PRISM :: Browsing by Author "Walsh, Christine"

Browsing by Author "Walsh, Christine"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 25

Open Access
Beginning with the Need for Connection and Safety: Examining How Group Home Child and Youth Care Counsellors in Alberta Experience the Enactment of Trauma-Informed Care
(2021-04-08) Schwickrath, Quinn David; Jenney, Angelique; Walsh, Christine; Saah, Rebecca
Trauma-informed care (TIC), an organizational framework aimed at creating healing environments to counteract the effects of trauma, has become an increasingly popular approach within the field of human services. Despite existing research evaluating the effectiveness of TIC in youth group home settings, the direct perspectives of Child and Youth-Care (CYC) Counsellors with this approach remain limited. In the current study, 10 CYC Counsellors in Alberta were interviewed to better understand how they experience TIC in group homes, including barriers and facilitators to implementation. Using Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology in concert with Thematic Analysis, four major themes emerged from the data. Findings indicate that TIC is enacted by CYC Counsellors through a series of processes that begin with an overarching need for connection and safety at all levels of the organization (with leadership, their team, and youth). Only when connection and safety have been established can they then begin to acquire trauma-informed knowledge, develop the appropriate mindset, and perform the trauma-informed behaviours required to enact TIC completely. Recommendations include providing CYC Counsellors with opportunities to have their perspectives and experiences included in the development of organizational policies and practice procedures, structuring TIC training so that CYC Counsellors are guided by experienced professionals, and balancing expectations for care with sufficient resources to enact TIC.
Embargo
Co-Creating Spatial Justice: A Feminist Design Ethnography of Sex Workplaces in Calgary, Canada
(2023-02-13) Grittner, Alison; Walsh, Christine; Sitter, Kathy; Strickfaden, Megan
Sex work is a broadly studied topic across many disciplines but the physical and material environment of sex workplaces, particularly sex workers’ needs and desires surrounding their places of work, remain elusive within scholarship (Grittner & Sitter, 2020). Canadian sex workers have called for this work (Krüsi et al., 2012; Seshia, 2010, p. 13), as across the country they experience spatial apartheid and place-based marginality (Sayers, 2013a). Current Canadian criminal law targeting sex work is inherently spatial, dictating where sex work and communication for the purposes of sex work may occur (Department of Justice, 2014). In the face of this research gap and on-going structural and interpersonal violence towards sex workers, discerning the place of sex work is a critical undertaking within social work research to advance socio-spatial justice. Within this dissertation I redress the above research gap by asking the following research questions: What are the place-based experiences and desires among women and non-binary sex workers living in Calgary, Alberta? How might the lived experiences of women and non-binary sex workers in Calgary, Alberta generate design principles for supportive sex workplaces? Design ethnography methodology guides the research inquiry within a participatory paradigm. Multisensory arts-based fieldwork, go-along interviews, Sensation films, and design charrette methods combine to understand embodied and multidimensional experiences in sex workplaces. The research findings reveal an interconnected web of place-based relationships within sex workplaces. Sex workplaces are entangled across three primary place-domains: relationships with self, relationships with society, and relationships with clients. Across these three domains, the co-researchers' stories illuminate connections between the material world of their workplaces, their identities, and structural power. In the first domain, relationship with self, co-researchers shared how they navigated multiple aspects of interlocking vulnerabilities through their workplace environment, emphasizing multisensory atmospheres as critical means of managing their identities. With empowerment came an ability to determine, set, and maintain boundaries within society-at-large as well as with clients. Across the second domain, relationships with broader society, co-researchers described how their workplace environments were involved in ongoing negotiations with sex work stigma and structural power, emphasizing neighbourhood contexts and surveillance. Co-researchers identified their workplaces were a means of stigma resistance. In the third and final domain, relationships with clients, co-researchers shared ways in which their workplaces were intermingled with client relationships, influencing financial earnings, client comfort and