Research
Professor of Social Work Department of Social and Psychological Studies
Associate Professor in Public Health
My research centers on the social and emotional wellbeing of children and youth, emphasising contextually informed understandings and pathways for positive change. Central to this are longitudinal understandings of risk and protective factors of child and youth mental health, psychosocial aspects of schooling, interpersonal violence and school mental health promotion. Other themes in my research include: alcohol use, adverse childhood experiences, youth civic engagement and intergenerational disadvantage.
My scholarly work encompasses both quantitative and qualitative research methods, bridging basic and applied approaches. I value interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing from social work, public health, sociology, and gender studies. An intersectionality lens, particularly focusing on gender and social class, informs my research.
I advocate for collaborative, participatory approaches and evidence-based interventions. Currently, I lead three research projects on the social and emotional wellbeing of children and youth, engaging partners beyond academia.
Links to project descriptions
Descriptions of research projects
Hand in Hand We Stand
The SOFIA study
Evaluation of Stop! Min kropp!
I am leading the social work research profile Applied Welfare Studies at the Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University. I am also also Deputy Director of The Centre for Research on the Mental Health and Life Circumstances of Children and Youth - CBU - at Karlstad University.