Browsing by Author "Walsh, Christine Ann"

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    Employment Adjustment and Mental Health of Employed Family Caregivers in Canada
    (2019-01-04) Li, Lun; Lee, Yeonjung; Walsh, Christine Ann; Lai, Daniel W. L.
    In Canada, with the population aging, the need of family caregiving to older adults is increasing. Family caregivers make employment adjustment in order to fulfil caregiving responsibility. However, the studies on the family caregivers’ mental health outcomes associated with employment adjustment are limited. Based on the role theory and stress process model, the current study examined the relationship between employment adjustment and mental health outcomes among family caregivers, and also tested the functions of family-to-work role conflict and workplace support in this relationship. Data were drawn from the 2012 Canada General Social Survey Cycle 26: Caregiving and Care Receiving, which provided a sample of 1,696 employed family caregivers. Hierarchical linear regression and conditional process analysis were used to examine the relationship among employment adjustment, mental health, family-to-work role conflict, and workplace support. The analysis results revealed that employment adjustment is significantly associated with negative mental health outcomes, including worse self-rated mental health, more psychological symptoms, and higher life and caregiving stress level. In addition, the mediating effect of family-to-work role conflict was confirmed, such that family-to-work role conflict mediates the association between employment adjustment and mental health outcomes. Furthermore, the moderating effect of workplace support was identified in the relationship between employment adjustment and family-to-work role conflict. Despite some limitations, current study contributes to the existing body of literature on the mental health outcomes of family caregivers by examining the function of employment adjustment, family-to-work role conflict and workplace support at the same time. The study results also call for greater attention to provide caregiver-friendly workplace support to family caregivers.
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    Experiences of Muslim Female Students in Social Work Programs in Western Canada
    (2022-05) Salim, Saleema; Walsh, Christine Ann; Badry, Dorothy Eleanor; Este, David Clarence
    Canada is known globally as a multicultural country, yet multiple studies have indicated that Muslim Canadians believe discrimination, based on their religious beliefs, is common. What is less well-understood is the experience of discrimination of Muslim students in post-secondary settings, particularly in social work. The theoretical framework included feminism and postcolonial feminist theory to answer the research question: What are the experiences of Muslim female students with regards to discrimination inclusion/exclusion, social justice, and equity in social work programs in Western Canada? The study used a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design. Twelve Muslim female students currently enrolled in or recent graduates (within the past two years) of university social work programs in Western Canada were recruited vis convenience sampling methods. Semi-structured exploratory interviews were conducted between September and November 2020 and the phenomenological approach was used for data analysis. The results of the analysis yielded four themes that helped to explain the Muslim female students’ experiences of the social work programs. The themes are: 1) "I am a Muslim woman”, 2) visible religious identity in educational settings, 3) experiences of social exclusion in social work programs, and 4) consequences for Muslim female students. Study participants identified experiences of exclusion, stereotyping, and discrimination, including the lack of Muslim culture and religion in the social work curriculum. A number of challenges, such as the lack of diversity, lack of awareness by professors and students were faced by Muslim female students. These findings could better inform educators and policymakers in designing curriculum and formulating culturally appropriate policies to increase diversity and inclusion. Further research is needed to understand cultural competencies among non-Muslim professors and peers to address the inclusion/exclusion of Muslim female students using a larger sample size.
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    Exploring Aboriginal Student Experiences with Post-Secondary Education through Photography and Story
    (2019-08-15) Coble, James; Louie, Dustin William; Ottmann, Jacqueline; Pratt, Yvonne Poitras; Steeves, Phyllis; Walsh, Christine Ann; Pidgeon, Michelle
    Post-secondary completion rates are lower for Aboriginal Canadians compared to non-Aboriginal Canadians. This phenomenon has received a lot of attention in the research literature. Reports and peer-reviewed research have identified a number of barriers that contribute to these rates. Such barriers often include things like financial pressures, academic readiness, and cultural differences among others. Many of these barriers can be attributed in varying degrees to the residential school era, the intergenerational effects of which have contributed to not only current education outcomes, but also comparatively low socioeconomic and health related indicators. Despite this, a decolonized education is considered central to improving the lives of Aboriginal Canadians. Post-secondary institutions have a role to play in achieving this goal. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Aboriginal student experiences with post-secondary education in a community college setting. The issue was explored using methodologies and data collection methods that lend themselves to Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing. Three Aboriginal women took part in the study. These women were asked to take photographs over a four-week period of those factors they believed influenced their respective educational journeys. The photographs were then discussed at length using personal interview and focus group formats. The results are presented in narrative (i.e. storied) form. Common narrative threads include stories of identity, culture, resilience, connection, family and stories of the “other.” There were also experiences unique to each participant. It is concluded that a majority of the factors such as relying on cultural teachings contributed positively to persistence. When situated within the context of the research literature, several recommendations are presented that might further contribute to Aboriginal student persistence and completion.