connection, and safety. Across identities and workplaces, co-researchers harnessed the material environment of their workplaces to maneuver through their place-based relationships with self, society, and clients. Responding to these place relationships, this research identifies design principles for two types of supportive sex workplaces: 1) multi-bedroom residences (2+ bedrooms) and 2) co-operative commercial workplaces. Design principles for siting and neighbourhood contexts are also identified. Ultimately, this research lights a pathway to advance spatial justice in Calgary, Canada by generating a deep understanding of sociality and the material environments of sex workplaces. This knowledge combined with the identified design principles will support social workers, spatial professionals, and policy makers to build equitable cities that meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
Open Access
A Comparison of Two Methods of Teaching Research to Master of Social Work Students
(Sciedu Press, 2012-05-15) Walsh, Christine; Hewson, Jennifer
Open Access
Creating Belonging for Aboriginal Learners in Elementary Schools
(2017) Edwards, Karen; Ottmann, Jacqueline; Hare, Jan; Mendaglio, Salvatore; Patterson, Margaret (Peggy); Walsh, Christine
The purpose of this study was to uncover and to understand perceptions related to belonging and how a sense of belonging is fostered for Aboriginal learners at the elementary school level. It explored the phenomenon of Aboriginal learners’ sense of belonging in elementary schools, how it is created, and how leaders can facilitate it. The goal was to garner specific suggestions or ideas for what leaders and educators can do to facilitate spaces of belonging for Aboriginal learners via qualitative instrumental case study (Stake, 2008) which included interviews with those working within a school district and Aboriginal learner family members. The findings of this study found that: Belonging is a holistic term involving the entire school community with particular attention being paid to the child and their world, parents are a part of the school’s community and fundamental to the child’s success, and that leaders are key in the inclusion of children and families. Flowing from this was, and is, the hope that this information will be used in elementary schools to foster spaces of belonging, specifically in regard to elementary Aboriginal learners, that will translate into greater engagement in and with school and, as such, increase the likelihood of leading a life of their choosing in the future.
Open Access
Distance Education in Social Work: An Evaluation of an Undergraduate Course on Family Violence
(Sciedu Press, 2012-05-15) Walsh, Christine; Baynton, Myra
Open Access
Elder abuse and caregiver stress: an exploration of the relationship from the perspective of marginalized elders and their caregivers
(2010) Shields, Cindee; Walsh, Christine
Open Access
Engaging Men in Domestic Violence Prevention: Building a Collective-Cultures Approach
(2016) Lorenzetti, Liza; Este, David; Walsh, Christine; Badry, Dorothy; Nelson, Fiona; Nixon, Kendra
The United Nations and the World Health Organization recognized domestic violence as the most severe form of gender-based violence. While men are the primary perpetrators of sexual abuse and domestic violence causing injury and death, preventing domestic violence is commonly viewed as a woman’s issue. Research emphasizes that socialization towards male dominance in both public and private spheres and intergenerational patterns of abuse contribute to intimate partner violence. A growing body of literature also suggests that domestic violence can be influenced by colonization; racism; migration and resettlement; and class/poverty, among other forms of structural inequality. Within the last two decades, there has been an increase in the number of initiatives by men to address domestic violence; however, research in this area is limited. In particular, there is a need for Canadian studies on promising approaches to engaging men in violence prevention that incorporate Canada’s multicultural and Indigenous contexts. This dissertation used a feminist participatory action research framework grounded in an intersectionality analysis to engage 20 community men and five women violence prevention leaders in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through this work, a collective-cultures theoretical/practice model was developed that reflects a multi-layered and multi-faceted approach to domestic violence prevention. This model and other collective knowledge from the study were used to promote men’s leadership roles and address domestic violence from an intersectional lens. The emergence of a male-led violence prevention group, Men’s Action Network Calgary, was an important outcome of the research. This study contributes to the exploration of new and potentially innovative ways to prevent domestic violence and reduce its impact.
