Jennifer W Applebaum
Biographic Data
| ID | 76552 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Jennifer W Applebaum |
| GIVEN NAMES | Jennifer W |
| FAMILY NAME | Applebaum |
| SIGNATURE | APPLEBAUM J W |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Florida |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-8091-5344 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 29 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 17 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2020 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Unmet Pet Caregiving Needs are Associated with Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among People Living with HIV
People living with HIV (PLWH) experience disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety. Human-animal interactions (HAI), particularly through pet ownership, may provide emotional support and companionship; however, the human-animal bond can be threatened by structural and socioeconomic factors that impede one's ability to meet pets' needs. The current study examined how comfort from pets and unmet pet caregiving needs were associated wi…
A qualitative study using metacognition to evaluate the impacts of pet ownership and loss on existential thinking, mortality acceptance, and grief
Experiencing pet loss can shape the ways people cope with grief and may lead to increased existential thinking. This study investigated metacognition regarding ways owning or losing a pet may impact existential thinking and processing grief and mortality. Participants (n = 36; 67% Women) ranged in age from 17 to 60 (M = 24). The data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA), yielding six themes: afterlife belief, concern for others, …
Pet Ownership is Associated with Durable Viral Suppression but Presents Healthcare Access Challenges for People with HIV
Human-animal interaction (HAI; e.g., pet ownership) may contribute to enhanced health and well-being among individuals managing chronic conditions like HIV; however, responsibilities associated with pet ownership may also prevent owners from accessing timely healthcare. This study investigates the relationship between pet ownership, pet-related barriers to healthcare (PRBH), and comfort derived from pets with durable HIV viral suppression among p…
Development and Validation of an Index to Measure and Quantify Pet-Related Barriers to Healthcare Access and Utilization
Issues such as inadequate transportation, language barriers, being uninsured, and living in geographic locations with poor service availability can prevent people from accessing necessary healthcare. In addition, approximately 60% of the US population has pets, which can also create barriers to healthcare that are related to pet caregiving responsibilities and concerns about pet welfare, particularly when they have inadequate social and economic …
Longitudinal associations between allostatic load, pet ownership, and socioeconomic position among U.S. adults aged 50
It is hypothesized that pets provide benefits to human health by buffering the deleterious effects of stress, but varying exposure to chronic stress via social position is rarely considered in these conceptual and empirical models. Allostatic load is an index of biological and physical measures that represents cumulative wear and tear on the body via chronic stress exposure. In this study, we use the 2006-2016 waves of the Health and Retirement S…
Pet ownership is associated with harmful alcohol use among a cohort of people with HIV: A brief research report
Research suggests that people with HIV (PWH), who are at high risk for alcohol and substance use, may rely on relationships with pets for companionship and stress relief. There may be common mechanisms underlying both substance use and attachment to pets. The purpose of this brief research report was to compare alcohol and substance use behaviors between pet owners and non-owners among a cohort of PWH. Participants ( n = 735) in a survey study of…
Childhood Adversity Moderates Change in Latent Patterns of Psychological Adjustment during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Results of a Survey of U.S. Adults
Emerging evidence suggests that the consequences of childhood adversity impact later psychopathology by increasing individuals’ risk of experiencing difficulties in adjusting to stressful situations later in life. The goals of this study were to: (a) identify sociodemographic factors associated with subgroups of psychological adjustment prior to and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and (b) examine whether and to what extent types of child…
The Impact of Sustained Ownership of a Pet on Cognitive Health: A Population-Based Study
Objectives: To examine associations between sustained ownership of a pet and cognitive outcomes among a national sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Weighted linear mixed models were estimated using the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2016, n = 1369) to compare repeated measures of cognitive function between respondents who endorsed owning a pet in a sustained manner (>5 years), versus those who owned a pet ≤5 years, and non-pet owners. Results: Re…
Relations Between Sexual and Gender Minority Stress, Personal Hardiness, and Psychological Stress in Emerging Adulthood: Examining Indirect Effects via Human-animal Interaction
This study examines the role of human-animal interaction (HAI) in relations between sexual and gender minority (SGM) stress, personal hardiness, and psychological stress during emerging adulthood. Data for the current sample reflect 136 SGM emerging adults between the ages of 18 to 21 years who reported living with a companion animal in the past year (37.5% racial/ethnic minority, 49.2% transgender or gender -expansive, 98.5% sexual minority). Me…
