Geoffrey Nelson - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Geoffrey Nelson

Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Dec 1, 2010

The evolution of housing approaches for people with serious mental illness is described and analy... more The evolution of housing approaches for people with serious mental illness is described and analyzed. A distinction is made between three different approaches to housing: (a) custodial, (b) supportive, and (c) supported. Research evidence is reviewed that suggests the promise of supported housing, but more research is needed that compares supported housing with different supportive housing approaches. It is argued that the current move to a supported housing approach represents a fundamental shift or transformative change in mental health policy and practice. Strategies to facilitate this shift are discussed.

Handbook of Disease Burdens and Quality of Life Measures, 2010

Research on QOL has been guided by visions of the good society, the good life, and well-being (Di... more Research on QOL has been guided by visions of the good society, the good life, and well-being (Diener and Suh, 1997; Sirgy et al., 2006). Applied to the study of health issues, the idea of QOL has been used to develop concepts of well-being, recognizing that health and well-being are more than the mere absence of death, disease, dysfunction or disability (McGillivray, 2007). While there are a variety of different ways of conceptualizing and measuring QOL, which we describe below, all of these approaches strive to advance a comprehensive, holistic view of the good society, the good life, and well-being.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Mar 2, 2017

Evaluation and Program Planning, Aug 1, 2019

We examined communities' expressed needs for capacity building in the implementation of Housing F... more We examined communities' expressed needs for capacity building in the implementation of Housing First (HF) for persons experiencing homelessness. The findings are based on thematic analyses of qualitative data obtained from participants (n = 77) in 11 focus groups conducted in seven Canadian cities. We identified capacity building needs in the areas of training (e.g., HF principles, clinical services, landlord engagement) and technical assistance (e.g., intake coordination, client prioritization, fidelity assessment). These findings were used to tailor training and technical assessment (TTA) to the stages of HF implementation in these cities. Limitations and implications for future theory, research, and practice are discussed.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Mar 2, 2017

Canadian journal of community mental health, Dec 1, 2016

In this paper, we outline three genealogies of housing policy in Canada-affordable housing, menta... more In this paper, we outline three genealogies of housing policy in Canada-affordable housing, mental health housing, and housing for homeless persons-and present the focus, research, and strengths/critiques of these genealogies. The increased visibility and adoption of Housing First (HF) in Canadian policy has created tension between groups working on housing and homelessness. Critics rightly point out that HF does little to increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing. We discuss the homelessness sector as a bridge between the affordable housing sector and the mental health sector and outline how collaboration might take shape in addressing homelessness and affordable housing in Canada.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Mar 2, 2017

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020

Better Beginnings Waterloo (BBW) is an ecological, community-driven, prevention program for child... more Better Beginnings Waterloo (BBW) is an ecological, community-driven, prevention program for children aged 4–8 and their families. BBW was implemented in two low-income communities with high percentages of visible minorities. Data on Grade 1–2 children and their parents (the baseline comparison group) were gathered through parent interviews (n = 34) and teacher reports (n = 68) in 2015, prior to BBW programs, and in the period 2018–2019, the same data were collected through parent interviews (n = 47) and teacher reports (n = 46) for children and parents participating in programs (the BBW group). As well, qualitative, open-ended individual interviews with parents (n = 47) and two focus groups were conducted in the period 2018–2019. Children in the BBW cohort were rated by their teachers as having a significantly lower level of emotional and behavioural problems than those in the baseline sample; parents in the BBW cohort had significantly higher levels of social support than parents i...

Journal of Community Psychology, 2018

In this study, we examine changes in the homeless‐serving system in the context of a training and... more In this study, we examine changes in the homeless‐serving system in the context of a training and technical assistance initiative to scale up Housing First (HF) in 6 Canadian communities. Based on qualitative data from focus groups and individual interviews with key stakeholders (k = 7, n = 35) and field notes gathered over a 3‐year period (n = 146), we found 2 main system changes: (a) changes in the capacity of the service delivery system at multiple levels of analysis (from individual to policy) to implement HF, and (b) changes in the coordination of parts of the service delivery system and collaboration among local stakeholders to enhance HF implementation. These changes were facilitated or constrained by the larger context of evidence, climate, policy, and funding. The findings were discussed in terms of systems change theory and implications for transformative systems change in the mental health and homelessness sectors.

Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 2017

Many strategies guide knowledge-sharing to enhance uptake of evidence-based programs in practice,... more Many strategies guide knowledge-sharing to enhance uptake of evidence-based programs in practice, though few have been designed specifically for community settings. We highlight the importance of understanding and evaluating knowledge mobilisation in community settings and present a framework for evaluating knowledge mobilisation that captures short-term knowledge use as it relates to community stakeholders’ goals. To examine the utility of this framework, we applied it to the Pan-Canadian knowledge mobilisation activities of Better Beginnings, Better Futures, a community, university and government collaboration to support child development to its full capabilities. Participants included 31 community stakeholders who had attended a Better Beginnings workshop in one of six Canadian provinces and territories. Qualitative phone interviews were conducted to examine the extent to which knowledge mobilisation activities met participants’ learning needs, and how participants had applied th...

Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), Jan 15, 2015

This study examined whether Housing First fidelity ratings correspond to program operation descri... more This study examined whether Housing First fidelity ratings correspond to program operation descriptions from administrative data and predict client outcomes. A multisite, randomized controlled trial (At Home/Chez Soi) in five Canadian cities included two assessments of 12 programs over two years. Outcomes for 1,158 clients were measured every six months. Associations between fidelity ratings and administrative data (Spearman correlations) and participant outcomes (mixed-effects modeling) were examined. Fidelity ratings were generally good (mean±SD=136.6±10.3 out of a possible range of 38-152; 87% of maximum value). Fidelity was significantly associated with three of four measures of program operation, with correlations between .55 and .60. Greater program fidelity was associated with improvement in housing stability, community functioning, and quality of life. Variation in program fidelity was associated with operations and outcomes, supporting scale validity and intervention effect...

Housing, Citizenship, and Communities for People with Serious Mental Illness, 2017

Doing Psychology Critically, 2002

In a recent book entitled The Knowledge Factory: Dismantling the Corporate University and Creatin... more In a recent book entitled The Knowledge Factory: Dismantling the Corporate University and Creating True Higher Learning, Stanley Aronowitz (2000) argues that with the increased concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a privileged elite, universities and other institutions of ‘higher learning’ have become the handmaidens of corporate interests. Cutbacks to public funding for education have driven universities into so-called ‘partnerships’ with corporations, which have funded capital projects and schools of business and populated boards of governors with business moguls. Of course, the danger of this is that universities become beholden to and reflect these corporate interests in the culture of university education (Eglin, 1996).

Community Psychology, 2010

Doing Psychology Critically, 2002

This chapter describes our basic approach to critical psychology. We begin with power because it ... more This chapter describes our basic approach to critical psychology. We begin with power because it is pivotal in attaining well-being and in opposing injustice. Then, we explore the remaining three foundational concepts of our work: wellbeing, oppression, and liberation. We discuss how these basic notions inform critical psychology practice. We pay particular attention to the need to cross boundaries in levels of intervention and disciplinary orientations. We also address the issue of clear communication and sensitivity to contextual considerations. We conclude with a brief overview of the book.

Canadian journal of community mental health, Jun 12, 2007

As a former senior editor, a long-term member of the editorial board, and a regular contributor t... more As a former senior editor, a long-term member of the editorial board, and a regular contributor to the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health (CJCMH), I am delighted with the invitation to comment on the 25-year review of the contents of CJCMH by Fortin-Pellerin, Pouliot-Lapointe, Thibodeau, and Gagné. I want to begin by acknowledging that I cannot pretend to give an objective account of CJCMH, not only because of my deep investment in it, but also because of my personal and professional biases, values, and position of privilege. What I can offer are some reflections on CJCMH, as well as suggestions for future directions, from my perspective as a senior academic community psychologist.