Open Access
Examining Mental Health Status and Mental Health Service Utilization by Visible Minority Immigrants in Canada: Adopting a Social Determinants of Health and Intersectionality Approach
(2016) Ip, Conita Kit Ching; Shankar, Janki; Walsh, Christine; Lee, Yeonjung
The number of visible minority immigrants to Canada is increasing rapidly. However, studies on mental health experiences associated with migration-related challenges are limited. Drawing on social determinants of health and intersectionality frameworks, this study investigated the relationship between social contextual factors and mental health outcomes (self-perceived mental health and life stress, and diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders) and mental health service utilization among visible minority immigrant adults in Canada. Data were drawn from the 2009-2010 Canadian Community Health Survey, which provided a sample of 5,870 visible minority immigrant adults aged 18 to 64 from 13 Canadian provinces and territories and a comparison group of 68,932 Canadian-born white adults. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and mental health outcomes and service use. Analysis results revealed no significant differences in self-perceived mental health between visible minority immigrant and Canadian-born white adults. Within-group multivariate logistic regression modeling revealed that male gender, employed status, mid- or high-range household income, and strong sense of community belonging were recurring protective factors against poor mental health, while longer-term immigrant status was a recurring risk factor for visible minority immigrants. Analysis of interactions between correlates revealed that when compared to all other intersecting immigrant and Canadian-born social identities, middle-aged visible minority immigrant adults and visible minority immigrant adults with a mid-range household income were the combined social identities associated with poor perceived mental health, high perceived life stress, and diagnosed mood disorders. Visible minority immigrants with poor perceived mental health and high perceived life stress were less likely than Canadian-born adults to report using mental health services, but those with diagnosed mood or anxiety disorders were as likely as Canadian-born adults to have used services. Despite some limitations, this study contributes to the current body of literature on ethno-cultural immigrant mental health by examining multiple mental health outcomes and help-seeking patterns using a social determinant of health perspective in the context of intersectionality, examining the combined effects of multiple social identities. The study results also challenge conventional assumptions about the “healthy immigrant effect” and “transitional effect” in visible minority immigrant’s mental health, contributing to a more complex understanding of this important issue.
Open Access
Exploring how Homeless Youth Perceive the Working Alliance between Themselves and Youth Workers: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
(2014-03-26) Gilroy, Jan; Walsh, Christine; Cairns, Sharon
Youth homelessness continues to be a concern across Canada. Previous research has demonstrated that the working alliance between youth who are homeless and youth workers is an important factor in breaking the cycle of homelessness. The purpose of this research was to explore the working alliance from the perspective of the youth. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine youth (ages 16 and 17) who were recruited from overnight shelters in Calgary, Alberta. Smith, Flowers, and Larkin’s (2009) Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data collected from the interviews. From the data the Working Alliance Stage model was developed. This model consists of a pre-stage: entering and five stages: the friendly foundation, the right environment, they “got my back,” the working part of the working alliance, and the outcome. While this model was developed for youth who are homeless the generic outline may be applicable for other youth populations.
Open Access
Exploring the Experiences of Social Workers Using Spirituality in Their Practice
(2022-04) Ciesielski, Jill; Walsh, Christine; Hewson, Jennifer; Gulbrandsen, Carolyn; Sinclair, Shane
Despite decades of discussion, spirituality remains a neglected area of social work education and practice. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of seven social work practitioners in Alberta who are actively incorporating spirituality into their practice through qualitative interviews. The findings indicated the ways these practitioners are using spirituality in their direct work with clients, the relationship between their own personal spirituality and their work, and the ways in which their specific practice context influences their use of spirituality in practice. Despite a lack of guidance with respect to spirituality in their social work education and training, participants were drawing on their own experiences and resources to inform their use of spirituality in practice. While this highlighted the resourcefulness of the participants, it also raised ethical questions about the implications of this more broadly within the social work profession. Implications for social work education, practice, and policy and recommendations for future research are also outlined.
