Journal of Adolescence
Human-animal relationships play a vital role in the developmental system, with at least two thirds of families in the United States, UK, and Canada living with pets, and a growing interest in therapeutic interventions involving animals. Many youth form strong, emotionally supportive bonds with animals, often viewing them as a key source of social support. Understanding how human-animal interactions contribute to developmental outcomes during adolescence is a critical area of scholarship in developmental science. Moreover, research is needed that takes a systems-level approach, recognizing that youth-animal relationships do not exist in isolation but are influenced by—and also influence—multiple levels of the developmental system.
This special issue will focus on research assessing human-animal interaction from a developmental science perspective, exploring the integrated systems that shape how animal relationships impact adolescent development.
For this special issue, human-animal interaction may include companion animals (pets), animal-assisted interventions or services, or other meaningful contexts where youth interact with animals. Articles must focus on adolescent developmental outcomes and/or processes and should be grounded in developmental science theory.
Submission deadline: September 1, 2025