Charlene Shannon-McCallum

Research interests

• Family leisure; parental influence on children’s leisure
• Leisure education
• Relationship between illness and leisure
• Youth at risk
• Gender and leisure/sport

Biography

Charlene Shannon-McCallum is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at UNB. Charlene's educational background includes two undergraduate degrees from Acadia University – a Bachelor of Business Administration (1993) and a Bachelor of Recreation Management (1996). She completed her graduate work at the University of Waterloo. She has both a Master of Arts (1998) and a Ph.D. (2002) in Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Charlene's research interests are eclectic. Some of her research revolves around family leisure and influences of family on leisure. Other studies and collaborations have focused on youth. She also has an interest in the relationship between leisure/recreation and health/illness. Her Master's research involved investigating the role and meaning of leisure in the lives of women with breast cancer and she continues to be interested in the relationships that exist between illness and leisure. Her Ph.D. work examined the influence of mothers on daughters' work, family, and leisure choices. Since arriving at the UNB, Charlene has explored adolescents’ perceptions of how parents and peers influence their leisure as well as the volunteer experiences of youth between the ages of 8 and 12.

Currently, her most significant research and service involvement is with the Paediatric Lifestyle Management Program as the leisure educator. Working with her graduate students, she is involved in delivering leisure education to families who have a child who is overweight. She is also conducting research on youth victimization in recreation and sport settings attempting to understand the best practices in helping youth safe feel while engaged in recreation and sport contexts.

Current research projects

2008 (ongoing)

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council ($71,000): Understanding Parents’ Experiences in Facilitating Physically Active Leisure for their Children who are Overweight or obese
• Harrison McCain Young Scholar Award ($20,000) Victimization in Recreation and Sport Settings: Exploring Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Publications

Shannon, C. S., Oncescu, J., & Hutchinson, S. (in press). The potential of leisure education to address the ‘wicked problems’ prioritized in A Framework for Recreation in Canada. Leisure/Loisir.

Shannon, C. S. (2016). Exploring factors influencing girls’ continued participation in competitive dance. Journal of Leisure Research, 48(4), 285-307.

Shannon, C. S. (2015). ‘I was trapped at home’: Men's experiences with leisure while giving care to partners during a breast cancer experience. Leisure Sciences, 37(2), 125-141.

Tirone, S., Gallant, K., Sullivan, A.M., Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2015). Community support for the leisure and the wellbeing of immigrant families in small Atlantic Canadian communities. In E. Tastsoglou, A. Dobrowsolsky, & B. Cottrell (Eds.) The warmth of the welcome (pp. 163-180). Cape Breton University Press.

Shannon, C. S. (2014). Exploring the leisure experiences of children who are overweight and obese: Parent and child perspectives. Leisure/Loisir, 38(2), 139-163.

Shannon, C.S. (2014). Facilitating physically active leisure for children who are overweight: Mothers' experiences. Journal of Leisure Research, 46(4), 395-418.

Shannon-McCallum, C.S. (2013). Educating for leisure: Expanding understanding of leisure as an avenue to health and wellness. Antistasis, 3(2), 1-4.

Shannon, C.S. (2013). "Mom, there are certain activities fat girls shouldn't do": Considering the leisure experiences of overweight girls and the role of parents. In V.J. Freysinger, S.M. Shaw, K.A. Henderson, and M.D. Bialeschki (eds.). Leisure, women, gender (pp. 137-149). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

Shannon, C.S. (2013). Bullying in recreation and sport settings: Exploring risk factors, prevention efforts, and intervention strategies. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 31(1), 15-33.

Werner, T.L., & Shannon, C.S. (2013). Doing more with less: Women's leisure during their partners' military deployment. Leisure Sciences, 35(1), 63-80.

Shannon, C.S. (2012). Leisure education within the context of a childhood obesity intervention programme: Parents' experiences. World Leisure Journal, 54(1), 16-25.

Shannon, C.S., Robertson, B.J., Morrison, K.S., & Werner, T.L. (2009). Understanding constraints and the negotiation process of younger youth volunteers. Journal of Parks and Recreation Administration, 27(3), 17-27.

Shannon, C.S. (2009). An untapped resource: Volunteers aged 8 to 12. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 38(5), 828-845.

Robertson, B.J., & Shannon, C.S. (2009). Exploring students’ experiences learning leisure education through an inter-university virtual learning environment. Schole: Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 24, 93-113.