Open Access
"Knocking on Doors that Never Open": Examining Discourses of Rejected Asylum Seekers from Kosova
(2017) Kusari, Kaltrina; Walsh, Christine; Drolet, Julie; Chowdhury, Tanvir Turin; Lorenzetti, Liza
This qualitative study examined the experiences of rejected asylum seekers from Kosova in order to contribute to the paucity of literature on rejected asylum seekers. Grounded in postcolonial theory and through a Critical Discourse Analysis of interviews with rejected asylum seekers and Kosova’s Repatriation Strategy, the study examined dominant discourses which shape the repatriation process in Kosova. The main findings illustrate the European Union (EU)-Kosova power imbalance and the pervasiveness of the EU as ‘exclusive’ discourse is crucial in shaping experiences of repatriation and the identities of rejected asylum seekers. These findings add to the body of existing repatriation literature and provide important implications for reparation policies as well as social work theory, practice, and education.
Open Access
Methodological Meeting of the Minds (M3): A Teaching & Learning Series
(2019-04-30) Burns, Victoria; Exner-Cortens, Deinera; Walsh, Christine; Badry, Dorothy; Jenney, Angelique; King, Regine; Lorenzetti, Liza; Sitter, Kathleen
Open Access
Migrant Social Workers' Experiences of Professional Adaptation in Alberta Canada: A Comparative Gender Analysis
(2016) Fulton, Amy Elizabeth; Walsh, Christine; Graham, John R.; Brown, Marion; Pullen Sansfacon, Annie; Bhuyan, Rupaleem; Guo, Shibao
There is limited global research addressing the professional adaptation of migrant social workers in general, and a dearth of scholarship specific to the unique context in Alberta, Canada. While academic attention on the broad topic of professional migration of social workers has gained some traction over the past decade, the emerging literature has so far lacked a comparative gender analysis of the experiences of professional migration among social workers. The purpose of the present study was to develop enhanced understanding of the experiences of professional adaptation of migrant social workers in the Albertan context through a comparative gender analysis. This dissertation emerged from my involvement as a research assistant on a national study on the professional adaptation of migrant social workers in Canada. While coordinating data collection for the Alberta site of the national study, I conducted in-depth interviews with 17 male and female migrant social workers that had migrated to Alberta, Canada within the past decade. From these 17 interviews, 10 transcripts of interviews were selected as cases for secondary analysis in order to answer the question: How do female and male migrant social workers in Alberta experience their professional adaptation to practice in their new context? The research method employed in the secondary study was interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), a form of qualitative inquiry that examines how people make sense of significant lived experiences. Intersectionality theory and postcolonial feminisms provided the theoretical framework for the study, facilitating attention to both the macro-level factors that structure lived experiences and interactions, and the micro-level processes and interpretations that shape social identities. Engaging with the detailed personal accounts of the participants provided new understandings of how male and female migrant social workers both similarly and differentially interpret and make meaning out of their experiences of professional adaptation. The study makes an important contribution to existing knowledge about professional adaptation in the context of transnational labour mobility. Notably, it is among the first studies to explore the professional adaptation processes of migrant social workers in Alberta, as well as among the earliest works to engage in a qualitative comparative gender analysis that explores these experiences.
Open Access
One-and-a-half Generation Filipinx Youth in Metro Vancouver: Narratives of Negotiating Ethno-Cultural Identities
(2023-06) Nguyen, Maria Socorro Mangila; Walsh, Christine; Badry, Dorothy; Este, David
The landscape of Filipinx migration stories to Canada is diverse, and the majority of stories have emerged from studies with Filipinx adults. This narrative inquiry (NI) explored the storied lives of one-and-a-half generation (1.5G) Filipinx youth in Metro Vancouver, their experiences and capacities to develop and negotiate their ethnic identities in three sites of interactions: a) nuclear and extended families, b) school and peers, and c) the wider communities. In this study I gained insights into the impact of migration and acculturation on Filipinx youth who straddle their country of origin and host country which is timely as the Philippines continues to be one of the top three sources of new immigrant families in metropolitan areas such as Metro Vancouver (Statistics Canada, 2022a). NI and Sikolohiyang Pilipino (SP) enabled me, the researcher, to facilitate a respectful process with the participants to tell their stories at their level of readiness. Filipinx youth expressed their experiences through creative ways in combination with first language, Tagalog or Taglish (a combination of Tagalog and English). This generative process benefitted the youths in co-constructing their own storied lives, exploring their awareness of who they are becoming and carving pathways that professionals such as teachers, settlement workers, and social workers could anchor their programs and services. Four narrative threads weave through the five narrative accounts: 1) pride in Filipino identity with the ability to speak a major language in the Philippines; and insights from interactions in three sites: 2) nuclear/extended families; 3) school with peers and staff, and aspirations to pursue post-secondary education; and 4) the wider communities. This study amplifies the voices of 1.5G Filipinx youth and invites various professionals to 'open doors' for newcomer youths.
