Sanghee Chun, PhD

Associate Professor, Recreation & Leisure Studies

Sanghee Chun

Office: STH 334
905 688 5550 x5225
schun@brocku.ca

Dr. Sanghee Chun, CTRS, PhD, has worked in the field of Therapeutic Recreation primarily in the area of Physical and Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Sanghee’s research has focused on posttraumatic growth and happiness of individuals with spinal cord injury. She possesses a keen interest of the role of ParaSport, meaningful leisure and volunteering in the daily lives of people with chronic illness and physical disabilities. Her accumulated studies highlight the importance of meaningful family and social relationships, meaningful engagement in activities, and appreciation for life. Dr. Chun is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Research Interests

  • Meaningful Leisure
  • Posttraumatic Growth
  • Gratitude
  • Happiness
  • Physical Rehabilitation

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Canadian Association of Leisure Studies (CALS)
  • National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
  • American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
  • Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)

Publications

Chun, S., Lee, S., Heo, J., Ryu, J. & Lee, K. (2024). Leisure activity, leisure satisfaction, and hedonic and eudaimonic well-being among older adults with cancer experience. Psychological Reports. 127(2), 489-512.

Chun, S., Heo, J., & Lee, Y. (2023). Savoring the ordinary moments in the midst of trauma: Benefits of casual leisure on adjustment following traumatic spinal cord injury. Leisure Studies, 42(2), 253-267.

 Chun, S., Heo, J., & Ryu, J. (2023). Leisure participation, physical health, and mental health in older adults. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 47(2), 195-213.

Lee, S., Heo, J., Chun, S., & Kim, J. (2023). Benefits of volunteering on resilience with aging: A case study. Annals of Leisure Research. 1-12.

Lee, K. H., Lee, S., Ryu, J., Chun, S., & Heo, J. (2023). Geographically varying associations between mentally unhealthy days and social vulnerability in the USA. Public Health (London), 222, 13–20.

Chun, S., & Lee, Y. (2022). “Racing Made Me Feel Strong and More Positive”: Experiencing personal meaning in life through leisure engagement following traumatic spinal cord injury. Leisure Sciences, 44(8), 1128-1145.

Lee, S., Heo, J., Chun, S., & Lee, J. (2020). Voluntary dance performance as serious leisure and successful ageing. Leisure Studies, 39(4), 585-599.

Kim, J., Chun, S., Kim, H., Han, A., & Hodges, J. (2018). Contribution of leisure participation to personal growth among individuals with physical disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 52(3), 201-214.

Kim, J., Lee, S., Chun, S., Han, A., & Heo, J. (2017). The effects of Leisure-Time Physical Activity for Optimism, Life Satisfaction, Psychological Wellbeing and Positive Affect among Older Adults with Loneliness. Annals of Leisure Research. 20(4), 406-415.

Heo, J., Chun, S., Kim, B., Ryu, J., & Lee, Y. (2017). Leisure activities, optimism, and personal growth among the young-old, old-old, and oldest-old. Educational Gerontology, 43(6), 289-299.

Chun, S., Heo, J., Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2016). Leisure-related predictors on a sense of purpose in life among older adults with cancer. Activity, Adaptation, and Aging, 40(3),

Heo, J., Chun, S., Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2016). Life satisfaction and psychological well-being of older adults with cancer experience: The role of optimism and volunteering. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 83(3), 274-289.

Kim, J., Chun, S., Heo, J., Lee, S., & Han, A. (2016). Contribution of leisure-time physical activity on psychological benefits among elderly immigrants. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 11(2), 461-470. doi:10.1007/s11482-014-9374-7.

Heo, J., Chun, S., Lee, S., Lee, K., & Kim, J. (2015). Internet use and well-being in older adults. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 18(5), 268-272.

Chun, S., & Lee, Y. (2013). “I am just thankful”: The experience of gratitude following traumatic spinal cord injury. Disability & Rehabilitation, 35(1), 11-19.

Chun, S., & Lee, Y. (2013). The experience of growth with visual impairment. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, 21, 32-44.

Teaching

  • Social Psychology of Leisure
  •  Leisure Education in Therapeutic Recreation
  •  Psychosocial Coping and Adaptation
  • Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning
  • Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation
  • Therapeutic Recreation and Physical Rehabilitation