Pei-Chun Hsieh, PhD

Associate Professor, Recreation and Leisure Studies

Office: STH 336
905 688 5550 x6302
phsieh@brocku.ca

Dr. Pei-Chun Hsieh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), her research focuses on understanding the role of leisure in supporting older adults in aging well in the community. She has been involved in grant projects which train older individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in managing their aging-related needs in order to continue living independently in the community. Dr. Hsieh is accepting graduate students who are interested in the field of therapeutic recreation and in studying topics related to healthy aging in community-dwelling older adults.

Research Interests

  • Means of promoting healthy aging in older adults
  • Enhance quality of life in family caregivers
  • Explore how leisure and recreation can promote community engagement and a sense of belonging in individuals with disabilities

Publications

Hsieh, P. C., 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.

Hopper, T., Hsieh, P. C., Nagata,, S. & Stumbo, N. (2019). Special issue: Global and cultural perspectives on therapeutic recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 53(3), 4-6.

O’Sullivan, P., & Hsieh, P. C. (2017). Utilizing photovoice as a participatory research tool in recreation therapy. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 51(4), 291-296.

McCrane, K. M., & Hsieh, P. C. (2017). Effect of yoga on QOL in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 51(1), 81-85.

Smith, K., & Hsieh, P. C. (2017). Sports participation and re-integration of persons with spinal cord injury. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 51(1), 75-80.

Snead, B., Hsieh, P. C., & Snethen, G. (2016). Sexual identity and discrimination: Creating a welcoming environment for sexual minority consumers. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(2), 172-175.

Pakstis, D., & Hsieh, P. C. (2015). How family leisure influences family functionality in single-parent families. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(4), 331-335

Watts, C., & Hsieh, P. C. (2015). The use of horticulture-based programs to promote engagement for older adults with dementia. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(3), 257-260.

Lyons, B., Nelson, R. & Hsieh, P. C. (2013). Physiological effects of a technology-based music making program in skilled nursing residents.  American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 12(3), 25-33.

Townsend, J.A., Hsieh, P. C., Van Puymbroeck, M., Johnston, J.D., Gassman, R.A., Agley, J., Middlestadt, S.E., & YoussefAgha, A.H. (2013). Sense of coherence, perceived stress and health-related quality of life in college students. Illuminare, 11(1), 69-74.

Hsieh, P. C. & Van Puymbroeck, M. (2013). Leisure as a means of coping: The experience of Taiwanese parents of adult children with disabilities. Recreation and Society in Africa, Asia & Latin America, 4(1). https://journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/rasaala/article/view/271

Teaching

  • RECL 2P02: Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation
  • RECL 2P07 (BLD): Introduction to Research Design & Evaluation
  • RECL 2P52: Therapeutic Recreation and Persons with Disabilities
  • RECL 3P32: Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning
  • RECL 3P12: Leisure and Aging

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Canadian Association of Leisure Studies (CALS)
  • Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)
  • American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
  • Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)
  • Recreational Therapy Foundation

Research Grants

  • 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. (2020). Sensory Boxes and Leisure Activities for Older Adults. Brock University Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant – Experiential Education Stream