Sociology

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The aesthetic rationality of the popular expressive arts: Lifeworld communication among breast cancer survivors living with lymphedema
(Springer, 2014-08-01) Quinlan, Elizabeth; Thomas, Roanne; Fichtner, Pam; McMullen, Linda; Block, Janice
The use of popular expressive arts as antidotes to the pathologies of the parallel processes of lifeworld colonization and cultural impoverishment has been under-theorized. This article enters the void with a project in which breast cancer survivors used collages and installations of everyday objects to solicit their authentic expression of the psycho-social impacts of lymphedema. The article enlists Jurgen Habermas’ communicative action theory to explore the potential of these expressive arts to expand participants’ meaningful engagement with their lifeworlds. The findings point to the unique non-linguistic discursivity of these non-institutional artistic forms as their liberating power to disclose silenced human needs: the images ‘spoke’ for themselves for group members to recognize shared subjectivities. The authenticity claims inherent in the art forms fostered collective reflexivity and spontaneous, affective responses and compelled the group to create new collective understandings of the experience of living with lymphedema. The article contributes theoretical insights regarding the emancipatory potential of aesthetic-expressive rationality, an under-developed area of Habermasian theory of communicative action, and to the burgeoning literature on arts-based methods in social scientific research.
Building Critical Community Engagement through Scholarship: Three Case Studies
(Engaged Scholar Journal (OJS/ PKP), 2015-04-30) Findlay, Isobel M.; Lovrod, Marie; Quinlan, Elizabeth; Teucher, Ulrich; Sayok, Alexander K.; Bustamante, Stephanie; Domsby, Darlene
Drawing on a shared recognition that community is defined, understood, constructed, and reconstructed through contextually inflected relationships, collaborating authors use diverse interdisciplinary case studies to argue that rigorous community-engaged scholarship advances capacities for critical pursuit of cognitive and social justice. Whether through participant-centred projects undertaken with youth in government care networks, cross-cultural explorations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous science and culture as resources for food security, or facilitated dramatizations of community relations impacted by neo-liberal ideologies, contributors affirm welcoming co-learning environments that engage multiple forms of knowledge expression and mobilization. The respectful spaces held in these community-researcher collaborations enable new advances beyond hegemonic knowledge development institutionalized through colonialist histories. This essay theorizes prospects for building transformative community through scholarship, citing practical examples of the principles and practices that foster or frustrate sustainable communities. It explores the institutional arrangements and power dynamics between and among actors, asking who gets included and excluded, and what boundaries are created and crossed around complex, contradictory, and contested notions of “community”.
Ethnodrama: An Innovative Knowledge Translation Tool in the Management of Lymphedema
(Ivyspring International Publisher, 2015-07-16) Ahmed, Shahid; Quinlan, Elizabeth; McMullen, Linda; Thomas, Roanne; Fichtner, Pam; Block, Janice
Background: Lymphedema can cause significant physical impairment and quality-of-life issues. Yet there is a gap in knowledge about lymphedema among breast cancer survivors (BCS), and health care professionals (HCP). Ethnodrama is an innovative knowledge translation strategy that uses theatrical performances for dissemination of research results. We evaluated the impact of live ethnodrama on HCP' and BCS' awareness and attitudes in relation to impact of lymphedema on BCS' lives. Methods: Ethnodrama performances were developed by script writers and a theatre director in collaboration with the investigators and BCS using data from published research and pre-performances workshops. Six interactive live performances were given to audiences of BCS, HCP, and community members in four cities across Canada. After watching these live performances, members of the audiences were asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire regarding their knowledge of lymphedema, and their attitudes and practices toward lymphedema. Results: Of 238 audience members who participated in the survey, 55 (23%) were BCS and 85 (37.5%) were HCP. Most members rated the performances as very effective in changing their (84%) or other people's (93%) understanding of lymphedema; 96% reported being motivated to seek additional information on lymphedema, and 72% of HCP anticipated changes in their practices related to lymphedema screening. Overall no significant differences were noted in responses to ethnodrama between BCS and HCP. Open-ended responses were supportive of the findings from the closed-ended questions. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ethnodrama performances effectively convey information and positively affecting changes in HCP' and BCS' attitudes toward lymphedema.