Shannon, C.S., & Werner, T.L. (2008). The opening of a municipal skate park: Influences on the skateboarding experiences of youth. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 26(3), 39-58.

Shannon, C.S., & Shaw, S.M. (2008). Mothers and daughters: Teaching and learning about leisure. Leisure Sciences, 30, 1-16.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2007). Engaging youth ages 8 to 12 as volunteers: An opportunity for youth development? Journal of Youth Development – Bridging Research and Practice, 2(2), Article 0702FA009.

Shannon, C.S., & Morrison, K.S. (2007). Leisure education within a paediatric weight management program. Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Research Annual, 5, 1-8.

Shannon, C.S. (2007). Leisure’s many roles. In R. E. McCarville & K.J. MacKay (Eds.). Leisure for Canadians (pp.25-32). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2006). Facilitating experiences for younger youth volunteers ages 8 to 12: A manual for leaders in youth organizations. Toronto: Knowledge Development Centre/Imagine Canada.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2006). Youth volunteers – Understanding the experiences of 8 to 12 Year olds: A research report. Toronto: Knowledge Development Centre/Imagine Canada.

Shannon, C.S. (2006). Parents’ Messages about the Role of Extracurricular and Unstructured Leisure Activities: Adolescents’ Perceptions. Journal of Leisure Research, 38, 398-420.

Shannon, C.S. (2005). “Oh, I get it now”: Autobiographical writing as fostering the understanding of gender and leisure interactions. Schole: Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 20, 29-42.

Shannon, C.S., & Bourque, D. (2005). Overlooked and underutilized: The critical role of leisure interventions in facilitating social support throughout breast cancer treatment and recovery. Social Work in Health Care, 42(1), 73-92.

Shannon, C.S. (2005). Breast cancer treatment: The effect on and therapeutic role of leisure.” American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 4(3), 25-31.

Shannon, C.S. & Shaw, S.M. (2005). "If the dishes don't get done today, they'll get done tomorrow:" Changes to a women's leisure following a breast cancer experience. Journal of Leisure Research, 37(2), 195-215.

Shannon, C.S. (2003). Mothers and daughters" Similarities and differences in work, family, and leisure roles. World Journal, 45 (4), 37-43.

Hoffman-Goetz, L., Shannon, C.S., & Clarke, J. (2003). Coverage of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and AIDS in Aboriginal newspapers across Canada. Journal of Health Communication, 8, 475-488.

Shannon, C.S. (1997). Coping with the negative social psychological impacts of a cancer experience: Leisure as a context for social support. Journal of Applied Recreation Research, 22(4), 317-338.

Shannon, C.S. (1997). The impact of a cancer experience on women’s leisure: An examination of body image and ethic of care as constraints to leisure. Journal of Leisurability, 24(2), 12-21.

Shannon, C.S. (1997). Managing menopause through recreation. Parks and Recreation Canada, 57(1), 12-17

Conference presentations / Published abstracts

Shannon-McCallum, C. S. (2015, November). Invited presentation. “Working with sexual minority athletes: Creating welcoming environments for all.” Presented at the 2015 New Brunswick Sport Summit, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon-McCallum, C. S. (2015, October). Invited keynote. “Developing leisure literacy - Building capacity for recreation participation”. Presented at the 2015 Annual Recreation New Brunswick Conference, St. Andrews, NB.

Shannon-McCallum, C. S. (2014, October). Invited presentation. “Physical literacy for at-risk youth.” Presented at the New Brunswick Physical Literacy Summit, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon-McCallum, C.S. (2014, May). Exploring adolescent girls’ reasons for continued participation in competitive dance. Book of Abstracts of the 14th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (pp. 271-274). Halifax, NS.

Oncescu, J., & Shannon-McCallum, C. S. (2014, May). Framing community-based leisure education: A social ecological exploration of leisure education. Book of Abstracts of the 14th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (pp. 426-430). Halifax, NS.

Henderson, K. A., Dionigi, R., Mowatt, R., Scraton, S., Schmalz, D., Shannon-McCallum, C., Sullivan, A. M., Tirone, S., & Trussell, D. (2014, May). Symposium - Feminist Leisure Studies in a Postfeminist Society. Book of Abstracts of the 14th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (pp. 415-418). Halifax, NS.

Hutchinson, S., Carbonneau, H., Shannon-McCallum, C. S., Oncescu, J., & Hebblethwaite, S. (2014, May). Symposium – Leisure education: Possibilities and challenges for our new leisure society. Book of Abstracts of the 14th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (pp. 422-426). Halifax, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2012, October). "Leisure education as a critical foundation: Getting children who are overweight active". Presented at the World Leisure Congress, Rimini, Italy.

