Arbeidstittel på avhandlingen
«Eating disorders and disordered eating among Norwegian university students: prevalence, mental comorbidities and suicidal behaviours - Cross-sectional findings from the SHoT-survey 2018, 2022 and 2023»
Kort presentasjon av avhandlingen
This PhD thesis investigated the prevalence, and mental health consequences of eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating (DE) among Norwegian university students, using data from the Students’ Health and Well-being Study (SHoT). The overall aim was to increase the knowledge of EDs and DE among students, with particular attention to temporal trends, socio-demographic disparities, and associations with mental health outcomes.
First, the thesis documented change in ED prevalence from 2018 to 2022, revealing a post-pandemic increase in self-reported EDs, and gender-diverse students consistently showed the highest prevalence.
Second, the thesis examined associations between EDs/DE and mental health comorbidities. Students with EDs had markedly higher risk of major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders one year later, with especially strong associations for symptoms like guilt related to eating and comfort eating.
Finally, the thesis found strong associations between EDs/DE and suicide attempts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation across genders. Although EDs were less prevalent among males, associations with suicidal outcomes were particularly strong in this group.
Summarized, these findings highlight EDs as a significant and growing public mental health concern among university students, characterized by strong links to mental distress and suicidality. The thesis emphasizes the need for early detection, gender-sensitive approaches, and comprehensive student health services addressing both EDs and co-occurring mental health problems.
Veiledere
Hovedveileder professor Gørill Haugan, FSH, Nord Universitet
Medveileder førsteamanuensis Jannike Lie Karlstad, FSH, Nord universitet
Medveileder førsteamanuensis Tonje Bjørndal Braaten, FSH, Nord universitet
Evalueringskomite
Intern: Professor Lise Tuset Gustad, FSH, Nord Universitet
Ekstern: Professor Erik Sund, NTNU
Tidspunkt for sluttseminaret
Tirsdag 9. juni kl 09:00 – 11:30
Sted
Digitalt på Teams - Lenke til møtet
Fysisk på Styrerommet (hovedbygget) Levanger
