I am the leader of the Stress Research Program. The aim with my research is to develop and evaluate methods to prevent and decrease stress for children and their families. My research has a highly clinical, family-centered focus and includes RCTs as well as methodology research and qualitative research. To measure the objective level of stress, I have specialised in salivary cortisol and the development of the stress system in early life.
The clinical work has focused on neonatal nursing. I was president of the Swedish association of paediatric nurses 2008-2013.
Stress in children
The main aim of my research is to learn more about stress and reactivity in children by measuring cortisol in the saliva and to evaluate healthcare methods with the potential of preventing and relieving stress.
When children are exposed to stress factors, a response mechanism is triggered that activates the entire body. If the child is exposed to repeated stress factors that do not permit rest and recuperation, the risk of impact on memory, learning, concentration, behavioural problems and changes to the stress system increases.
Director of research
I am director of research for the following projects:
- Kangaroo Study
- LiMoNid Study
- Sleep in parents of sick children
- Nourishing extreme preterm infants
I am also participating in these projects:
- Development of infant circadian rhythm of cortisol (USDyk)
- Development and Evaluation of a Transitional Family Centred Care Model for Families of Preterm Infants
- Fear of the needle among children and adolescents
Teaching
I teach at the Specialist Nursing programme with a specialisation in health care for children and adolescents.