Shannon, C.S. (2012, September). "Leisure education: Considering meanings, rationales, learners, and agents". Presentation as part of the World Leisure Commission on Leisure Education Panel Discussion. Presented at the World Leisure Congress, Rimini, Italy.

Spanner, K., & Shannon, C.S. (2012, May). "Leisure education outcomes of youth being treated for addictions.. Presented at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association's Annual Conference, Halifax, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2009, November). “An ounce of prevention: Creating safe sport environments.” Presented at the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, Ottawa, ON.

Shannon, C.S. (2009, November). “Understanding parents’ experiences in facilitating physically active leisure for their children who are overweight or obese: Final results.” Presented at the Sport Canada Research Initiative Conference, Ottawa, ON.

Shannon, C.S. (2009, October). “Factors influencing the leisure choices of children who are overweight.” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia Research Symposium, Oak Island, NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Wagner, S. (2009, October) “Preventing and managing youth victimization in recreation and sport settings: Successful approaches.” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia Annual Conference, Oak Island, NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Werner, T.L. (2009, September). “Working to eliminate bullying: What NB recreation and sport organizations are doing.” Presented at the Recreation New Brunswick Annual Conference, Fredericton, NB.

Morrison, K., Shannon, C.S., & Belcastro, A. (2009, September). “Paediatric lifestyle management program: 2008-2009 summary.” Poster presented at the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation Conference, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon, C.S. (2009, May). “Youth Victimization in Recreation and Sport Settings: Strategies for Creating Safe Spaces.” Presented at the Ontario Research Council on Leisure Conference, Ottawa, ON.

Shannon, C.S., Robertson, B.J. (2009, May). “Guided Autobiographical Writing: An Effective Strategy for Engaging Students in Learning”. Presented at Opportunities and New Directions Conference Teaching Conference, Waterloo, ON.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2009, May). “Positive youth development through leisure education: Tools that work.” Poster presented at the Helping Kids Thrive 2009: National Conference on Positive Youth Development, Waterloo, ON.

Shannon, C.S., & Morrison, K.S. (2009, May). “Beyond measuring screen time and physical activity levels: Understanding the leisure behaviour of children who are overweight.” Poster presented at the National Obesity Summit, Kananaskis, AB.

Robertson, B.J., & Shannon, C.S. (2009, January). Broadening student dialogue through the creation of inter-university virtual learning environments. Presented at the Society of Park and Recreation Educators Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Werner, T.L., & Shannon, C.S. (2008, November). Working mothers’ leisure experiences during their partners’ deployment. Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia and NS Department of Health Promotion and Protection Conference, Halifax, NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2008, October). “Building Bonds and Bridges: 8 to 12 year old Volunteers and the Opportunity to Generate Social Capital.” Presented at the World Leisure Congress, Quebec City, QC.

Shannon, C.S., Link, A., Sivan, A., & Robertson, B.J. (October, 2008). “Leisure education: Building communities for all.” Presented at the World Leisure Congress, Quebec City, QC.

Morrison, K.S., & Shannon, C.S. (2008, October) “Motivated to negotiate: Physically active women overcoming constraints” Presented at the World Leisure Congress, Quebec City, QC.

Shannon, C.S. (2008, May). “Constraining overweight children’s leisure: Understanding the role of parents.” Presented at the 12th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Montreal, QC.

Shannon, C.S., Robertson, B.J., Morrison, K.S., & Werner, T.L. (2008, May). “Discounted and discouraged: Exploring the constraints related to youth ages 8 to 12 engaging as volunteers.” Presented at the 12th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Montreal, QC.

Morrison, K.S., & Shannon, C.S. (May, 2008). “Incorporating personal leisure in busy lives: How working mothers do it.” Presented at the 12th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Montreal, QC.

Shannon, C.S. (2007, November). “Understanding parents’ experiences in facilitating physically active leisure for their children who are obese.” Presented at the Sport Canada Research Initiative Conference, Ottawa, ON.