Open Access
Permanency From the Perspective of Aboriginal Youth Who Have Aged Out of Care: An Exploratory Study
(2014-05-01) Stangeland, Jade; Walsh, Christine
Permanency has been recognized as an important goal for children and youth in government care. However, two groups for whom the meaning of permanency has generated considerable debate are youth in foster care, and Aboriginal children and youth. A comprehensive literature review revealed that permanency for youth is both necessary and achievable, and cultural considerations were critical in achieving permanency. The purpose of this study was to explore the views of Aboriginal youth who have aged out of foster care on permanency. Individual, semi-structure interviews were completed with six young adults (ages 18 to 20) and a follow up focus group was completed with three of these participants. The data was analyzed using a basic qualitative, pragmatic approach. This analysis revealed that the goals of permanency and culture have been set up as competing priorities rather than as complimentary objectives working in harmony for the well being of Aboriginal children and youth in care.
Open Access
Queer and Poliical: Exploring Transgender Resistance
(2015-05-22) Dolcecore, Susan; Walsh, Christine
This qualitative study investigated forms of oppression and resistance among transgender individuals. This constructivist grounded theory study answered these research questions: (1) how does oppression affect self-identified transgender individual’s performance of gender, and (2) how does gender performance illustrate collective and individual forms of resistance? The author interviewed 14 transgender individuals living in Canada about their lived experiences with oppression and resistance. The exploration of this phenomenon was encompassed human experience, social environments, and the complexity of life illustrated by those directly experiencing oppression as transgender individuals. The performance of gender describes the use masculine, feminine and gender neutral qualities to express identity. This study suggests that transgender resistance is a method for overcoming one’s vulnerability related to traditional gender discourses. The use of resistance provides a way for radical self-determination, one that helps in promoting authenticity and solidarity with others in the trans and queer community.
Open Access
Recognition and Assessment of Geriatric Depression in Residential Care Facilities in Alberta: A Mixed Methods Study of Perspectives and Practices of Regulated Nursing Staff
(2016) Azulai, Anna; Hall, Barry; Walsh, Christine; Hirst, Sandra; Konnert, Candace; Seneviratne, Cydnee; McCleary, Lynn
Geriatric depression is under-detected in residential care facilities. There is a paucity of Canadian and Alberta-specific research on how this mental health condition is recognized and assessed in residential care settings. The purpose of this exploratory study was to learn about the perspectives and practices of regulated nurse professionals on the recognition of geriatric depression in long-term care (LTC) and designated supportive living (DSL) facilities in Alberta. The research questions focused on: 1) relevant knowledge, beliefs, and education of participants; 2) the relationship between the level of knowledge and types of facilities; 3) depression assessment process and methods; 4) barriers to the recognition and assessment; and 5) perceived strategies for the effective detection of depression. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design, including a survey (N = 635) and qualitative interviews (N = 14). Findings suggested a risk for social exclusion of residents with geriatric depression from mental health services in Alberta. While considering the assessment of depression important, participants reported multiple challenges to its identification in facilities. One of the main challenges included specific socio-cultural beliefs about geriatric depression among staff, residents, and public, such as ageism, the normalization and the stigmatization of geriatric depression. Other challenges related to a less than optimal clinical knowledge of participants about geriatric depression, scarcity of resources, complicated and unclear assessment protocols, inconsistent use of assessment methods, poor communication between all stakeholders, and marginalized priority of the mental health care in facilities. These inter-connected structural and agential barriers on micro, mezzo, and macro levels served as constraining conditions in the depression assessment process. The perceived improvement strategies targeted addressing this complex constellation of barriers to enable successful detection. Recommendations included actions to alter views about geriatric depression, such as public awareness campaigns and enhancing depression-specific education, as well as increasing resources, elevating the priority of mental health in facilities, and advocating for the legislative changes to support effective regulations and policies for mental health provision in these care settings.
