Shannon Hebblethwaite

You don't want to hurt his feelings...: family leisure as a context for intergenerational ambivalence.

Abstract Family leisure has been found to be both consensual and conflictual. Research on family leisure has focused mainly on heterosexual married couples with young children and has excluded the voices of older adults. Framed by the model of intergenerational ambivalence (Luscher & Pillemer, 1998), this interpretive study developed an understanding of the role of intergenerational ambivalence in the experience of intergenerational family leisure for grandparents and their adult grandchildren. Fourteen dyads of grandparents and adult grandchildren were interviewed individually and were asked to describe their experience of intergenerational family leisure. Using grounded theory methods, the interviews provided valuable insight into the role that intergenerational ambivalence plays in the experience of family leisure. We suggest that the intergenerational ambivalence model is a useful framework for the study of intergenerational family leisure.

“Grannie's got to go fishing”: meanings and experiences of family leisure for three-generation families in rural and urban settings

The purpose of this interpretive study was to explore how the sociospatial context in Canada (rural vs. urban) shaped the perspectives, meanings and experiences of family leisure for three-generation families (grandparents, parents and adult grandchildren). Sixteen family triads were interviewed about their experience of family leisure. Specifically, rural and urban families were compared to understand similarities and differences in their experiences. Family leisure, although not without its challenges, was found to play a central role in the development of close family bonds. Findings are examined within the context of Bronfenbrenners ecological theory, Shaw and Dawsons theory of purposive leisure and Ryes conceptualization of the rural idyll and suggest that both rural and urban families value the rural context in the development of family cohesion and the intergenerational transmission of values.

Understanding ambivalence in family leisure among three-generation families: ‘It's all part of the package’

Although family leisure plays a central role in the development of close family bonds, it is not without its challenges and has been found to be both consensual and conflictual. Furthermore, family leisure researchers have neglected the voices of older adults. Building on Shaws [1997. “Controversies and Contradictions in Family Leisure: An Analysis of Conflicting Paradigms.” Journal of Leisure Research 29 (1): 98–112] call for a contradictory theory of family leisure and framed by the model of intergenerational ambivalence [Luscher, K., and Pillemer, K. 1998. “Intergenerational Ambivalence: A New Approach to the Study of Parent-child Relations in Later Life.” Journal of Marriage and Family 60 (2): 413–425], the purpose of this interpretive study is to address these two significant gaps in the literature and explore how intergenerational ambivalence is experienced in family leisure in three-generation families (grandparents, parents, and adult grandchildren). Sixteen family triads were interviewed and reflected on both the benefits and challenges of family leisure. The findings provide valuable insights into the ambivalence that is experienced in family leisure across generations. The purposive nature and the generative effect of family leisure, along with the norm of non-interference help families to cope with the feelings of ambivalence that are commonly experienced in their relationships.

Negotiating the Complexities and Risks of Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research

This article interrogates the experiences of an interdisciplinary research team that engaged in a qualitative research program for over 5 years, beginning with the grant writing process through to knowledge dissemination. We highlight the challenges of constructing shared understanding and developing research synergies, embracing vulnerability and discomfort to advance knowledge, and negotiating risks of legitimacy and transcending disciplinary boundaries. Based on critical reflections from the research team, the findings call attention to the politics of knowledge production, the internal and external obstacles, and the open mindedness and emotional sensitivity necessary for interdisciplinary qualitative research. Emphasis is placed on relational and structural processes and mechanisms to negotiate these challenges and the potential for interdisciplinary research to enhance the significance of scholarly work.

Commentary: the professionalization of therapeutic recreation in Quebec, Canada

The professionalization of therapeutic recreation (TR) is an important issue in both the USA and Canada. This paper will focuses on key issues identified in one Canadian province (Quebec) that raise concerns for the international application of TR certification standards as mandated by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). These issues include: national and provincial variations in Canada; Anglophone and Francophone variations in Quebec; professional unity; bilingualism; and Quebecs distinct educational system.

Exploring Community Inclusion in Older Adulthood through the use of Computers and Tablets

The population is aging, and by 2050, there will be more individuals over the age of 60 than any other age group. Older adults are the least likely to engage with computers and tablets, and are the smallest demographic using digital social networks. Within this context, some older adults experience physical, financial or social constraints, more so than other age groups. Consequently, this research study explored new opportunities for community engagement using computers and tablets. Fifteen interviews were conducted among three populations: older adults experiencing social isolation, therapeutic recreation practitioners and volunteer coordinators. The findings suggest that although there are programs and resources available to help older adults engage with their community, such as online communities and virtual lectures, the biggest barrier for older adults is the lack of knowledge they have with using such devices. Therefore, therapeutic recreation practitioners and volunteer coordinators are encouraged to facilitate more digital literacy programs. Subscribe to TRJ

The (In)Visibility of Grandparents in Family Leisure Research: A Call for Expanded Conceptualizations of “Family”

ABSTRACT The continued focus on the individual as a unit of analysis, along with the privileging of the nuclear family over the past two decades of family leisure scholarship, has rendered grandparents virtually invisible in family leisure scholarship. In this commentary, I examine the position of grandparents in leisure research and suggest that the implicit acceptance of the status quo has been detrimental to the state of family leisure research. Drawing on literature from both leisure studies and family relations, I assert a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of diverse family forms is vital to the progression of family leisure scholarship.