Enhancing Care and Advocacy for Sexual Assault Survivors on Canadian Campuses
(Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education, 2016-08-31) Quinlan, Elizabeth; Clarke, Alison; Miller, Natasha
Recent media coverage of the rape chant at Saint Mary’s University, the misogynist Facebook posts at Dalhousie’s dental school, and the suspension of the University of Ottawa’s hockey team have brought the topic of campus sexual assault under intense public scrutiny and the media accounts point to a widespread systemic rape culture on Canadian campuses. The objective of this paper is to examine the existing structure of campus sexual assault services at Canadian universities and colleges in order to highlight best practices and barriers to their success. The study’s data collection entailed an environmental scan of existing programs and campus-community collaborations across Canada, and a half-day symposium in which stakeholders reviewed the scan’s results and developed recommendations. The study’s findings indicate that most campus sexual assault and women’s centres rely on volunteers and collaboration with off-campus organizations in order to maintain a breadth of services for sexual assault survivors. Funding challenges were found to impose significant limitations to the functionality of the centres. The paper closes with recommendations for improvements, including public education programming and dedicated services provided by professionals with specialized training and experience.
Effects of a therapy dog program on the wellbeing of older veterans living in a long term care residence
(Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 2018-12) Dell, Colleen; Chalmers, Darlene; Gillett, James; Steeves, Megan; Rohr, Betty; Fornssler, Barbara; Husband, Alicia; Iwajomo, Oluwatomisin; Nickel, Chelsea
Current health care practices do not adequately meet the health needs of older adult war veterans. Increasingly, animal assisted interventions (AAIs) are being identified as potentially beneficial for this population. To explore this, this study, informed by a One Health framework, measured the outcomes of the St. John Ambulance (SJA) Therapy Dog Program on the wellbeing of older adults at a Veterans Affairs Canada residence in Saskatchewan, Canada. Over a 13 week period, two groups of veterans, of 8 and 10 in number respectively, who were living at the residence were purposively selected to participate in weekly individual and group therapy dog visits. The type of visit varied according to the level of cognition of the veteran, with lower level individuals visiting in a group format. A modified instrumental case study design was applied incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including questionnaires, focus groups, case history, and observation. Quantitative measures were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative measures were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a positive influence of therapy dogs on memory recollection and reminiscence among veterans; positive health impacts on veteran wellbeing as understood through the significance of the therapy dog team encounter; and, perceived meaningful support from the therapy dog handlers and love and support from the therapy dogs. The analysis is contextualized within the growing literature on AAIs and contributes important insights to adequately meeting the needs of older adult war veterans, and potentially for the increasing population of recent war veterans. Additionally, key policy, practice, and research recommendations are proposed, including further investigation of therapy dog visits.
A case study of the patient wait experience in an emergency department with therapy dogs
(Patient Experience Journal, 2019) Dell, Colleen; Stempien, James; Broberg, Lindsey; Husband, Alicia; Jurke, Lacey
The quality of patient healthcare is a growing concern in Canada’s hospital emergency departments (ED) due to increasing wait times and associated adverse outcomes. A developing body of literature indicates that therapy dogs can positively impact the patient experience. In 2016, members of our team partnered with the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatchewan to become the first ED in Canada to integrate a visiting therapy dog to positively impact the patient wait experience. The aim of this preliminary case study was to examine if and how this unique initiative impacted patients’ feelings during their ED wait. A brief questionnaire was completed with one-hundred and twenty-four patients pre and post-therapy dog visit and a research observer documented the encounters. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data revealed that visiting with a therapy dog in the ED appeared to improve patients’ feelings. Specifically, patients’ perceived comfort levels increased and their distress levels decreased, and the encounters were considered by patients to be a welcome distraction from the stressful ED environment. Our team, comprised of clinicians, researchers, therapy dog handlers and patient advocates documented the advantages and challenges of implementing the initiative. The outcomes support further study of patients’ wait time experiences in the ED and the utility of a visiting therapy dog.