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    Exploring the leadership of multidisciplinary collaboration in child maltreatment service organizations: A case study of the Southern Alberta Children Advocacy Centre
    (2020-07-06) Fields, Jacqueline Ann; Perrault, Ellen L. J.; Walsh, Christine Ann; Ayala, Jessica S.; Badry, Dorothy Eleanor; Jacobsen, Michele; Fuchs, Don M.
    This qualitative case study aimed to provide an understanding of collaborative leadership at the newly established Southern Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (SACAC). Specifically, the purpose of the research was to 1) describe the particular activities the senior leadership team engaged in to guide collaboration, and 2) how each team member contributed to, and experienced, the leadership process while working towards providing child maltreatment services to children and their families in the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat communities. The study was conducted with seven participants – senior executives from social service organizations – over an 18-month period. Data was collected from individual semi-structured interviews and participant observation at six team meetings, and the review of meeting minutes and draft organization documents including the Business Plan and by-laws. Case study research was the methodology of choice. NVivo was used to organize the data. Boyatzis’ (1998) and Crabtree and Miller’s (1999) thematic analysis were used to analyze the data and yielded major themes and thematic categories: 1) creating and sharing a vision; 2) the need for planning; 3) the need for planned intentional collaboration; 4) demonstrating respect; 5) utilizing self-identified leadership styles; 6) leadership roles; 7) benefits of leadership; and 8) challenges to leadership. Leadership theories including transformational, transcendent, and facilitative, and models of collaboration utilized in healthcare, were examined to provide an understanding of the application of leadership and collaboration in social service settings. Discussions in this dissertation were guided primarily by the Reclaiming futures: Communities helping teens overcome drugs, alcohol, and crime framework (termed the RF Framework), which focused on collaborative leadership. The study built on the foundation provided by the RF Framework to propose a Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) Model of Collaborative Leadership and presented a discussion on its implications for social work practice and education, and policy development. Limitations of the study and areas of future research were also outlined.
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    Exploring the Lived Experiences of Spousal Bereavement and Widowhood among Older Chinese Immigrants in Calgary
    (2019-02-26) Wang, Qianyun; Walsh, Christine Ann; Tong, Hongmei; Tam, Dora; Wada, Kaori
    Spousal bereavement poses considerable challenges to adults in late life. Some populations, such as older immigrants, may experience heightened negative outcomes as a consequence of spousal bereavement, due to migratory stress and marginalization. Spousal bereavement is also culturally-embedded as it is related to cultural beliefs and attitudes concerning death and family relationships. However, studies on spousal bereavement or widowhood among older immigrant groups are limited. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring, via a phenomenological approach, the lived experiences of widowed older Chinese immigrants in Calgary. This study addressed two main research questions: 1) What are the lived experiences of widowed Chinese older immigrants in coping with their spousal bereavement? and 2) What supports do widowed older Chinese immigrants draw from to cope with their bereavement and to adjust to widowhood? Findings were categorized into four levels, individual, family, community and society. It was found that grief was long-lasting among participants. They took grief privately, with using rituals and faith. Although family and ethno-cultural communities played an important role in providing supports to participants during their widowhood, both were unable to directly help them cope with the spousal loss. Most participants did not access social services for bereavement support. Participants’ lived experience of widowhood were also embedded with multi-dimensional identities: age, gender, immigration, and ethnicity. Immigration background and ethno-cultural factors were recognized in relation to their significant impact on participants’ late-life widowhood. Limitations of this study, implications for further research and social work practice and policy-making were included.
