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Birkeland, Marianne Skogbrott

Forsker I
 
Telephone: +4741433496

Areas of Expertise

  • Change and stability in mental health following exposure to traumatic events
  • Psychological treatment of trauma-related disorders in children and adults
  • Implementation of evidence-based treatments

I have a clinical degree in psychology (cand. psychol) (2005) and a PhD in developmental psychology (2013) from the University of Bergen.

In 2013 I started as a senior researcher at NKVTS, and in 2021 I was promoted to research professor. In addition, I also hold a 20% position as an associate professor in developmental psychology at the University of Oslo. Since 2019 I have been an associate editor of the European Journal of Psychotraumatology (2023 impact factor: 5.783). I also review manuscripts for top-tier journals, abstracts for several international conferences, and grant proposals.

Since 2021 I have led the nationwide implementation of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) in Norwegian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinics (CAMHS), initiated by the National Directorate of Health. Approximately 77 % of the Norwegian CAMHS can offer TF-CBT in 2023. I also have led the development of an innovate app to be used with TF-CBT.

My research focuses on identifying mechanisms of change in mental health following exposure to traumatic events. I am studying why for example posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop, and what we can do to reduce PTSD. I am interested in exploring three questions that explores this topic at different levels:

1) What factors protect against development of PTSD, and what factors increase the risk? Many people experience traumatic events without subsequent lasting psychological distress. However, others experience that their distress does not subside over time. Information about what factors contribute to determine different trajectories are useful to identify individuals who need help. I am particularly interested in how social relations may influence development and recovery from PTSD.

2. What are the mechanisms that set forth and maintain PTSD? PTSD is characterized by symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can influence each other. Self-reinforcing networks of symptoms such as reexperiencing the traumatic event, poor sleep, and concentration difficulties. I am aiming to identify central elements of the system of PTSD, and through this point to symptoms it may be beneficial to focus on in treatment.

3. How can we promote positive processes for recovery of PTSD? Several evidence-based treatments of PTSD which have shown positive effects exist. However, the change mechanisms for these treatments are unclear. I am interested in identifying these, and study conditions that are needed for symptoms of PTSD to be reduced.

In addition, I am also interested in use of statistical methods that provide possibilities to answer complex research questions such as SEM-modelling, mixed effects models, counterfactual-based causal mediation, and network analysis.

Previously I have also done research on development of global self-esteem in adolescents (PhD) and on the role of work environment for mental health after being exposed to a workplace terrorist attack (post doc).

My google scholar profile. 

 

Projects

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Academic Articles

Fagermoen, E. M., Skjærvø, I., Birkeland, M. S., Jensen, T., Ormhaug, S. M., (2024). The bidirectional associations between caregiver and child symptoms in the parent-led treatment stepping together for children after traumaElsevier. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2023.104459

Hoppen, T. H., Meiser-Stedman, R., Kip, A., Birkeland, M. S., Morina, N., (2024). The efficacy of psychological interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder following exposure to single versus multiple traumatic events: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsElsevier. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00373-5

Blix, I., Glad, K. A., Birkeland, M. S., Rustand, A. N., Thoresen, S., (2023). Warning signals? An explorative study of distant recollections of the moments before a disasterTaylor & Francis. doi:10.1080/20008066.2023.2180947

Bartels, L., Skar, A. S., Birkeland, M. S., Ormhaug, S. M., Berliner, L., Jensen, T., (2023). The differential impact of the DSM-5 post-traumatic stress symptoms on functional impairment in traumatized children and adolescentsSpringer. doi:10.1007/s00787-023-02266-w

Hoppen, T. H., Meiser-Stedman, R., Jensen, T., Birkeland, M. S., Morina, N., (2023). Efficacy of psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents exposed to single versus multiple traumas: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsBioMed Central (BMC). doi:10.1192/bjp.2023.24

Jensen, T., Braathu, N., Birkeland, M. S., Ormhaug, S. M., & Skar, A. M. S. (2022). Complex PTSD and treatment outcomes in TF-CBT for youth: A naturalistic study. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2), 1-11. doi:10.1080/20008066.2022.2114630

Sachser, C., Berliner, L., Risch, E., Rosner, R., Birkeland, M. S., Eilers, R., Hafstad, G. S., Pfeiffer, E., Plener, P. L., & Jensen, T. (2022). The child and Adolescent Trauma Screen 2 (CATS-2) – validation of an instrument to measure DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD in children and adolescents. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2). doi:10.1080/20008066.2022.2105580

