Pei-Chun Hsieh, PhD

Associate Professor, PhD, CTRS

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 to manage their aging-related needs to continue living independently in the community.

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

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.

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

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

  • Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation
  • Introduction to Research Design & Evaluation
  • Therapeutic Recreation and Persons with Disabilities
  • Leisure and Aging
  • Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning
  • Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation

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

Graduate Student Opportunities

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.