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    Impacts of Industrial and Resource Development on the Wholistic Health of Akwesasronon: A Human Responsibility/Rights Solution
    (2018-09-21) Jacobs, Beverley Kim; Koshan, Jennifer; Frideres, James; Ottmann, Jacqueline; Lickers, Henry F.; Walsh, Christine Ann
    This dissertation demonstrates how wholistic health of the Akwesasronon is directly connected to Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen (Thanksgiving Address), which reflects the healthy relationships and connection between all living things including human beings and the natural world. Using a Haudenosaunee Research Methodology with Community Based Participatory Action Research methodologies, including Photovoice with Akwesasne community members and interviews with Knowledge Holders, I show how wholistic health includes healthy relationships and connections with self, family, community, Mother Earth, The Waters, The Fish Life, The Food Plants, The Medicine Herbs, The Animals, The Trees, and finally, the Four Winds, the Thunderers, the Sun and the Moon, the Starts and our Teachers (all aspects acknowledged in Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen). I also argue that wholistic healthiness of Akwesasronon is protected through the practices of Haudenosaunee Laws. I present the impacts of industrial and resource development that have had detrimental effects upon the mind, body and spirit of Akwesasronon and on all aspects acknowledged in Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen. The impacts also included many losses of emotional, spiritual, physical, mental well-being of Akwesasronon and the environmental well-being of the natural world. Despite the impacts, I acknowledge the resiliency and strength of Akwesasronon that shines through because they have been able to maintain the practices of Haudenosaunee Laws that protect their wholistic health. I explain and utilize Kuswentah theory to establish the different ways of thinking and analyzing between Haudenosaunee laws and Euro-Canadian laws. Haudenosaunee laws represented in their canoe, focus on the roles and responsibilities of human beings within the bigger picture of the natural world and natural laws. Euro-Canadian laws, represented in their ship, focus on the rights of human beings, and - specific to this study- on how the rights of Aboriginal peoples in Canada are defined under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 of Canada. I argue that the right to self-determination based on the practice of Haudenosaunee laws that protect wholistic health of Akwesasronon is protected as a Kuswentah right under section 35. Nevertheless, Akwesasronon Knowledge Holders shared their hesitancy in litigating their section 35 rights, leading to my discussion of reconciliation and decolonization of Euro-Canadian laws.
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    Older People’s Resilience in the Context of Climate-Disasters: A Single Instrumental Case Study of Older Women in Poverty who are Widowed, Head of Household, and Living in a Disaster-Affected Community in the Philippines
    (2018-08-01) Kwan, Crystal; Walsh, Christine Ann; Drolet, Julie; Hirst, Sandra P.; Lenters, Kimberly Ann; Dominelli, Lena
    While disasters are not a new phenomenon, the intensity and frequency of them have increased and are projected to continue to escalate due to climate change, globalization, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation. Older people living in poverty represent a vulnerable group who require special attention because often their limited access to social, economic, political, and environmental resources increase their risk to the impacts of disasters. The purpose of my study was to identify the key factors and processes (specifically during the mitigation phase of the disaster management cycle or non-disaster times) that shape and influence older people’s resilience within the context of disasters, with a focus on older women living in poverty. My research design was primarily informed by case study methodology, and it included participatory action research (PAR) elements. Purposive sampling was conducted in Apitong, a community in Tacloban City, Philippines that was deeply affected by the 2013 typhoon Haiyan. Four participants were recruited as key informants of the case: a group of older women living in poverty, who are widowed, head of household, and living in a disaster-affected community in the Philippines. The following data collection methods were used: Photovoice (PV)/Videovoice (VV), semi-structured interviews (including one-to-one, focus group, and peer interviews), observation, and document review. The participants were involved in data collection, as they were trained in basic camera use, the PV/VV process, and how to conduct peer interviews. A translator was used in all the interviews, training workshops, and transcriptions. I conducted analysis (using thematic analysis) continuously and recursively, alongside data collection. Utilizing a socio-ecological conceptual framework of resilience, I identified seven environmental and one individual factor and processes that shape and influence the participants’ resilience. My study findings contribute to the paucity of literature regarding older people’s resilience within the context of disasters, specifically the need for more case-specific and context-based knowledge. Additionally, within the discipline of social work, my study informs education, research, and practice in two overlooked but critical areas: green and gerontological social work.
