigated s…
Recommendations for uniform terminology in animal-assisted services (AAS)
Through the years, the range of services involving animals benefiting people, often described as “animal-assisted interventions” (AAIs), has been plagued with confusing and inconsistent taxonomy, terminology, and definitions. This has caused difficulties for the delineation of roles of service providers, for the recipients of services, as well as for the preparation, training, and expectations of the animals that work in different roles. It can b…
Coping with Covid-19: The Role of Emotions and Support from Companion Animals in Mental Health
This study explored the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on mental health of companion animal guardians. First, the extent to which emotional responses to COVID -19 predicted mental health outcomes was explored. Support from companion animals and humans as potential moderators of observed relationships between emotional responses and mental health was then investigated. Using data collected from 895 guardians, it was found that guardians experien…
Disruptions in Transportation and Medical Care Experienced by Handlers of Assistance Dogs in Australia
Exploring Myths and Misconceptions About Dog Behavior in a Spanish Population Sample
Raising Puppies: A Qualitative Exploration of Australian Dog Breeders' Rearing and Socialization Practices
Exploring Myths and Misconceptions About Cat Behavior in a Spanish Population Sample
Exploring Associations Between Child–Dog and Child–Cat Relationships and Working Memory and Inhibition
With more pets being kept in family homes, it is important to explore potential benefits of pet-keeping, particularly for children, whose cognitive skills and behavior are still developing. Parents and guardians (n = 293) of children aged between 4 and 12 years (M = 7.33, SD = 2.49) completed parent-report questionnaires as part of a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data originally collected for the development of the Child–Dog Engagement Sc…
From crisis to care: How social determinants of health shape companion-animal guardianship outcomes – A qualitative study
Background : Companion animals are often vital sources of emotional and psychological stability, particularly for individuals facing systemic disadvantage. Yet, the ability to maintain these bonds is frequently challenged by socioeconomic and health-related crises. Understanding how people navigate these pressures, and the role of charitable interventions, is essential to inform inclusive health and welfare policy. Methods : Guided by the Social …
Human-Animal Interaction Studies (14 works) · Psychology (11 works) · Medicine (7 works) · Mental health (5 works) · Sociology (5 works) · Veterinary Practice and Education Studies (5 works) · Geographies of human-animal interactions (4 works) · Political science (4 works) · Qualitative research (4 works) · Animal welfare (3 works)