The Impact of Pets on Everyday Life for Older Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Purpose: The social and behavioral health of older adults is of particular concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that at least 50% of older adults in the U.S. have pets; while pets may be a source of support, they could also pose unique challenges during an already trying time. We aimed to investigate how pets impacted the everyday lives of older adults in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A large survey of U.S. …
Child and Pet Care‐Planning During Covid ‐19: Considerations for the Evolving Family Unit
OBJECTIVE: Using a mixed-methods design, we aimed to understand household dynamics and choices in hypothetical planning for child and pet care if an individual is faced with hospitalization for COVID-19. BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 public health crisis persists, children and pets are vulnerable to caregiver hospitalization. METHODS: Bivariate associations from a large-scale survey explore hypothetical options for dependent care-planning. An open-…
He was like, my ride or die”: Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults’ Perspectives on Living With Pets During the Transition to Adulthood
This qualitative study explores the benefits and risks associated with living with companion animals during the transition to adulthood among 117 sexual and gender minority (SGM) emerging adults living in the U.S. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using template analysis. Thematic analysis identified several risks (caregiver burden, pets as barriers to relationships, animal-related psychological stress) and benefits (pets as a buffer to st…
Relationships Between Emotional Comfort From Companion Animals and Victimization and Psychological Well-Being Among Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults
Objective: The current study evaluates whether, and to what extent, the association between gender-based victimization and well-being among sexual and gender minority emerging adults varies as a function of emotional support from companion animals. Method: Data were collected from young people ages 18–21 years who self-identified as a sexual and/or gender minority (N = 134; 37.3% ethnic/racial minority; 49.2% gender minority; 98.5% sexual minorit…
Social Support and Attachment to Pets Moderate the Association between Sexual and Gender Minority Status and the Likelihood of Delaying or Avoiding Covid-19 Testing
Sexual and gender minority individuals (SGM) face barriers to accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment services. Living with pets may pose an additional barrier due to concerns about pet welfare. This study investigates whether the relation between SGM status and the likelihood of delaying or avoiding testing and treatment for COVID-19 varies as a function of attachment to pets and social support. Our sample consisted of 1453 adults (Mage = 39.4 …
Human-Dog Relationships across Communities Surrounding Ranomafana and Andasibe-Mantadia National Parks, Madagascar
Domestic dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris) are estimated to be one of the most globally abundant invasive carnivores that threaten wildlife. Madagascar is home to large populations of free-roaming dogs and is a highly diverse and anthropogenically threatened environment, making it one of the world's top conservation priorities. Comparatively little is known about human-dog relationships in developing countries such as Madagascar. We surveyed non-dog…
Examining U.S. pet ownership using the General Social Survey
Pets are an important aspect of many families and households, but how many Americans have them? The purpose of this study is to compare point estimates of pet ownership in the U.S. from the General Social Survey (GSS) to estimates from other surveys, and to report demographic and social correlates to pet ownership. Wide discrepancies in estimates of U.S. pet ownership have been previously reported, relying on private industry surveys that do not …
Pet Attachment in the Context of Family Conflict
Previous research shows that companion animals can have a positive effect on their owner's health and may also serve as a buffer to stress. Despite this, few studies have investigated the role of the pet in adverse or tumultuous family circumstances. In this study, we explored whether reported family conflict is associated with strength of attachment to companion animals. We analyzed a large sample of pet-owning primary caregivers of children (n …
Examining U.S. pet ownership using the General Social Survey
Pets are an important aspect of many families and households, but how many Americans have them? The purpose of this study is to compare point estimates of pet ownership in the U.S. from the General Social Survey (GSS) to estimates from other surveys, and to report demographic and social correlates to pet ownership. Wide discrepancies in estimates of U.S. pet ownership have been previously reported, relying on private industry surveys that do not …
Pet Attachment in the Context of Family Conflict
Previous research shows that companion animals can have a positive effect on their owner's health and may also serve as a buffer to stress. Despite this, few studies have investigated the role of the pet in adverse or tumultuous family circumstances. In this study, we explored whether reported family conflict is associated with strength of attachment to companion animals. We analyzed a large sample of pet-owning primary caregivers of children (n …
The Impact of Sustained Ownership of a Pet on Cognitive Health: A Population-Based Study
Objectives: To examine associations between sustained ownership of a pet and cognitive outcomes among a national sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Weighted linear mixed models were estimated using the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2016, n = 1369) to compare repeated measures of cognitive function between respondents who endorsed owning a pet in a sustained manner (>5 years), versus those who owned a pet ≤5 years, and non-pet owners. Results: Re…