Birkeland, M. S., Skar, A. M. S., & Jensen, T. (2022). Understanding the relationships between trauma type and individual posttraumatic stress symptoms: A cross-sectional study of a clinical sample of children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. doi:10.1111/jcpp.13602

Birkeland, M. S., Thoresen, S., & Blix, I. (2021). No buffer effect of perceived social support for people exposed to violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional community study. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1-11. doi:10.1080/20008198.2021.1990551

Thoresen, S., Blix, I., Wentzel-Larsen, T., & Birkeland, M. S. (2021). Trusting others during a pandemic: Investigating potential changes in generalized trust and Its relationship with pandemic-related experiences and worry. Frontiers in Psychology, 12:698519, 1-9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698519

Askeland, I. R., Birkeland, M. S., Lømo, B., & Tjersland, O. A. (2021). Changes in Violence and Clinical Distress Among Men in Individual Psychotherapy for Violence Against Their Female Partner: An Explorative Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710294

Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., & Thoresen, S. (2021). Worry and mental health in the Covid-19 pandemic: vulnerability factors in the general Norwegian population. BMC Public Health. doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10927-1 Summary

Fosse, R., Birkeland, M. S., Blix, I., Strand, M., Møller, P., & Thoresen, S. (2020). Covid-19: Reaksjoner hos brukere av behandlings­tilbud for psykiske vansker og rusproblemer. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening, 57(11), 804-815.

Birkeland, M. S., Blix, I., & Thoresen, S. (2020). Trauma in the third decade: Ruminative coping, social relationships and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.095 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Holt, T., Ormhaug, S. M., & Jensen, T. K. (2020). Perceived social support and posttraumatic stress symptoms in children and youth in therapy: A parallel process latent growth curve model. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 132. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2020.103655 Summary

Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., & Thoresen, S. (2020). Vivid memories of distant trauma: Examining the characteristics of trauma memories and the relationship with the centrality of event and posttraumatic stress 26 years after trauma. Applied Cognitive Psychology. doi:10.1002/acp.3650 Summary

Olff, M., Amstadter, A. B., Armour, C., Birkeland, M. S., Bui, E., Cloitre, M., . . . Thoresen, S. et al. (2019). A decennial review of psychotraumatology: what did we learn and where are we going. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1), 1-24. doi:10.1080/20008198.2019.1672948

Birkeland, M. S., Greene, T., & Spiller, T. (2019). The network approach to posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11:1700614(1), 1-15. doi:10.1080/20008198.2019.1700614

Strøm, I. F., Birkeland, M. S., Aakvaag, H. F., & Thoresen, S. (2019). Trajectories of Alcohol Use and Alcohol Intoxication in Young Adults Exposed to Childhood Violence and Later Problematic Drinking Behavior. Journal of Family Violence. doi:10.1007/s10896-019-00094-8

Birkeland, M. S., Strøm, I. F., Myhre, M. C., & Thoresen, S. (2019). Am I an island? A network analysis exploring aspects of social landscapes after childhood violence. Psychological Trauma. doi:10.1037/tra0000483 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Aakvaag, H. F., Strøm, I. F., & Thoresen, S. (2019). Sosiale relasjoner som konsekvens og risikofaktor. In H. F. Aakvaag & I. F. Strøm (Red.) Vold i oppveksten: Varige spor? En longitudinell undersøkelse av reviktimisering, helse, rus og sosiale relasjoner hos unge utsatt for vold i barndommen (pp. 111-131). .

Jensen, T. K., Skar, A. M. S., Andersson, E. S., & Birkeland, M. S. (2019). Long-term mental health in unaccompanied refugee minors: Pre- and post-flight predictors. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. doi:10.1007/s00787-019-01340-6 Summary

Thoresen, S., Birkeland, M. S., Arnberg, F. K., Wentzel-Larsen, T., & Blix, I. (2019). Long-term mental health and social support in victims of disaster: comparison with a general population sample. BJPsych Open, 5(1). doi:10.1192/bjo.2018.74

