University of Guelph researcher Andrea Breen is examining the use of storytelling as a method of fostering the inclusion of, and resilience in, communities of Indigenous youth and new Syrian refugees, particularly among individuals experiencing mental health crises. Her research includes studying identity as constructed and communicated through stories, particularly how personal identity narratives are developed through interaction with cultural stories encountered through various media such as books, social media, music, and movies, and the implications for risk and resilience in youth.
Breen has spent several years developing violence prevention and intervention programs for youth in a variety of settings, including schools, residential programs, and a children’s mental health centre. Her research is strongly informed by these experiences.