Relations Between Sexual and Gender Minority Stress, Personal Hardiness, and Psychological Stress in Emerging Adulthood: Examining Indirect Effects via Human-animal Interaction
This study examines the role of human-animal interaction (HAI) in relations between sexual and gender minority (SGM) stress, personal hardiness, and psychological stress during emerging adulthood. Data for the current sample reflect 136 SGM emerging adults between the ages of 18 to 21 years who reported living with a companion animal in the past year (37.5% racial/ethnic minority, 49.2% transgender or gender -expansive, 98.5% sexual minority). Me…
Relationships Between Emotional Comfort From Companion Animals and Victimization and Psychological Well-Being Among Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults
Objective: The current study evaluates whether, and to what extent, the association between gender-based victimization and well-being among sexual and gender minority emerging adults varies as a function of emotional support from companion animals. Method: Data were collected from young people ages 18–21 years who self-identified as a sexual and/or gender minority (N = 134; 37.3% ethnic/racial minority; 49.2% gender minority; 98.5% sexual minorit…
Social Support and Attachment to Pets Moderate the Association between Sexual and Gender Minority Status and the Likelihood of Delaying or Avoiding Covid-19 Testing
Sexual and gender minority individuals (SGM) face barriers to accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment services. Living with pets may pose an additional barrier due to concerns about pet welfare. This study investigates whether the relation between SGM status and the likelihood of delaying or avoiding testing and treatment for COVID-19 varies as a function of attachment to pets and social support. Our sample consisted of 1453 adults (Mage = 39.4 …
Human-Dog Relationships across Communities Surrounding Ranomafana and Andasibe-Mantadia National Parks, Madagascar
Domestic dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris) are estimated to be one of the most globally abundant invasive carnivores that threaten wildlife. Madagascar is home to large populations of free-roaming dogs and is a highly diverse and anthropogenically threatened environment, making it one of the world's top conservation priorities. Comparatively little is known about human-dog relationships in developing countries such as Madagascar. We surveyed non-dog…
Examining U.S. pet ownership using the General Social Survey
Pets are an important aspect of many families and households, but how many Americans have them? The purpose of this study is to compare point estimates of pet ownership in the U.S. from the General Social Survey (GSS) to estimates from other surveys, and to report demographic and social correlates to pet ownership. Wide discrepancies in estimates of U.S. pet ownership have been previously reported, relying on private industry surveys that do not …
Pet Attachment in the Context of Family Conflict
Previous research shows that companion animals can have a positive effect on their owner's health and may also serve as a buffer to stress. Despite this, few studies have investigated the role of the pet in adverse or tumultuous family circumstances. In this study, we explored whether reported family conflict is associated with strength of attachment to companion animals. We analyzed a large sample of pet-owning primary caregivers of children (n …
The Impact of Pets on Everyday Life for Older Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Purpose: The social and behavioral health of older adults is of particular concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that at least 50% of older adults in the U.S. have pets; while pets may be a source of support, they could also pose unique challenges during an already trying time. We aimed to investigate how pets impacted the everyday lives of older adults in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A large survey of U.S. …
Child and Pet Care‐Planning During Covid ‐19: Considerations for the Evolving Family Unit
OBJECTIVE: Using a mixed-methods design, we aimed to understand household dynamics and choices in hypothetical planning for child and pet care if an individual is faced with hospitalization for COVID-19. BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 public health crisis persists, children and pets are vulnerable to caregiver hospitalization. METHODS: Bivariate associations from a large-scale survey explore hypothetical options for dependent care-planning. An open-…
He was like, my ride or die”: Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults’ Perspectives on Living With Pets During the Transition to Adulthood
This qualitative study explores the benefits and risks associated with living with companion animals during the transition to adulthood among 117 sexual and gender minority (SGM) emerging adults living in the U.S. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using template analysis. Thematic analysis identified several risks (caregiver burden, pets as barriers to relationships, animal-related psychological stress) and benefits (pets as a buffer to st…
Relationships Between Emotional Comfort From Companion Animals and Victimization and Psychological Well-Being Among Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults
Objective: The current study evaluates whether, and to what extent, the association between gender-based victimization and well-being among sexual and gender minority emerging adults varies as a function of emotional support from companion animals. Method: Data were collected from young people ages 18–21 years who self-identified as a sexual and/or gender minority (N = 134; 37.3% ethnic/racial minority; 49.2% gender minority; 98.5% sexual minorit…
Social Support and Attachment to Pets Moderate the Association between Sexual and Gender Minority Status and the Likelihood of Delaying or Avoiding Covid-19 Testing