Thoresen, S., Aakvaag, H. F., Strøm, I. F., Wentzel-Larsen, T., & Birkeland, M. S. (2018). Loneliness as a mediator of the relationship between shame and health problems in young people exposed to childhood violence. Social Science and Medicine, 211, 183-189. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.06.002

Thoresen, S., Birkeland, M. S., Wentzel-Larsen, T., & Blix, I. (2018). Loss of trust may never heal. Institutional trust in disaster victims in a long-term perspective: Associations with social support and mental health. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1204. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01204

Blix, I., Kanten, A. B., Birkeland, M. S., & Thoresen, S. (2018). Imagining What Could Have Happened: Types and Vividness of Counterfactual Thoughts and the Relationship With Post-traumatic Stress Reactions. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00515

"Strøm, I. F., Aakvaag, H. F., Birkeland, M. S., & Thoresen, S.Felix, E. (2018). The mediating role of shame in the relationship between childhood bullying victimization and adult psychosocial adjustment. [El papel mediador de la verguenza en la relacion entre la victimizacion por acoso en la infancia y el ajuste psicosocial de los adultos]. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 9(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2017.1418570" Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Blix, I., Solberg, Ø., & Heir, T. (2017). Gender Differences in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms after a Terrorist Attack: A Network Approach. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02091

Hansen, M., Birkeland, M. S., Nissen, A., Blix, I., Solberg, Ø., & Heir, T. (2017). Prevalence and course of symptom-defined PTSD in individuals directly or indirectly exposed to terror: A longitudinal study. Psychiatry, 80(2), 171-183. doi:10.1080/00332747.2016.1230983

Valla, L., Birkeland, M. S., Hofoss, D., & Slinning, K. (2017). Developmental pathways in infants from 4 to 24 months. Child: Care, Health and Development, 43(4), 546-555. doi:10.1111/cch.12467

Birkeland, M. S., & Heir, T. (2017). Making connections: exploring the centrality of posttraumatic stress symptoms and covariates after a terrorist attack. European Journal of Psychotraumatology. doi:10.1080/20008198.2017.1333387

Birkeland, M. S., Nielsen, M. B., Hansen, M., Knardahl, S., & Heir, T. (2017). Like a bridge over troubled water? A longitudinal study of general social support, colleague support, and leader support as recovery factors after a traumatic event. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 8(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2017.1302692 Summary

Nielsen, M. B., Birkeland, M. S., Hansen, M., Knardahl, S., & Heir, T. (2017). Victimization from workplace bullying after a traumatic event: time-lagged relationships with symptoms of posttraumatic stress. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 90(5), 411-421. doi:10.1007/s00420-017-1204-4

Birkeland, M. S., Hansen, M., Blix, I., Solberg, Ø., & Heir, T. (2017). For Whom Does Time Heal Wounds? Individual Differences in Stability and Change in Posttraumatic Stress after the 2011 Oslo Bombing. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(1), 19-26. doi:10.1002/jts.22158 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Nielsen, M. B., Hansen, M., Knardahl, S., & Heir, T. (2017). The impact of a workplace terrorist attack on employees' perceptions of leadership: A longitudinal study from pre- to postdisaster. Leadership Quarterly, 28(5), 659-671. doi:10.1016/j.leaqua.2017.01.002 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Blix, I., Solberg, Ø., & Heir, T. (2017). Does optimism act as a buffer against posttraumatic stress over time? A longitudinal study of the protective role of optimism after the 2011 Oslo bombing. Psychological Trauma, 9(2), 207-213. doi:10.1037/tra0000188 Summary

Valla, L., Wentzel-Larsen, T., Smith, L., Birkeland, M. S., & Slinning, K. (2016). Association between maternal postnatal depressive symptoms and infants' communication skills: A longitudinal study. Infant Behavior and Development, 45, 83-90. doi:10.1016/j.infbeh.2016.10.001

Blix, I., Kanten, A. B., Birkeland, M. S., Solberg, Ø., Nissen, A., & Heir, T. (2016). Thinking About What Might Have Happened: Counterfactual Thinking and Post-traumatic Stress in Individuals Directly and Indirectly Exposed to the 2011 Oslo Bombing. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 30(6), 983-991. doi:10.1002/acp.3289 Summary