Stuck in the Nest? A Review of the Literature on Coresidence in Canada and the United States
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-03-03) Mazurik, Kathrina; Knudson, Sarah; Tanaka, Yukiko
An historically high proportion of Canadian and American young adults are living with their parents. This trend has stimulated research and theorization of “coresidence,” yet recent reviews of the subject are lacking. In this paper, we examine literature on coresiding families spanning the last two decades, focusing discussion on their economic, cultural, gendered, familial, and psychological characteristics. We argue that theoretical understanding of this topic is expanding, that knowledge of this issue is improving in nuance, but that, despite these encouraging trends, researchers have neglected to examine the actual practices and consequences of coresidence. As a result, the field offers little guidance to parents, young adults, and family counselors. We recommend that researchers expand their methodological approaches, introducing more longitudinal and qualitative designs to capture the day-to-day practices of these families and the consequences of coresidence over time. In addition, we offer some guiding principles for practitioners working with young adults and their parents, based on our findings.
Seeking stability: A preliminary exploration of Canadian young adults’ financial goals
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-03-20) Mazurik, Kathrina; Knudson, Sarah
Young people’s financial lives have undergone change, with delays and struggles attaining stable employment, home ownership, and financial independence. Despite such change, research on the future thinking of young adults suggests the persistent significance of such financial milestones. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 36 young adults aged 18-32 in a mid-sized, prosperous Canadian city, inquiring into their goals and perceptions of their future financial lives in light of their current situations. Findings revealed young adults’ overarching desire for financial security, notably through goals of a steady job, debt reduction, and home ownership. These findings affirm that during this transitional time of life, many young adults are involved in a search for security, hoping to attain financial independence and stability in a conventionally linear and upward fashion. This search for security and stability manifests differently across sociodemographic positions (namely age, gender, birthplace, and socioeconomic status), reflecting differing experiences of precarity, cultural representations of the life course, and positions along financial trajectories. Participants’ visions of their financial futures also appear to connect to the factors in the local context, including its relative prosperity, persistence of traditional gender roles, and a relatively modest cost of living compared to other urban centres in Canada.
Benefits and challenges of having a service dog among veterans in recovery from substance use harms
(Anthrozoös, 2022-05) Dell, Colleen; Kosteniuk, Brynn; Bentley, Erin
Service dogs (SDs) are gaining attention for their benefits on the mental health of military veterans, especially related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about veterans’ experiences with SDs in relation to recovery from substance use harms. In fact, the role of animals in human recovery from substance use harms is nearly unexplored. To address this gap, we examined if and how SDs support veterans in recovery, including any potential challenges they may face. We adopted a descriptive qualitative, patient-oriented design and conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with Canadian veterans living with PTSD, who had a SD, and who identified as in or seeking recovery. We applied the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) four dimensions supporting a life in recovery to our analysis (community, home, health, purpose) and explored how these dimensions pertain to the veteran-SD relationship. We found that all veterans perceived their SDs as an important support, impacting all four of SAMHSA’s dimensions of recovery through a sense of connection. Veterans described a mutual bond with their SDs, and that their SDs helped them build social capital with other humans in their community. Veterans also highlighted that their SDs helped them feel safer and more comfortable in public spaces, which encouraged them to get out of their homes more regularly. SDs enabled veterans to manage their substance use by promoting physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing, and by offering meaning in veterans’ lives. However, veterans also described challenges related to SD regulation and legislation, which hindered their ability to participate in meaningful daily activities and contributed to a sense of disconnection. Overall, veterans in our study described numerous ways in which their SDs supported a life in recovery from substance use harms. However, our findings suggest that improved public education and policy are necessary to legitimize SDs and ensure that the benefits of these animals are fully recognized.