Sexual and gender minority individuals (SGM) face barriers to accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment services. Living with pets may pose an additional barrier due to concerns about pet welfare. This study investigates whether the relation between SGM status and the likelihood of delaying or avoiding testing and treatment for COVID-19 varies as a function of attachment to pets and social support. Our sample consisted of 1453 adults (Mage = 39.4 …
The Impact of Sustained Ownership of a Pet on Cognitive Health: A Population-Based Study
Objectives: To examine associations between sustained ownership of a pet and cognitive outcomes among a national sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Weighted linear mixed models were estimated using the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2016, n = 1369) to compare repeated measures of cognitive function between respondents who endorsed owning a pet in a sustained manner (>5 years), versus those who owned a pet ≤5 years, and non-pet owners. Results: Re…
Relations Between Sexual and Gender Minority Stress, Personal Hardiness, and Psychological Stress in Emerging Adulthood: Examining Indirect Effects via Human-animal Interaction
This study examines the role of human-animal interaction (HAI) in relations between sexual and gender minority (SGM) stress, personal hardiness, and psychological stress during emerging adulthood. Data for the current sample reflect 136 SGM emerging adults between the ages of 18 to 21 years who reported living with a companion animal in the past year (37.5% racial/ethnic minority, 49.2% transgender or gender -expansive, 98.5% sexual minority). Me…
Longitudinal associations between allostatic load, pet ownership, and socioeconomic position among U.S. adults aged 50
It is hypothesized that pets provide benefits to human health by buffering the deleterious effects of stress, but varying exposure to chronic stress via social position is rarely considered in these conceptual and empirical models. Allostatic load is an index of biological and physical measures that represents cumulative wear and tear on the body via chronic stress exposure. In this study, we use the 2006-2016 waves of the Health and Retirement S…
Pet ownership is associated with harmful alcohol use among a cohort of people with HIV: A brief research report
Research suggests that people with HIV (PWH), who are at high risk for alcohol and substance use, may rely on relationships with pets for companionship and stress relief. There may be common mechanisms underlying both substance use and attachment to pets. The purpose of this brief research report was to compare alcohol and substance use behaviors between pet owners and non-owners among a cohort of PWH. Participants ( n = 735) in a survey study of…
Childhood Adversity Moderates Change in Latent Patterns of Psychological Adjustment during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Results of a Survey of U.S. Adults
Emerging evidence suggests that the consequences of childhood adversity impact later psychopathology by increasing individuals’ risk of experiencing difficulties in adjusting to stressful situations later in life. The goals of this study were to: (a) identify sociodemographic factors associated with subgroups of psychological adjustment prior to and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and (b) examine whether and to what extent types of child…
Development and Validation of an Index to Measure and Quantify Pet-Related Barriers to Healthcare Access and Utilization
Issues such as inadequate transportation, language barriers, being uninsured, and living in geographic locations with poor service availability can prevent people from accessing necessary healthcare. In addition, approximately 60% of the US population has pets, which can also create barriers to healthcare that are related to pet caregiving responsibilities and concerns about pet welfare, particularly when they have inadequate social and economic …
Unmet Pet Caregiving Needs are Associated with Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among People Living with HIV
People living with HIV (PLWH) experience disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety. Human-animal interactions (HAI), particularly through pet ownership, may provide emotional support and companionship; however, the human-animal bond can be threatened by structural and socioeconomic factors that impede one's ability to meet pets' needs. The current study examined how comfort from pets and unmet pet caregiving needs were associated wi…
A qualitative study using metacognition to evaluate the impacts of pet ownership and loss on existential thinking, mortality acceptance, and grief
Experiencing pet loss can shape the ways people cope with grief and may lead to increased existential thinking. This study investigated metacognition regarding ways owning or losing a pet may impact existential thinking and processing grief and mortality. Participants (n = 36; 67% Women) ranged in age from 17 to 60 (M = 24). The data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA), yielding six themes: afterlife belief, concern for others, …
Pet Ownership is Associated with Durable Viral Suppression but Presents Healthcare Access Challenges for People with HIV
Human-animal interaction (HAI; e.g., pet ownership) may contribute to enhanced health and well-being among individuals managing chronic conditions like HIV; however, responsibilities associated with pet ownership may also prevent owners from accessing timely healthcare. This study investigates the relationship between pet ownership, pet-related barriers to healthcare (PRBH), and comfort derived from pets with durable HIV viral suppression among p…
Human-Animal Interaction Studies (15 works) · Psychology (13 works) · Medicine (9 works) · Social Psychology (7 works) · Clinical Psychology (6 works) · Developmental psychology (6 works) · Clinical Psychology (5 works) · Environmental health (5 works) · Psychiatry (5 works) · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology (5 works)