Open Access
Resonant Disruptions: Understanding Nurses’ Practice with Youth Survivors of Sexual Exploitation
(2022-10-19) Giebelhaus, Danielle Erinn; Estefan, Andrew; Moules, Nancy; Walsh, Christine
The sexual exploitation of youth is a global and local concern. Youth survivors of sexual exploitation often present to and require healthcare services but most nurses do not feel effectively equipped to care for this population. There is currently little nursing literature to guide nurses in their practice with youth survivors. In this thesis, I report on a study undertaken using philosophical hermeneutics guided by the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer and other contemporary hermeneutic theorists. Hermeneutics is a useful way to conduct research when little is known about a topic. I ask the research question, “How might we understand nurses’ experiences of working with youth survivors of sexual exploitation?” In hermeneutic research, interpretations provide the basis for answering the research question. Three interpretations are discussed in this study: stigma, refuge, and beautiful words; how to convey mattering to youth survivors of SE; and what nurses hold onto for themselves and their patients. The findings point to an increase in understanding of nursing experience, and to clear need for increased training for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Open Access
Safe haven: the role of social support and community inclusion in fostering leelings of belonging in a homeless shelter
(2011) Bell, Meaghan; Walsh, Christine
This study explores the role of community participation and social support networks in the daily lives of ten men in a homeless shelter. Shelter residents developed relationships among one another in order to recreate their spoiled identities into meaningful conceptions of self, based on a sense of belonging and purpose within the shelter community. Perceptions of solidarity within the shelter acted to counter feelings of social exclusion and generated a sense of commitment to the group. An unintended consequence ofthe shelter community has been the reluctance of residents to maintain independent living away from the shelter. This research highlights how these men have created their own place to belong, revealing the human side of shelter life, characterized by acceptance and companionship. The associations developed are creative and collaborative survival strategies allowing the men to negotiate and navigate their conditions of homelessness.
Open Access
Social Enterprise for Low-Income Women: A Valuable Component of Anti-Poverty Work in Canada
(2016) Fotheringham, Sarah; Walsh, Christine; Graham, John; Este, David; Mendell, Marguerite; McKenzie, Brad; Nelson, Fiona
Canadian women, and particular groups of women, are disproportionately burdened by poverty. Social enterprise is a possible solution to unemployment and low income, but little research pertains to women. A collective case study method, with three women-specific social enterprises in three Canadian cities was employed. Data was collected in 2012 from interviews with staff members and participants, site visits, observations and documentation. Results indicate these models train and employ women who have little opportunity. Through a women-informed, intersectional model, services can be customized to respond to the needs of particular populations of women. Women’s chance of success increases when programs provide combinations of soft and hard skill training, followed by employment in an environment that simultaneously offers comprehensive support. Women are thus supported economically by learning important transferable job and life skills, gaining employment experience and earning an income. Socially, women are helped through various support services and through the building of relationships and self esteem. Organizations receive income generated from the business activity, increase their social standing in the community, and contribute to addressing public needs. The creation of social capital is another advantage. Two main challenges were identified. First, women’s social enterprise appears to be consistently under-funded, leaving these organizations in a position where tough financial decisions occur, often at the cost of the social objective, or vice versa. Further, lack of financial resources also restricts the ability of the enterprise to effectively market their business, thus impacting business generation and employment opportunity for women. Second, there is evidence that questions the long-term economic sustainability for women. Due to low wages, inconsistent hours, lack of further training and additional employment opportunities, women are earning little and continue to depend on other financial supports. These difficulties are linked with an under-resourced sector, begging the question: if funding increased, would these challenges be mitigated? Women’s social enterprise is a valuable approach to alleviating women’s unemployment, exclusion and poverty. However, these models requires further subsidy and ongoing support, and need to be part of a wider structural response to these issues, which include involvement from government, community and other social services.