Have you ever discussed your relationship when visiting your GP? One in four patients answers yes to this question, and over 75% find the conversation helpful.
My research shows that relationship issues are rarely the main reason patients see their GP, but the topic often arises when the GP takes a holistic approach to the patient’s concerns. I am particularly interested in this kind of integrative thinking, where biological, psychological, and relational factors are considered together, both in research and in clinical practice. A central focus of my work is relational health. Supportive and secure relationships can protect against illness and enhance quality of life, while strained relationships, breakups, and loneliness are associated with increased health risks.
I am Acting Head of the General Practice Research Unit (AFE) at NORCE, and also a specialist in Family Medicine (MD) working as a GP in Arendal, a couples therapist, and passionate about communicating knowledge on relationships and health. I am the author of two books on the topic: Bruksanvisning for parforholdet (A User Manual for Relationships) and Bruksanvisning for hverdagssexen (A User Manual for Everyday Sex), and co-host of the podcast Fastlegetimen (The GP appointment). I also contributed the chapter on "Family, relationships, and health" in the Norwegian textbook Allmennmedisin (Family Medicine). I regularly give talks for both professionals and others, and I am frequently invited as as expert in media, including Debatten (NRK), God morgen Norge (TV2), VG, and Aftenposten Riks.
Close relations influence both mental and physical health, and are therefore a vital field of research. I currently lead a cross-sectional study among patients in general practice, exploring associations between close relations, health, and sick leave. We examine, among other things, to what extent patients perceive relational difficulties as a contributing factor to their sick leave, and the what symptoms and health problems patients with strained relationships present when consulting their GP.
I also collaborate with the University of Agder and Sorlandet Hospital Trust in the ViCOPE project, testing the screening of pre-frail older adults with the ICOPE tool. The aim is to explore whether early identification can improve self-management and reduce the need for health services over time.
Postpartum mental health is another area of my reserach. One in five women experience mental health challenges in the first year after giving birth, with vulnerable groups being especially at risk. I lead two work packages in a project that maps current services and follow-up for these women and their close supporters. This knowledge will form the basis for developing and testing a more integrated care model within the Norwegian healthcare system.
I also take part in an innovation project aiming to translate and adapt the Composite Abuse Scale Revised - Short Form (CASR-SF) into the Norwegian context. The project seeks to develop a tool that will make it easier for health professionals in general practice, emergency care units, health stations, and sexual assault centers to detect intimate partner violence, thereby enabling better support, treatment, and safety for those affected. The project is a collaboration between NORCE (NKLM, AFE), HVL and Bergen Municipality.
Other topics I have been involved in include problematic school absenteeism and digital health counselling for lifestyle change.