Solberg, Ø., Birkeland, M. S., Blix, I., Hansen, M., & Heir, T. (2016). Towards an exposure-dependent model of Posttraumatic stress: Longitudinal Course of Posttraumatic stress Symptomatology and Functional Impairment after the 2011 Oslo Bombing. Psychological Medicine, 46(15), 3241-3254. doi:10.1017/S0033291716001860 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Knatten, C. K., Hansen, M., Hem, C., & Heir, T. (2016). Long-term relationships between perceived social support and posttraumatic stress after the 2011 Oslo bombing: A three-year longitudinal study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 202, 230-235. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.037 Summary

Holsen, I., & Birkeland, M. S. (2016). Course, predictors, and outcomes of depressed mood in a cohort of Norwegian adolescents followed from age 13 into adulthood age 30. Emerging Adulthood, 5(1), 3. doi:10.1177/2167696816635810

Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., Solberg, Ø., Hansen, M., & Heir, T. (2016). The Launching and Ensnaring Effects of Construing a Traumatic Event as Central to One's Identity and Life Story. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 30(4), 526-531. doi:10.1002/acp.3224 Summary

Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., Hansen, M., & Heir, T. (2016). Posttraumatic Growth—An Antecedent and Outcome of Posttraumatic Stress: Cross-Lagged Associations Among Individuals Exposed to Terrorism. Clinical Psychological Science, 4(4), 620-628. doi:10.1177/2167702615615866 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Nielsen, M. B., Knardahl, S., & Heir, T. (2015). Time-lagged relationships between leadership behaviors and psychological distress after a workplace terrorist attack. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 89(4), 689-697. doi:10.1007/s00420-015-1106-2 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Nielsen, M. B., Knardahl, S., & Heir, T. (2015). Associations between work environment and psychological distress after a workplace terror attack: The importance of role expectations, predictability and leader support. PLOS ONE, 10(3). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119492 Summary

Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., Hansen, M., & Heir, T. (2015). Posttraumatic Growth and Centrality of Event: A Longitudinal Study in the Aftermath of the 2011 Oslo Bombing. Psychological Trauma, 7(1), 18-23. doi:10.1037/tra0000006 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Hafstad, G. S., Blix, I., & Heir, T. (2015). Latent classes of posttraumatic stress and growth. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 28(3), 272-286. doi:10.1080/10615806.2014.956097 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Torsheim, T., Leversen, I., & Wold, B. (2014). Pathways to adulthood and their precursors and outcomes. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 55(1), 26-32. doi:10.1111/sjop.12087

Birkeland, M. S., Breivik, K., & Wold, B. (2014). Peer acceptance protects global self-esteem from negative effects of low closeness to parents during adolescence and early adulthood. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(1), 70-80. doi:10.1007/s10964-013-9929-1

Blix, I., Hansen, M., Birkeland, M. S., Nissen, A., & Heir, T. (2013). Posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress and psychological adjustment in the aftermath of the 2011 Oslo bombing attack. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 11:160. doi:10.1186/1477-7525-11-160 Summary

Birkeland, M. S., Melkevik, O., Holsen, I., & Wold, B. (2012). Trajectories of global self-esteem development during adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 35(1), 43-54. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.06.006

Leversen, I., Danielsen, A. G., Birkeland, M. S., & Samdal, O. (2012). Basic psychological need satisfaction in leisure activities and adolescents' life satisfaction. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 41(12), 1588-1599. doi:10.1007/s10964-012-9776-5

Holsen, I., Jones, D. C., & Birkeland, M. S. (2012). Body image satisfaction among Norwegian adolescents and young adults: A longitudinal study of the influence of interpersonal relationships and BMI. Body image, 9(2), 201-208. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2012.01.006

Birkeland, M. S., Rimehaug, T., Arefjord, K., & Jøraas, T. (2009). Klienters erfaringer med e-terapi som tillegg til vanlig psykoterapi. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening, 46(4), 348-354.

Jøraas, E., Rimehaug, T., Birkeland, M. S., & Arefjord, K. (2009). E-terapi som supplement i poliklinisk oppfølging av ungdom – en kvalitativ studie av terapeuterfaringer. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening, 46(4), 355-361.

Birkeland, M. S., Torsheim, T., & Wold, B. (2009). A longitudinal study of the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and depressed mood among adolescents. Psychology of Sport And Exercise, 10(1), 25-34. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2008.01.005

Birkeland, M. S., Rimehaug, T., Arefjord, K., Jøraas, T., (2009). Klienters erfaringer med e-terapi som tillegg til vanlig psykoterapi. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening.

