R E S E A R C H   F O C U S

The main aim is to perform basic research and translational research related to negative stress exposure and it’s consequences for general health and disease – mental and physical. Negative stress exposure comprises prenatal stress, early life stress, stress in adolescence and adult life which may be acute or chronic or of more traumatic character. Negative stress is here defined as events which affects the individual’s stress-response system beyond normal regulation. For humans, the perception of coping and resources is of importance. Specific research areas that are associated with negative stress are gastrointestinal disorders and disease, sleep disorders, depression,  anxiety, behavioral changes, changes within the brain, and effects related to drug and alcohol abuse.  Research methods comprise experimental quantitative designs and range from animal models to psychological and clinical assessment of adults and children, with particular emphasis on early childhood experiences. We engage in both vulnerability factors and factors related to resilience.