Updates
Stay up to date with our latest activities! Our 'Updates' page is dedicated to informing on the lab's latest breakthroughs, publications, and conference appearances.
Conference Updates
Veteran's Mental Health Conference 2025
Linna is presenting on behalf of the team of Ash Ibbotson (McMaster), Bibi Imre-Millei (Lund University), Resin Ninan (McMaster), Shannon Orchard Young (McMaster), Dr. Nicholas Held (McMaster), and Dr. Margaret McKinnon (McMaster). Presentation entitled "Exploring Military Cultural Competencies in Canadian Civilian Sexual Assault Support Programs for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma".
CIMVHR Forum 2024 in Winnipeg
Linna presenting on behalf of the University of Toronto team, Rensi Mark, Amina Mahmood, and Dr. Nick Reed, PI of the OAK Concussion Lab. Rensi and Amina were occupational therapy students at the time of the project, “Mapping the Landscape: An environmental scan of Canadian program and services for Public Safety Personnel affected by concussions”
Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Graduate Research Day 2025
Mapping pride in service: An environmental scan of organizations and programs that support sexual/gender diversity among military-connected families
Aidan Dauphinee (1) , Shannon Polito (1) , Linna Tam-Seto (1,2)
(1) Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto;
(2) Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto
Military-connected families face distinct challenges, including frequent relocations, prolonged absences, and elevated risks tied to service. For families with sexual and gender diverse members, these challenges intersect with barriers to wellbeing and access to support. This research identified and analyzed programs across NATO and Five Eyes countries, revealing a lack of targeted resources for families, as most support is directed at service members. The findings highlight the need for inclusive, strategic planning to better support diverse military-connected families globally.
Lights Out: Exploring Sleep in Public Safety Families: A Scoping Review
Jessica Hajj (1) , Rebecca Mendoza (1) , Linna Tam-Seto (1,2)
(1) Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto;
(2) Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto
Public safety personnel (PSP) families face unique lifestyle challenges—such as shift work, relocation, and exposure to risk—that affect daily routines, relationships, and sleep. This scoping review examines how sleep among PSP families is represented in literature from Five Eyes countries (2001–2024). Thirty studies were analyzed, revealing key themes and gaps in understanding the impact of PSP lifestyles on sleep. Findings emphasise the need to recognise sleep as an essential occupation and to develop supportive research, programs, and policies.
The Occupation of Motherhood in the Military: A Scoping Review
Lea Goldman (1) , Tal Newman (1) , Linna Tam-Seto (1, 2)
(1) Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto;
(2) Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto
The transition to motherhood is a major life change, and for women in the military, it presents unique challenges. This scoping review examined 54 peer-reviewed articles on the experiences of military mothers across Five Eyes, NATO countries, and Israel. Key themes included the balance between service and motherhood, impacts on mental and physical health, and the role of identity and support systems. Findings highlight significant research gaps and suggest implications for healthcare, policy, recruitment, and support for military-connected families.