The word “hoarding” often evokes an image of floor to ceiling piles of boxes, papers, and trinkets. Interestingly, the clutter in hoarding is only the physical manifestation of the problem. My research seeks to determine the degree to which clean-outs result in desired outcomes for the individual resident and other stakeholders, and to provide guidelines for how to undertake such an intervention in a compassionate way.
Research Description
The word “hoarding” often evokes an image of floor to ceiling piles of boxes, papers, and trinkets. Interestingly, the clutter in hoarding is only the physical manifestation of the problem. The heart of the disorder lies in clients’ inability to discard items regardless of their value and the urge to acquire items for which they have no room. Although the psychological symptoms are most important in a therapeutic context, the amassed volume of clutter is the primary concern when evaluating the public health and safety risks relevant to this disorder (e.g., fire, infestation, trip hazards). In order to mitigate these risks, a clean-out can appear to be the most straightforward intervention: hire a truck, some workers, and clear the stuff out. Despite the apparent utility of clean-outs to clear away problematic clutter, anecdotal stories in the academic literature tend to depict clean-outs as a costly, ineffective, and traumatizing intervention. On the other hand, my master’s research has provided some indication that, under certain conditions such as client consent and availability of emotional support, a clean-out can be a positive intervention and lead to desirable outcomes, such as tenancy preservation and safe return from hospital. My research seeks to determine the degree to which clean-outs result in desired outcomes for the individual resident and other stakeholders, and to provide guidelines for how to undertake such an intervention in a compassionate way.
What does being a Public Scholar mean to you?
Being a Public Scholar for me means pursuing a graduate degree while engaging in meaningful community-based research through collaborations with frontline workers.
In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with the Public Scholars Initiative?
I believe the Public Scholars Initiative re-imagines the PhD because it provides the opportunity and support for students to take the risk and engage in community research collaborations. The PSI helps to build the gap between research done at the university and the comings and goings of life outside campus walls. The university will always value the publication of research findings in academic journals, however the PSI re-imagines the PhD experience by championing public scholarship and the dissemination of research findings in order to enact meaningful change.
How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?
My PhD work has provided me the opportunity to collaborate with community professionals and conduct applied research. My ideal career would involve similar collaborations across disciplines and sectors in a health care setting. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in public health as a clinical psychologist.
How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?
In my MA, I conducted community-engaged research with the Hoarding Action Response Team in Vancouver. For my PhD, I established research partnerships with the Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network and Surrey Memorial Hospital. These healthcare providers are ideal collaborators because of their strong desire to evaluate their current interventions and interest in working with researchers to establish and disseminate best practices. In addition to research projects, I have found great joy engaging with the larger community via workshops and webinars on community hoarding interventions. I feel very lucky to pass along the knowledge I have gained through my graduate training to community providers in these settings.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
In my undergraduate degree at UBC, I volunteered as a research assistant in several labs. I heard about all the different practicum and research opportunities available to students in clinical psychology and thought I might be a good fit for the program. I’ve also always had the desire to make a difference in the public health system and believed a clinical psychology degree would put me in a position to do so. Finally, the opportunity to be trained in evidence-based psychological techniques encouraged me to pursue graduate training.
Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?
My supervisor, Dr. Sheila Woody, was the main reason I decided to study at UBC. She gave me the opportunity to pursue community-based research, which was my priority in choosing a graduate program. In addition, the clinical training offered by UBC’s clinical psychology program is exemplary and well-regarded across Canada. As an added bonus, the campus is beautiful and has felt like home since I started my BA in 2010.
For you, what was the best surprise about graduate life, about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I've been at UBC since 2010 and have yet to find the beautiful campus boring! I love that I can walk from the psychology building to the Rose Garden and look out on the mountains, the ocean, and Bowen Island (my home for 5 years when I was younger).
Do you have any tips for students from your home country coming to Canada / to UBC Grad School?
You can't do everything at 100%. If you want to still enjoy your life outside of graduate school, it's a better bet to aim at 85% or pretty good. The clinical psychology program at UBC takes 6 years plus an internship to complete--that's a long time! There will be many moments to fail and learn, but if you open up and talk to your fellow students or the clinical faculty, you'll realize everyone wants you to succeed and can help support you.
Being a Public Scholar for me means pursuing a graduate degree while engaging in meaningful community-based research through collaborations with frontline workers.
