Media releases

• Brock researcher says kindness is key through winter months

  Monday, January 15, 2024 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: January 15 2024 – R0004

  A Brock University researcher studying the effects of kindness on mental health and well-being is encouraging people to practice kindness, especially during the winter months.

  Sandra Bosacki, Professor in the Faculty of Education and Director of Brock’s Theory of Mind in Education (ToME) Lab, said acts of kindness can go a long way to help people — including those carrying out the kind acts — fend off the winter blues.

  Bosacki said that small, kind gestures, such as helping with a task, opening a door for others, or the act of smiling or talking with someone can have a significant impact on one’s well-being and mental state.

  “The effects of kindness, with many people struggling with a low mood or feeling sad, can be transformative for people of all ages, including youth,” she said.

  Through the Mentalization, Kindness and Well-being Teen Study — research led by Bosacki exploring how kindness plays a role in the links between young people’s mentalization skills — Bosacki and her team aim to contribute to the growing global awareness about the importance of kindness on mental health.

  “We also hope that our research inspires others to take part in ‘Random Acts of Kindness Day’ on Feb. 17, which concludes ‘Kindness Week’ beginning Feb. 11,” Bosacki said.

  Since the research study on kindness began this past summer, Bosacki said the team is grateful to have received a positive response with preliminary findings suggesting that teenagers share diverse and complex ideas about what kindness means and how to foster kindness in oneself and others.

  The research outcomes of the study will also shed light on what type of social skills help teenagers negotiate their relationships and life challenges in their day-to-day lives, such as academic and social pressures.

  “As young people leave the world of childhood and enter the unfamiliar landscape of being a teen, one of their main tasks is to prepare for their life journey as an adult,” Bosacki said. “Similar to an emergency survival kit for camping or travelling, teens need to learn how to make a life survival mental tool kit.”

  Adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 years old are invited to participate in the ongoing study. Each participant is required to have a personal email address and informed consent provided by one parent.

  Participants will complete an online survey, which takes place using Qualtrics and over Microsoft Teams with a researcher to help guide them through the process, which usually takes about 60 minutes and involves watching short video clips and filling out questionnaires.

  After the session is completed, participants’ parents will be sent a digital gift card, and will have the opportunity to participate in a follow-up study next year.

  Anyone interested in taking part can contact the Theory of Mind in Education lab by email at tomelab@brocku.ca

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University dhunt2@brocku.ca or 905-941-6209

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock Pow Wow aims to bring community together

  Friday, January 12, 2024 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: January 12 2024 – R0003

  Singing, dancing, drumming and a chance to gather will be at the heart of a Pow Wow set to welcome hundreds of people to Brock University’s main campus next week.

  Hosted by Brock’s Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, along with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the free public gathering, which is open to everyone, will take place Friday, Jan. 19 from noon to 6 p.m. in the University’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium.

  Pow Wows are an Indigenous celebration where people of all nations gather to socialize, sing and dance together. Beginning with a grand entry that welcomes Elders, veterans, dignitaries and dancers in traditional regalia, Pow Wows also include songs to pray and honour ancestors, communities and veterans in attendance.

  After the grand entry at noon, Brock’s event will feature the presentation of an Eagle Staff — a sacred symbol that represents traditional Indigenous culture — as well as traditional dances and songs led by the Master of Ceremonies, who will guide everyone through the event while clearly communicating how to respectfully participate and when it is appropriate to take photos.

  Volunteers, wearing bright pink shirts, will be on site to answer any questions.

  Guests are reminded to not touch the drums, regalia and feathers that dancers and some participants may be wearing. Certain dances will be exclusive to specific songs, and the Master of Ceremonies will make clear when everyone is invited to participate in dances and other activities.

  Hadiya’dagénhahs Event Co-ordinator Willow Shawanoo-Kechego said the Pow Wow is a community-driven way to connect with and discover Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing.

  “To stand with us, and put action into participating, shows people that our culture and identity matter,” she says. “Pow Wow is a welcoming space, and we hope all participants will learn and dance with us.”

  Among those who will be taking part is Head Dancer Kendra Jessie Rosychuk (BSM ’21), a Brock alumna, social media content creator, fitness instructor and wellness advocate, who will be taking part in her Fancy Shawl Dance style.

  Shawanoo-Kechego says having Rosychuk, who has more than 100,000 followers on her Kendra Jessie social media channels, involved in the event will be inspirational for students, community members and alumni.

  “Kendra has given Indigenous people representation in spaces that we previously weren’t involved in,” she said, referencing Rosychuk’s work with organizations including Nike, the Toronto Raptors and Tim Hortons. “My daughter and everyone in attendance can see themselves and dream of new possibilities thanks to Kendra’s groundbreaking work.”

  Next Friday’s event will also include a vendor fair of Indigenous entrepreneurs and a Social hosted by Niagara College, also in Brock’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium, from 7 to 9 p.m.

  With participants from as far as Oklahoma, South Dakota and Nunavut among the hundreds of people expected to pack the gym for the event, Shawanoo-Kechego emphasized that everyone is welcome to attend.

  “It’s like bringing someone into my home away from home,” she says. “So much of this day has been made possible through the efforts of our Indigenous students, alumni and allies from around the University, and our Pow Wow will be an incredible opportunity to gather together with them while meeting and sharing with new friends.”

  For more information about the Pow Wow, contact hadiyadagenhahsfnmisc@gmail.com or visit the Hadiya’dagénhahs’ Facebook and Instagram pages.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University dhunt2@brocku.ca or 905-941-6209

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  Categories: Media releases