Evelina Landstedt, Professor of Social Work

She took courses in the history of science and ideas, sociology and gender studies at Lund University. The goal was a degree in energy and environmental engineering, but her main focus changed over time and she eventually earned a master’s degree in public health science at Malmö University. Following her master’s degree, she was admitted to the doctoral programme in health sciences at Mid Sweden University, where she completed her PhD in 2010. After working at Mid Sweden University, Umeå University and the University of Melbourne, she landed at Karlstad University in 2019.

"My research primarily focuses on a deeper understanding of what affects young people’s mental health, the consequences of poor mental health and how we can work at various levels of society to strengthen the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults."

The negative trend in mental health among young people and the difficulties for them to receive the right support and care in time, constitute major challenges for individuals, families, organisations such as schools, social services and healthcare services, as well as society at large. It is therefore crucial that decisions affecting young people and their families are based on well-grounded knowledge and that collaboration between services is improved.  

"We have a responsibility to contribute such knowledge and in so doing apply different methods and theories. The promotion of child and youth well-being requires a holistic perspective that emphasises the significance of health-promoting efforts, along with prevention- and treatment interventions. My research if found in the intersection between social work, public health science, psychology and sociology. The findings of my research can be applied in a wide range of areas – from policy to individual-level interventions. I wish to continue creating knowledge about and together with children and young people in their everyday life through both basic and applied research. Collaborative research with young people, families, schools, civil society and services is essential in this."

In her spare time, Evelina Landstedt likes to put on her leather suit and go for a motorbike ride, as well as spending time with her family.