Books and dissertations

Birkeland, M. S. (2013). Development of global self-esteem. (Doktorgradsavhandling).

Reports

Birkeland, M. S., Blestad, C., Granly, L., Knutsen, M. L., Ormhaug, S. M., Skar, A. S., Jensen, T., (2024). Femten år med forskning på og implementering av traumefokusert kognitiv atferdsterapi (TF-CBT) i Norge.

Bøe, H. J., Nordstrand, A. E., Engen, H. G., Gjerstad, C. L., Bakker, L. P., Thoresen, S., Birkeland, M. S., & Blix, I. (2021). Afghanistanundersøkelsen 2020, Veteraners erfaringer, helse og livskvalitet etter tjeneste i Afghanistan 2001-2020 Norwegian only. Oslo: Forsvaret.

Thoresen, S., Andreassen, A. L., Arnberg, F. K., Birkeland, M. S., Blix, I., & Hjorthol, T. (2017). Scandinavian Star: Erfaringer og helse hos overlevende og etterlatte etter 26 år [Scandinavian Star] Norwegian only. (Rapport 5/2017). Summary

Samdal, O., Bye, H. H., Torsheim, T., Birkeland, M. S., Diseth, Å., Fismen, A. S., . . . Wold, B. et al. (2012). Sosial ulikhet i helse og læring blant barn og unge: Resultater fra den landsrepresentative spørreskjemaundersøkelsen ”Helsevaner blant skoleleelver. En WHO-undersøkelse i flere land” Norwegian only.

Other publications

Birkeland, M. S., Sundnes, J., (2024). Advancing the understanding and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder with computational modellingTaylor & Francis.

Ormhaug, S. M., Augusti, E., Birkeland, M. S., Bræin, M. K., Evang, A., Hafstad, G. S., Hansen, L. S., Jensen, T., Knutsen, M. L., Løken, P. M. H., Michaelsen, K., Moen, L. H., Päivärinne, H. M., Simonsen, A. H., Skar, A. S., Øverland, K., Øverlien, C., (2023). Barn trenger rom til å fortelle. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening.

Ormhaug, S. M., Augusti, E., Birkeland, M. S., Bræin, M. K., Evang, A., Hafstad, G. S., Hansen, L. S., Jensen, T., Knutsen, M. L., Løken, P. M. H., Michaelsen, K., Moen, L. H., Päivärinne, H. M., Simonsen, A. H., Skar, A. S., Øverland, K., Øverlien, C., (2023). Angsten for å snakke med barn om vold og overgrep. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening.

Ormhaug, S. M., Jensen, T., Øverland, K., Augusti, E., Birkeland, M. S., Bræin, M. K., Evang, A., Hafstad, G. S., Hansen, L. S., Øverlien, C., (2023). Barn trenger rom til å fortelle. Vi må unngå å skape usikkerhet om det er greit å snakke med barn om vold.. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening.

Birkeland, M. S., Skar, A. M. S., & Jensen, T. (2022). Å bli alvorlig mobbet på skolen kan skade like mye som vold i hjemmet. Forskersonen.no.

Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., & Thoresen, S. (2021). Covid-19 og psykisk helse: Hvem har hatt det verst, og hvilke grupper bør vi prioritere nå. Forskersonen.no.

Jensen, T. K., Skar, A. M. S., Andersson, E. S., & Birkeland, M. S. (2020). Correction to: Long-term mental health in unaccompanied refugee minors: pre- and post-flight predictors (European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, (2019), 28, 12, (1671-1682), 10.1007/s00787-019-01340-6). European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(8), 1169. doi:10.1007/s00787-019-01369-7

Thoresen, S., Blix, I., Birkeland, M. S., & Andreassen, A. L. (2020). Cope covid-19: helse og bekymringer under pandemien [] Norwegian only. Oslo: Nasjonalt kunnskapssenter om vold og traumatisk stress.

Birkeland, M. S. (2009). Tilknytning og sosiale relasjoners betydning for ungdommers selvtillit. Impuls : Tidsskrift for psykologi, 63(2), 90-99.

Birkeland, M. S., Arefjord, K., Rimehaug, T., (2005). E-therapy as a supplement to traditional face-to-face therapy. A qualitative study of psychologists' and clients' experiences

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