Shannon, C.S. (2007, November). “Moving from intention to action: Engaging women in physical activity.” Presented at the NB Annual Sport, Fitness, and Leadership Summit, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2007, October). “Getting younger youth volunteering: A head start on the developmental assets?” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia and NS Department of Health Promotion and Protection Conference, Digby, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2007, May). “Joy and pain during overweight children’s leisure: Parents’ stories.” Presented at the Qualitative Analysis Conference, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon, C.S. (2007, May). “I wouldn’t be in this if it weren’t for her”: The role of teachers in adolescents’ participation in leisure activities.” Presented at the Canadian Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Annual Conference, Moncton, NB.

Shannon, C.S., & Morrison, K.S. (2006, May). “Leisure education: Making it a family matter.” Presented at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Conference, Halifax, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2006, October). “Facilitating volunteer experiences for youth ages 8 to 12: Leaders’ perspectives.” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia The Alliance for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Conference, Baddeck, NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2006, October). “Engaging youth ages 8 to 12 as volunteers.” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia The Alliance for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Conference, Baddeck, NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Morrison, K. (2006, September). “The Double Whammy: Tips for Engaging Youth Age 8 to 12 in Physically Active Volunteer Opportunities.” Presented at the Recreation New Brunswick Annual Conference, Saint John, NB.

Shannon, C.S., & Morrison, K. (2006, May). “Leisure education: Making it a family matter.” Presented at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Conference, Halifax, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2006, March). “Women’s involvement in sport: Exploring the influence of mothers.” Paper presented at the National Symposium on Women in Sport, Fredericton, NB.

Fitzherbert, T.L., & Shannon, C.S. (2006, March). “Tales of the lone female skateboarder: Interactions at a community skate park.” Paper presented at the National Symposium on Women in Sport, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon, C.S. (2005, October). “Providing leisure education to children and families struggling with overweight and obesity issues.” Presented at the Youth Development Through Recreation Services National Symposium, Edmonton, AB.

Shannon, C.S. (2005, October). “Leisure-related messages: Adolescent perceptions of messages from mothers and fathers.” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia and The Alliance for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Conference, Wolfville, NS.

Fitzherbert, T.L., & Shannon, C.S. (2005, October). “Effect of a skate park opening on community skateboarders.” Presented at the Recreation Nova Scotia and The Alliance for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Conference, Wolfville, NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Robertson, B.J. (2005). Leisure education throughout a breast cancer experience. Accepted for presentation at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association's 9th Annual Conference, Vancouver , BC.

Robertson, B.J., & Shannon, C.S. (2005). Leisure education: Approaches that enhance leisure functioning for all. Accepted for presentation at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association's 9th Annual Conference, Vancouver , BC.

Shannon, C.S. (2004, October). Fathers as leisure influencers: Daughters' perceptions. Book of Research Abstracts for Canada 's 2004 National Parks and Recreation Conference (p. 4-6), Presented in Halifax , NS.

Shannon, C.S., & Buyting, (2004, October). “I'd rather have A's than abs”: Female university students' constraints to participation in on-campus physical activity opportunities. Book of Research Abstracts for Canada 's 2004 National Parks and Recreation Conference (p. 49-50), Presented in Halifax, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2004, May). “Understanding gender and leisure interactions: Autobiographical writing as an educational tool.” Proceedings of the Narrative Matters 2004 Conference, Fredericton, NB.

Shannon, C.S. (2004, May). “Peers as leisure educators: Grade 12 Students' Perspectives.” Proceedings of the 21 st Qualitative Analysis Conference. Presented in Ottawa, ON.

Shannon, C.S. (2004). “Parents' messages to youth about the role of leisure.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 75 (1), p. A36. Presented at AAHPERD in New Orleans, March 2004.

Robertson, B.J., & Shannon, C.S. (2004). “Knowledge as motivator of behavioural change.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 75 (1), p. A35. Presented at AAHPERD in New Orleans, LA , March 2004.

Shannon, C.S. (2003, November). “Do as I say, not as I do:” Parents' conflicting messages about recreation and leisure. Paper presented at Recreation Nova Scotia Annual Conference, Mahone Bay, NS.

Shannon, C.S. (2003, May). “Influencing daughters' choices: The role of mothers.” Proceedings of the 20th Annual Qualitative Analysis Conference (p. 31), Ottawa, ON.

Shannon, C.S. (2003, May). “Work and leisure: What mothers teach their daughters about these life domains.” Proceedings of the Mothering and Work/Mothering as Work Conference (p. 19), Presented in Toronto, ON.

Robertson, B.J., & Shannon, C.S. (2003, March). “Sustainable approaches to leisure education: The role of family.” Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Atlantic Canadian Society for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, Halifax, NS