Journal of Community Psychology, 2006

This article examines the outcomes of participation in mental health Consumer/Survivor Initiative... more This article examines the outcomes of participation in mental health Consumer/Survivor Initiatives (CSIs) and identifies helpful qualities of CSIs through a longitudinal, qualitative study that involved in-depth interviews of people who experienced severe mental health challenges in Ontario, Canada. We used a nonequivalent control group design in which we compared active participants in CSIs (n = 15) with nonactive participants (n = 12) at baseline and at 9-and 18-month follow-up intervals. Compared with non-CSI participants, CSI participants reported more stable mental health, enhanced social support, sustained work, stable income, and participation in education and training at 9-and 18-month interviews. The helpful qualities of CSIs that participants reported were (1) safe environments that provide a positive, welcoming place to go; (2) social arenas that provide opportunities to meet and talk with peers; (3) an alternative worldview that provides opportunities for members to participate and contribute; and (4) effective facilitators of community integration that provide opportunities to

American Psychologist, 1994

Abstract 1. Comments on the GB Smith et al (see record 1993-46150-001) presentation of 8 models a... more Abstract 1. Comments on the GB Smith et al (see record 1993-46150-001) presentation of 8 models and roles for psychologists in the treatment, management, and prevention of chronic mental illness. Smith et al describe the models, but fail to critically analyze them or to ...

Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 2015

This study documented the perspectives of landlords and clinical and housing service teams for he... more This study documented the perspectives of landlords and clinical and housing service teams for head lease (agency holds the lease) versus rent subsidy (tenant holds the lease) in housing programs for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Sixteen landlords and 24 housing and clinical team members participated in individual or focus-group interviews. It was found that there was less contact between landlords and tenants in the head lease program, where housing teams tended to negotiate trouble spots. Also, head lease programs were marked by intensive oversight and partial (as opposed to full) separation of housing and clinical service teams.

Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Dec 1, 2010

The evolution of housing approaches for people with serious mental illness is described and analy... more The evolution of housing approaches for people with serious mental illness is described and analyzed. A distinction is made between three different approaches to housing: (a) custodial, (b) supportive, and (c) supported. Research evidence is reviewed that suggests the promise of supported housing, but more research is needed that compares supported housing with different supportive housing approaches. It is argued that the current move to a supported housing approach represents a fundamental shift or transformative change in mental health policy and practice. Strategies to facilitate this shift are discussed.

Handbook of Disease Burdens and Quality of Life Measures, 2010

Research on QOL has been guided by visions of the good society, the good life, and well-being (Di... more Research on QOL has been guided by visions of the good society, the good life, and well-being (Diener and Suh, 1997; Sirgy et al., 2006). Applied to the study of health issues, the idea of QOL has been used to develop concepts of well-being, recognizing that health and well-being are more than the mere absence of death, disease, dysfunction or disability (McGillivray, 2007). While there are a variety of different ways of conceptualizing and measuring QOL, which we describe below, all of these approaches strive to advance a comprehensive, holistic view of the good society, the good life, and well-being.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Mar 2, 2017

Evaluation and Program Planning, Aug 1, 2019

We examined communities' expressed needs for capacity building in the implementation of Housing F... more We examined communities' expressed needs for capacity building in the implementation of Housing First (HF) for persons experiencing homelessness. The findings are based on thematic analyses of qualitative data obtained from participants (n = 77) in 11 focus groups conducted in seven Canadian cities. We identified capacity building needs in the areas of training (e.g., HF principles, clinical services, landlord engagement) and technical assistance (e.g., intake coordination, client prioritization, fidelity assessment). These findings were used to tailor training and technical assessment (TTA) to the stages of HF implementation in these cities. Limitations and implications for future theory, research, and practice are discussed.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Mar 2, 2017