The role of the human-canine bond in recovery from substance use disorder: A scoping review and narrative synthesis protocol
(Human-Animal Interactions, 2023-08) Dell, Colleen; Kosteniuk, Brynn; Doi, Carolyn; Chalmers, Darlene; Butt, Peter
Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) can be conceptualized as a personal journey that includes connection with self and others, as well as animals – known as the human-animal bond (HAB). Research shows that canines are the most common type of animal integrated into animal-assisted interventions to support people with SUD and that there is growing acknowledgement of companion animals in the lives of people with SUD. Yet, to our knowledge, there has been no review of the evidence related to the role of canines specific to SUD and recovery. To address this gap, the objective of this scoping review is to examine the literature on the role of the human-canine bond with respect to recovery from SUD among adolescents and adults, including how the bond may help or hinder recovery. The review will consider papers that describe the human-canine bond with respect to SUD recovery in any recovery- or therapy-related setting globally. Several databases will be searched for published and unpublished literature in the English language from database inception to present. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews will be used, and two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, and extract information from the included articles using a piloted data extraction sheet. The reference lists of included articles will be examined for any additional sources. A thematic approach will be used to examine the extracted data, and the findings will be presented using a tabular analysis and a narrative summary.
Insights into Canadians’ Perceptions of Service Dogs in Public Spaces
(Animals, 2023-10) Gibson, Maryellen; Williamson, Linzi; Dell, Colleen
Service Dogs (SDs) are an increasingly common type of working dog supporting people with disabilities in Canada. One of the groups being paired with SDs is Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs). In past research, Veterans have expressed stress over negative interactions with people in public spaces because an SD brings attention to their disability. There is a dearth of research exploring perceptions of SDs in public settings. Methods: A total of 485 Canadians were surveyed via an online questionnaire about their demographic information and beliefs about SDs in public spaces. Data were analyzed using robust ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to determine which demographic features, if any, contribute to perceptions. Results: Generally, the Canadian public holds highly positive perceptions of SDs being in public spaces. Our analysis found that women, people who currently have pets, and Indigenous people were more supportive of SDs in public spaces than others. People with certain cultural heritages were less receptive. Conclusion: These findings are an important beginning contribution to the growing SD and Veteran health field.
The effect of service dogs on veterans’ romantic partners and relationships: A preliminary mixed-methods study
(Human-Animal Interactions, 2024-10) Williamson, Linzi; Rath, G; Arisman, K; Moss, J; Dell, Colleen
Romantic partners are often key supports for veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, aPTSD diagnosis among veterans is often associated with lower relationship satisfaction and quality. To help reduce their PTSD symptomology, some veterans are more regularly relying on the help of service dogs (SDs). Relatively little is known about howSDs affect romantic relationships and veterans’ romantic partners. The current mixed-methods preliminary study explored the psycho-social effects of SDs on veterans’ romantic relationships and their partners from the romantic partners’ perspective.Romantic partners of veterans (N = 27) completed the Partnership Questionnaire and seven partners completed interviews. Scale results indicated overall low relationship quality, with relatively lower scores for couples’ tenderness/intimacy and togetherness/communication, and higher scores for their quarreling. Interview results indicated there were perceived relationship problems due to the veterans’ PTSD, but there were some relationship improvements since the SD had been supporting the veteran, including decreased quarrelling and increased tenderness/intimacy and togetherness/communication. Romantic partners reported experiencing less resentment and stress, and increased relaxation, calmness, patience, happiness, and hope for the future because of the SDs. This study suggests that SDs can influence other aspects of veterans’ lives beyond their disability, such as helping veterans reconnect with their romantic partners.

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