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    Reclaiming Our Identities as Good Mothers: Narratives of Mothers with Child Welfare Experience
    (2018-09-14) Yoo, Hee-Jeong; Walsh, Christine Ann; Badry, Dorothy Eleanor; Choate, Peter W.; Walsh, Christine Ann
    The predominant definition of motherhood in Canada, and Western Society, reflects the notion of intensive mothering, whereby mothers are expected to manage their responsibilities as the primary caregiver of their children and household, while maintaining employment outside of the home. This notion, based on a middle-class, Eurocentric construct leaves little consideration for the experiences of mothers from diverse socio-economic, and ethno-racial backgrounds. Mothers involved in child welfare for allegations of abuse are challenged with identifying with this definition of motherhood, as they face stigmatization by their communities and shame for their care of their children. Research affirms that mothers in child welfare are disproportionately younger, and of lower-economic status compared to the general population, in addition to having higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health concerns. My research question is: How do the narratives of mothers with child welfare involvement challenge good mothering ideology? This qualitative, exploratory study collaborates with three mothers in Calgary, Alberta, who, over the course of a series on in-depth interviews shared stories of the mothering they experienced in childhood, the challenges in their own mothering which resulted in having their children apprehended by the state, and finally their journey to regaining custody of their children. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. These women’s narratives highlighted their resiliency in their reclaiming identities as good mothers while challenging socially-constructed beliefs about women, and mothering. Our intention is that the women’s stories can inform child welfare policies and procedures to best support diverse families involved in the child welfare system.
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    Settlement and Integration Needs of Skilled Immigrants in Calgary: A Mixed Methods Study
    (2020-10-23) Kaushik, Vibha; Walsh, Christine Ann; Drolet, Julie Lynne; Enns, Richard A.; Guo, Shibaod; Yan, Miu Chung
    There is a significant body of scholarship on the settlement and integration of immigrants in Canada. However, most knowledge in this domain comes from government and stakeholders’ reports that are based on input from immigrants in general. This information does not focus specifically on skilled immigrants, nor does it include those in the service sector responsible for service provision of this population. Importantly, there is limited academic research available in this domain. Currently, Alberta is experiencing a unique economic climate. Most economic indicators suggest that from 2015 to 2016, Alberta experienced the worst recession in a generation, caused by the steepest and most prolonged oil price shock in Canadian history. Broader economic trends show that the integration of immigrants is affected by the economic conditions they face in their host countries. Further, there is evidence that immigrants who arrive during unfavourable economic conditions experience a permanent disadvantage in integration. Therefore, the settlement and integration of skilled immigrants warrant explicit attention at this critical point in time. Calgary is the largest city in Alberta. Not only do many immigrants arriving in Alberta choose to settle in Calgary, it is also the fourth most sought-after destination for immigrants in Canada. With an increasing number of immigrants arriving in Calgary to work and live, there is a need to better understand how immigrant services in the city support skilled immigrants and contribute to create a positive environment for their settlement and integration in Calgary. The purpose of this study was to understand the settlement and integration needs of skilled immigrants in Calgary and to identify if there are any needs that are not addressed by the services offered by the major immigrant serving agencies in the city. Primarily, the focus of the study was (1) to understand the settlement and integration needs of skilled immigrants in Calgary and (2) to identify if there are gaps in the settlement and integration services for skilled immigrants in Calgary. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design in which qualitative data provided an in-depth exploration of the settlement and integration needs of skilled immigrants in Calgary as understood by immigrant serving agencies in the city, and the quantitative data focused on gaining an understanding about the areas of unmet settlement and integration needs as experienced by skilled immigrants in Calgary. I conducted 10 interviews with immigrant services providers in Calgary to collect qualitative data and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. For the quantitative analysis, I collected 120 survey responses from skilled immigrants who were residents of Calgary and who came to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. I performed chi-square analysis to reveal any significant relationship between survey items. Findings enhance our understanding of challenges faced by skilled immigrants in Calgary, identify the needs experienced by skilled immigrants in facing those challenges, highlight the gaps in the existing social services, and inform the development and implementation of effective settlement services and programs for skilled immigrants in Calgary.
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    Sharing Stories, Building Bridges, Moving Mountains: An Action-Oriented Inquiry with Children of Incarcerated Parents
    (2020-04-30) Pickering, Barbara Jane; Strong, Tom; Walsh, Christine Ann; Sitter, Kathleen C.
