Sanghee Chun, PhD

Associate Professor, Recreation & Leisure Studies

Sanghee Chun

Office: STH 334
905 688 5550 x5225
[email protected]

My research is grounded in positive psychology and explores posttraumatic growth, meaning in life, gratitude, and happiness. It focuses on how leisure, especially parasport, serious leisure, and volunteering, contributes to resilience, well-being, and the lived experiences of adults and older adults living with chronic illnesses and physical disabilities. My work emphasizes the importance of meaningful family and social relationships, active engagement in leisure activities, and an appreciation for life. I have been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for over 20 years.

Research Interests

  • Casual and Serious Leisure
  • Meaning in Life
  • Gratitude
  • Posttraumatic Growth
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Positive Aging

Professional Affiliations, Accreditations and Certificates

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

Scholarly Publications

Selected Papers

Cook, T. V., & Chun, S. (2025). Beyond coping: leisure as a pathway to posttraumatic growth among individuals living with cancer. Leisure/Loisir, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2025.2578499

Laughlin, E., & Chun, S. (2025). Leisure as a coping resource for parent caregivers of children living with autism. Leisure/Loisir. 49 (4), 894-921. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2025.2489348

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. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941221123236

Chun, S., Heo, J., & Ryu, J. (2023). Leisure participation, physical health, and mental health in older adults. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 47(2), 195-213. https://doi.org/10.1080/01924788.2022.2116532

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. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2022.2097299

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. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2023.2254866

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. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2020.1713937

Teaching and Service

  • RECL 2P11 – Leisure Experiences and Behaviour
  • RECL 2P62 – Leisure Education in Therapeutic Recreation
  • RECL 3P62 – Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation
  • RECL 3Q99 – Therapeutic Recreation and Physical Rehabilitation
  • RECL 4F01 – Internship Project
  • RECL 4F02 – Internship in Therapeutic Recreation
  • RECL 4F27 – Honours Research Project

Undergraduate Student Opportunities

I am available to supervise undergraduate students in RECL4P07 (Research Experience) and RECL 4F27 (Honours Research Project). Please reach out via email to discuss these opportunities further.

Graduate Student Opportunities

I am currently accepting graduate students. Please reach out via email to discuss further.