Pei-Chun Hsieh, PhD

Associate Professor, PhD, CTRS

Office: STH 336
905 688 5550 x6302
[email protected]

Dr. Pei-Chun Hsieh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University. Her research program explores the role of leisure in promoting well-being and quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions, with a particular emphasis on aging well in community settings. She is especially interested in how leisure contributes to flourishing and supports individuals at various life stages.

As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Dr. Hsieh integrates both academic and professional perspectives in her work. She is committed to advancing evidence-based practice in therapeutic recreation and currently serves as Member-at-Large for the Research Awards Committee of the Recreational Therapy Foundation, supporting initiatives that strengthen research in the field.

Research Interests

  • Leisure and healthy aging in community-dwelling older adults
  • Quality of life among family caregivers
  • Community engagement and belonging through leisure for individuals with disabilities

Publications

Hsieh, P., & Lin, L.-J. (2025). Dyadic recreation interventions for older adults with dementia and their family caregivers: Two case reports. ATRA Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, 31.

Anderson, L., Linda, H., & Hsieh, P. (2024). Testing the validity of the Flourishing through Leisure Model: Relationship of leisure to well-being. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 58(2), 155-173.

Chang, L.-C., Dattilo, J., Hsieh, P., & Huang, F.-H. (2023). Gratitude mediates the relationship between leisure social support and loneliness among first-year university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Journal of Leisure Research, 54, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2023.2215774

Chang, L. C., Hsieh, P., & Huang, F. H. (2023). Do walking and social support always relate to autonomic nervous system function in later life? Reexamining an age-based moderating model. Geriatric Nursing, 51, 346–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.03.029

Kuhr, A., Hsieh, P., & McClure, M. (2023). The lived experience of young adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative content analysis study. Journal of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario, 17, 30-47.

Chang, L., Dattilo, J., Hsieh, P., Huang, F. (2021). Age moderates the relationship between flow and loneliness among nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Geriatric Nursing, 42(6), 1454-1460.

Hsieh, P., Cunnington, A., & Bolibruck, T. (2021). Service learning in times of crisis: The case of making connections during the pandemic. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, DOI: 10.1080/1937156X.2021.1962223.

Hsieh, P., Tivadar, C., Hoetmer, S., Yunick, A., & Pyne, L. (2020). The effects of a community-based aquatic exercise program on physical function in adults with chronic conditions. Journal of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario, 14, 96-107.

Teaching

  • RECL 2P02: Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation
  • RECL 2P07 (BLD): Introduction to Research Design & Evaluation
  • RECL 2P52 (ASYNC): Therapeutic Recreation and Persons with Disabilities
  • RECL 3P32: Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning
  • RECL 3P12 (ASYNC): Leisure and Aging
  • RECL 3P62 (BLD): Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation
  • AHSC 5P32: Leisure, Health, and Well-Being

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

Affiliations

  • Member, Canadian Association for Leisure Studies
  • Member, Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association
  • Member, American Therapeutic Recreation Association

Certification

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Research Grants

  • Hsieh, P. C. (2025–2028). Fostering inclusion: How experiential learning influences students’ attitudes toward disability. Chancellor’s Chair for Teaching Excellence, Brock University.
  • Hsieh, P. C. (2021). Older people’s perception of leisure and well-being during COVID-19: A photovoice study. Brock SSHRC Institutional Grant (BSIG).
  • Hsieh, P. C. (2021). The Role of Online Support Groups for Individuals with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study. Match of Minds, Brock University.
  • Hsieh, P. C. (2020). Sensory boxes and leisure activities for older adults. Brock University Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant – Experiential Education Stream.

Graduate Student Opportunities

Available to supervise students interested in graduate research in the field of therapeutic recreation, with a focus on how leisure supports flourishing across the life course. Please reach out to arrange an introductory meeting.

Undergraduate Student Opportunities

  • RECL 3P00 (Directed Readings): topic to be chosen in consultation with faculty member
  • RECL 4P00 (Advanced Topics in Recreation and Leisure): directed study in a concentrated area
  • RECL 4F27 (Honours Research Project): research project carried out under the direction of a faculty member