    Most people rarely think about children of incarcerated parents (COIPs) and when they do, these children are usually dismissed as not worth the effort. However, in Canada there are likely more than 400,000 children affected by parental incarceration. This became apparent to me when I was working with women recently out of prison, most of them mothers, who mentioned the hardest part of their experience was being separated from their children and the lack of support. There is a body of predominantly quantitative research that tells a bleak story of how COIPs are destined to have trouble in school, misuse substances, be gang involved, have contact with the justice system, and likely be incarcerated themselves. I was curious about a different, and less problem-saturated, life story that COIPs might tell. In this research I invited seven adult COIPs to share their experiences in a collaborative relationship that would privilege strength and resilience with the hope that we could turn toward some type of advocacy through action-oriented practices. Informed by Collaborative Therapy and Allan Wade’s Response-Based Practice, and the ethical guideposts of Vikki Reynolds, I joined participants in creating safe spaces for their stories to emerge. The research design unfolded in three stages. Stage I included two individual interviews and a focus group: Seven participants engaged in at least one interview, five completed a second interview, and four joined together for the focus group. The four participants who agreed to join the focus group chose to engage in discussion around ways to engage in advocacy for COIPs. Consequently, Stage II consisted of 10 group meetings that culminated in the planning and filming for a documentary. Stage III became the editing processes with the eventual release of the documentary Bonds that Hurt; Bonds that Heal to the public. This is the story of our journey.
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    Social Support for Physical Activity Among Older Adults: An Examination of Two Populations at Increased Risk of Social Isolation
    (2020-08) Beselt, Lydia Jayne; McDonough, Meghan H.; Din, Cari; Hewson, Jennifer A.; Walsh, Christine Ann
    Older adults are vulnerable to isolation, and certain groups of older adults are more vulnerable than others, including those who live alone and LGBTQI2S+ older adults. Physical activity with other people can serve as an important opportunity for experiencing social connectedness, social support, and social inclusion. Therefore, it is important to understand how these social experiences are fostered within the context of exercising with other people. This thesis aimed to gain a deeper understanding into how two older adult populations who are vulnerable to social isolation experience social support in physical activity contexts. Qualitative studies can provide valuable insight into the experiences of individuals and how their interactions with their world shape these experiences. These studies used single time-point semi-structured interviews for data-collection which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Physical activity with other people allowed participants to have a place to belong and feel included, as well as provided them with a meaningful place to engage socially. Experiences with social support varied among participants with some being supported by the presence of others and others by more direct interactions (e.g., asking if they went to class, physical contact). Participants also experienced social barriers related to physical activity including experiencing insecurity related to physical ability or being single when around other people and being active. Group physical activity contexts can be designed to foster social inclusion and provide meaningful social relationships and interactions for those at risk of social isolation and exclusion. Understanding how to support older adults to be physically active could inform initiatives and interventions aimed at promoting physical activity and social and mental well-being.
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    Women Elders and Grandmothers Storytelling: Co-Creating a Collective Wisdom Bundle for Indigenous Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
    (2023-08-25) St-Denis, Natalie; Walsh, Christine Ann; Leason, Jennifer Lynn; Bennett, Marlyn Loretta; Allan, Billie; Hanson, Aubrey Jean
    The prevalence of child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a symptom of historical and intergenerational traumas resulting from centuries of colonial violence and residential schools. Child sexual abuse can lead to long-term mental health impacts including depression, addiction, and suicide and is correlated with higher incidences of physical and sexual violence throughout the lifespan. Indigenous women in Canada are seven times more likely to be murdered and three times more likely to be a victim of severe violence or sexual assault compared to non-Indigenous women. This inquiry invited 10 Algonquian women Elders and Grandmothers to share survivance stories and teachings to support wholistic lifeways for Indigenous women survivors of child sexual abuse. This dissertation offers insights for: anti-colonizing narratives of child sexual abuse; reframing healing/trauma-based narratives to wholistic lifeways; a working definition of Indigenous sexual health; culturally informed Indigenous sexual health education; coming to know stories as medicine as an Indigenous storytelling methodology; a relational living collective wisdom bundle holding stories and teachings from 10 Algonquian women Elders and Grandmothers; as well as offering guidance for anti-colonizing social work practice and education. Outcomes from this dissertation seek to guide and inform Indigenous and non-Indigenous social service agencies – social workers, health care practitioners, policy makers and funders – serving Indigenous women survivors of child sexual abuse in their programs and services to improve the wellbeing of Indigenous women, their families and communities.