Johan Högman

Research

My research centers around three main themes: children, physical activity, and inclusion. I have a particular interest in physically inactive children. I approach these themes from a pedagogical perspective, using primarily qualitative data. This involves exploring environments that can create conditions for movement based on the individual characteristics of children. I am also interested in investigating and developing innovative approaches and methods that can promote movement among children who are not active enough. Theoretically, my research often relies on bioecological theory formation, but I also aim to integrate various sociocultural perspectives. In September 2021, I successfully defended my doctoral thesis in educational work entitled "Children in Motion - Conditions for development in alternative (?) sports activities". The thesis focuses on activities aimed at increasing physical activity among children between the ages of 7 and 12.

Ongoing projects:

Physical Inactivity Among Children – An Ecological Perspective

In this project, children prescribed Physical Activity on Prescription (FaR) are interviewed about the possibilities of integrating movement into their leisure time. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Västra Götaland Region.

The Significance of the Leisure Equipment Library for Children and Youth's Physical Leisure Activities

This project examines the role of the emergence of Leisure Equipment Libraries for the physical leisure activities of children and youth. For example, it explores which children and young people use Fritidsbanks and how they use borrowed materials. The project is partially funded by the Centre for Sports Research and is carried out in collaboration with the Leisure Equipment Library [Fritidsbanken] Sweden.

Project group:

Johan Högman, Karlstad University

Stefan Wagnsson, Karlstad University

Sebastian Bellander, Karlstad University

The Importance of Sports for Rural Youth Mobility

The goal of this project is to understand the significance of sports for the mobility imperatives of rural youth. Biographical interviews are used to document the life paths of rural youth as shaped by the social and economic structures of rural areas.

Project group:

Peter Carlman, Karlstad University

Johan Högman, Karlstad University

Teaching

I work as a teacher in the undergraduate Sports and Health Coaching Program, where I primarily cover topics such as health and physical activity in children, as well as leadership, coaching, and qualitative methodology.

In the Master's Program in Sports Science, I am responsible for instructing the "Children in Motion" course during the second semester, which carries a credit value of 7.5.

Additionally, I teach in the Subject Teacher Program for Physical Education and Health, as well as in the Pre-School Teacher Program. These courses focus on topics such as physical activity and motor development.

Collaboration

A significant part of my research involves working closely with various actors from the public, non-profit, and private sectors at the local, regional, and national levels. Collaboration can take many forms, such as identifying shared research problems, conducting joint research, or providing various educational activities.

I regularly give lectures and collaborate with sports federations, municipalities, and other organizations that work with physical activity for children.

My dissertation project received co-financing from three district sports federations (Värmland, Örebro County, and Västra Götaland). The project was carried out in collaboration with several schools and municipalities, as well as these federations.

Bio

I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sports Science from Karlstad University in 2011 and a Master's degree in Sports Science from the University of Gothenburg in 2015. During this period, I worked on sports and leisure matters in local administrations in both Karlstad and later in Gothenburg.

In 2017, while continuing to work for the municipality, I began my part-time doctoral studies. In 2021, I received my PhD in Educational Work from Karlstad University.

In 2022, I was honored with the SCIF (Swedish Central Association for the Promotion of Sports) prize for younger researchers.