Canadian journal of community mental health, Dec 1, 2016

In this paper, we outline three genealogies of housing policy in Canada-affordable housing, menta... more In this paper, we outline three genealogies of housing policy in Canada-affordable housing, mental health housing, and housing for homeless persons-and present the focus, research, and strengths/critiques of these genealogies. The increased visibility and adoption of Housing First (HF) in Canadian policy has created tension between groups working on housing and homelessness. Critics rightly point out that HF does little to increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing. We discuss the homelessness sector as a bridge between the affordable housing sector and the mental health sector and outline how collaboration might take shape in addressing homelessness and affordable housing in Canada.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Mar 2, 2017

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020

Better Beginnings Waterloo (BBW) is an ecological, community-driven, prevention program for child... more Better Beginnings Waterloo (BBW) is an ecological, community-driven, prevention program for children aged 4–8 and their families. BBW was implemented in two low-income communities with high percentages of visible minorities. Data on Grade 1–2 children and their parents (the baseline comparison group) were gathered through parent interviews (n = 34) and teacher reports (n = 68) in 2015, prior to BBW programs, and in the period 2018–2019, the same data were collected through parent interviews (n = 47) and teacher reports (n = 46) for children and parents participating in programs (the BBW group). As well, qualitative, open-ended individual interviews with parents (n = 47) and two focus groups were conducted in the period 2018–2019. Children in the BBW cohort were rated by their teachers as having a significantly lower level of emotional and behavioural problems than those in the baseline sample; parents in the BBW cohort had significantly higher levels of social support than parents i...

Journal of Community Psychology, 2018

In this study, we examine changes in the homeless‐serving system in the context of a training and... more In this study, we examine changes in the homeless‐serving system in the context of a training and technical assistance initiative to scale up Housing First (HF) in 6 Canadian communities. Based on qualitative data from focus groups and individual interviews with key stakeholders (k = 7, n = 35) and field notes gathered over a 3‐year period (n = 146), we found 2 main system changes: (a) changes in the capacity of the service delivery system at multiple levels of analysis (from individual to policy) to implement HF, and (b) changes in the coordination of parts of the service delivery system and collaboration among local stakeholders to enhance HF implementation. These changes were facilitated or constrained by the larger context of evidence, climate, policy, and funding. The findings were discussed in terms of systems change theory and implications for transformative systems change in the mental health and homelessness sectors.

Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 2017

Many strategies guide knowledge-sharing to enhance uptake of evidence-based programs in practice,... more Many strategies guide knowledge-sharing to enhance uptake of evidence-based programs in practice, though few have been designed specifically for community settings. We highlight the importance of understanding and evaluating knowledge mobilisation in community settings and present a framework for evaluating knowledge mobilisation that captures short-term knowledge use as it relates to community stakeholders’ goals. To examine the utility of this framework, we applied it to the Pan-Canadian knowledge mobilisation activities of Better Beginnings, Better Futures, a community, university and government collaboration to support child development to its full capabilities. Participants included 31 community stakeholders who had attended a Better Beginnings workshop in one of six Canadian provinces and territories. Qualitative phone interviews were conducted to examine the extent to which knowledge mobilisation activities met participants’ learning needs, and how participants had applied th...

Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), Jan 15, 2015

This study examined whether Housing First fidelity ratings correspond to program operation descri... more This study examined whether Housing First fidelity ratings correspond to program operation descriptions from administrative data and predict client outcomes. A multisite, randomized controlled trial (At Home/Chez Soi) in five Canadian cities included two assessments of 12 programs over two years. Outcomes for 1,158 clients were measured every six months. Associations between fidelity ratings and administrative data (Spearman correlations) and participant outcomes (mixed-effects modeling) were examined. Fidelity ratings were generally good (mean±SD=136.6±10.3 out of a possible range of 38-152; 87% of maximum value). Fidelity was significantly associated with three of four measures of program operation, with correlations between .55 and .60. Greater program fidelity was associated with improvement in housing stability, community functioning, and quality of life. Variation in program fidelity was associated with operations and outcomes, supporting scale validity and intervention effect...

