I (re)discovered a passion for research after becoming a mother. My research interests are vast*. I get excited to explore different ideas, yet see them all connected to a common theme: generating knowledge to amplify hope and connection.
*well-being, systems-involved youths’ relationships, artificial intelligence, anti-oppressive pedagogy, art-based methods, embodied purpose, family support, and more.
Explore my current and recent research projects below.
“The Way to Well-being” Framework
This is the core finding from a participatory action research project with young adults who experienced foster care. The W2W Framework illustrates how people can move from trauma to the freedom and worthiness of well-being, so long as solid relationships can help them avoid detours and manage distress.
Review my dissertation: The Way to Well-being
Read our article on The meaning and essence of child well-being according to child welfare professionals. (Co-authors: Julia Pryce & Gina Samuels).
Coming soon: Listen to my conversation about the Way to Well-being on the Illinois DCFS podcast.
“Relational Safety”
One of the themes within the Way to Well-being Framework, relational safety describes the optimal aim of relationships with adults for children and youth.
Read about a pre-cursor to relational safety: steadfast benevolence, which is a concept that emerged from a study with youth in foster care as they reflected on their participation in a college-prep program. Read our article on Steadfast benevolence.
Coming soon: An article diving into relational safety and exploring how it provides a roadmap to well-being for child welfare and other field.
Art-based research (ABR)
In an art-based collective auto-ethnography, my colleagues and I explored the meaning of arts-based research (ABR). We created and analyzed artwork as we uncovered how ABR can offer a sense of deep authenticity and connection.
Read more: Check out this article on Finding Freedom and Connection in Arts-Based Collaborative Autoethnography
“To Be Alive & Well”
A result of my research and years of reflection, I have found I am most alive and well when I am in one of these space: Loving, Learning, Being, Moving and Connecting.
Values-based teaching
To ground our teaching in Ignatian values and anti-oppressive pedagogy, my Loyola University Chicago colleagues and I crafted a pedagogical framework, The Loyola Way.
Listen to a limited podcast about values-based teaching and learning, recorded with Dr. Polina Pine.
Read more: Learn about the Loyola Way framework in this Jesuit Higher Education journal article.
College Families
I am currently collecting data regarding the experience of college students’ family members.
“Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.”
– Anthony de Mello
Bridget Colacchio, PhD, LCSW 