Parenting Following Childhood Family Adversity: How Yesterday’s Children Become Today’s Parents
Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant, 2026-2028
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Dow-Fleisner
Co-Investigators: Dr. Charles Grant, Dr. Saima Hirani, Dr. Katrina Plamondon
Childhood parental mental illness (PMI) can undermine the safety and stability of the child’s environment, leading to disruptions in developmental trajectories and outcomes. Importantly, the experiences and impacts of childhood PMI do not end once a person becomes an adult; rather they evolve as individuals become partners, workers, and often parents. Little research has examined how a childhood history of PMI influences adult children parenting beliefs, behaviours, capacities, and support needs. Additionally, existing PMI interventions primarily focus on supporting children currently experiencing PMI, leaving adult children with ongoing issues underserved. To address these critical gaps in knowledge, this study will 1) explore developmental pathways to parenting among adults with histories of childhood PMI, and 2) assess the availability and suitability of parenting programs for this population. This project will extend our understanding of how yesterday’s children become today’s parents, and the services available to support these individuals and their families.
The SWARM Project: Social Wellbeing and Aggression Research in Minors
Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partner Engagement Grant, 2026-2027
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Dow-Fleisner
Co-Investigator and Collaborator: Dr. Cassidy Biener, Kassandra Roul
Incidents of youth swarming, in which groups of young people collectively target and harm another individual, are an increasing concern across Canada. These events tend to escalate quickly, involve multiple participants and bystanders, and are often recorded and posted on social media, amplifying harm. Despite public attention, very little research examines why some youth participate, why others intervene, and what prevents these incidents. The goal of this project is to examine how social, psychological, and environmental factors shape youth response to swarming. The study will explore how peer influence, online environments, feelings of belonging, and trust in adults affect these decisions. It will also assess the personal strengths, supportive relationships, and community resources that help youth resist harmful group behaviour and make safer choices when facing peer pressure. This project addresses that gap through a research partnership with the Kelowna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC), a multidisciplinary organization working with schools, law enforcement, health professionals, child protection services, and community agencies to support youth and families affected by violence and adversity. By identifying risk and protective factors, the project will strengthen coordinated community responses, support safer peer environments, and improve how organizations work together how organizations work together to help young people navigate challenges.
The ADAPT Project: Adaptation, Development, and Positive Trajectories in the Context of Childhood Adversity
Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award, 2021-2026
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Dow-Fleisner
This program of research utilizes a mixed-methods approach to explore pathways to wellbeing in the context of childhood adversity (CA), focusing on the timing and type of protective factors. To fully understand how socio-environmental and biological factors contribute to health and wellbeing inequity due to CA, we must examine the pathways to impairment and wellbeing using a developmentally informed framework. Changing the question from ‘how are youth at risk’ to ‘how do youth adapt,’ and shifting to a model where those with trauma histories are not defined by their risk. Findings will produce actionable evidence for practitioners and policymakers to develop early intervention and prevention programs fostering health equity for those with CA.
(Last update: 2026)