Housing, Citizenship, and Communities for People with Serious Mental Illness, 2017

Doing Psychology Critically, 2002

In a recent book entitled The Knowledge Factory: Dismantling the Corporate University and Creatin... more In a recent book entitled The Knowledge Factory: Dismantling the Corporate University and Creating True Higher Learning, Stanley Aronowitz (2000) argues that with the increased concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a privileged elite, universities and other institutions of ‘higher learning’ have become the handmaidens of corporate interests. Cutbacks to public funding for education have driven universities into so-called ‘partnerships’ with corporations, which have funded capital projects and schools of business and populated boards of governors with business moguls. Of course, the danger of this is that universities become beholden to and reflect these corporate interests in the culture of university education (Eglin, 1996).

Community Psychology, 2010

Doing Psychology Critically, 2002

This chapter describes our basic approach to critical psychology. We begin with power because it ... more This chapter describes our basic approach to critical psychology. We begin with power because it is pivotal in attaining well-being and in opposing injustice. Then, we explore the remaining three foundational concepts of our work: wellbeing, oppression, and liberation. We discuss how these basic notions inform critical psychology practice. We pay particular attention to the need to cross boundaries in levels of intervention and disciplinary orientations. We also address the issue of clear communication and sensitivity to contextual considerations. We conclude with a brief overview of the book.

Canadian journal of community mental health, Jun 12, 2007

As a former senior editor, a long-term member of the editorial board, and a regular contributor t... more As a former senior editor, a long-term member of the editorial board, and a regular contributor to the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health (CJCMH), I am delighted with the invitation to comment on the 25-year review of the contents of CJCMH by Fortin-Pellerin, Pouliot-Lapointe, Thibodeau, and Gagné. I want to begin by acknowledging that I cannot pretend to give an objective account of CJCMH, not only because of my deep investment in it, but also because of my personal and professional biases, values, and position of privilege. What I can offer are some reflections on CJCMH, as well as suggestions for future directions, from my perspective as a senior academic community psychologist.

Journal of Community Psychology, 2006

This article examines the outcomes of participation in mental health Consumer/Survivor Initiative... more This article examines the outcomes of participation in mental health Consumer/Survivor Initiatives (CSIs) and identifies helpful qualities of CSIs through a longitudinal, qualitative study that involved in-depth interviews of people who experienced severe mental health challenges in Ontario, Canada. We used a nonequivalent control group design in which we compared active participants in CSIs (n = 15) with nonactive participants (n = 12) at baseline and at 9-and 18-month follow-up intervals. Compared with non-CSI participants, CSI participants reported more stable mental health, enhanced social support, sustained work, stable income, and participation in education and training at 9-and 18-month interviews. The helpful qualities of CSIs that participants reported were (1) safe environments that provide a positive, welcoming place to go; (2) social arenas that provide opportunities to meet and talk with peers; (3) an alternative worldview that provides opportunities for members to participate and contribute; and (4) effective facilitators of community integration that provide opportunities to

American Psychologist, 1994

Abstract 1. Comments on the GB Smith et al (see record 1993-46150-001) presentation of 8 models a... more Abstract 1. Comments on the GB Smith et al (see record 1993-46150-001) presentation of 8 models and roles for psychologists in the treatment, management, and prevention of chronic mental illness. Smith et al describe the models, but fail to critically analyze them or to ...

Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 2015

This study documented the perspectives of landlords and clinical and housing service teams for he... more This study documented the perspectives of landlords and clinical and housing service teams for head lease (agency holds the lease) versus rent subsidy (tenant holds the lease) in housing programs for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Sixteen landlords and 24 housing and clinical team members participated in individual or focus-group interviews. It was found that there was less contact between landlords and tenants in the head lease program, where housing teams tended to negotiate trouble spots. Also, head lease programs were marked by intensive oversight and partial (as opposed to full) separation of housing and clinical service teams.