In the Young in Norway Study we have studied a variety of aspects of the lives of adolescents and young adults. We have examined young people’s living conditions, friends and family, identity, recreational activities, mental health and education, to mention a few.
You can read more about selected topics from the Young in Norway Study below.
Loneliness
Adolescence and early adulthood can be demanding. Ties to parents loosen, at the same time as we must handle changing relationships with friends. Many form romantic relationships, but not everyone. Some may experience increasing feelings of loneliness during this period. Studies show that many students of higher education experience loneliness and isolation. How many have felt lonely and how does loneliness develop over time?
Use of Cannabis
Norwegian drug policy has changed substantially in recent years and there are ongoing discussions about decriminalizing the use of drugs. Cannabis has a unique position among illegal drugs, with the by far highest number of users. How does cannabis use change during adolescence and young adulthood?
Christianity, sex and relationships
Christian beliefs have historically played a major part in how young people choose to live out their sexuality. But how are Christian beliefs related to sexual behavior nowadays?
Read more about the Christianity, sex and relationships topic here
Gender differences in mental health problems
It is well established knowledge that adult women suffer about twice as often from depressions than men. However, when the Young in Norway Study started, we knew little about why and when these gender differences developed. Young in Norway was one of the first studies to provide information about this issue.
Read more about the gender differences in mental health problems here
Sports, alcohol and smoking
Most people have their experiences with substance use during adolescence. One of the topics we wanted examine was whether participation in sports is related to use of substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
Self-esteem, appearance and friendships
Adolescence is a period in life where we form our identity and explore who we are. Many may experience feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem during this time. In the Youth in Norway Study, we have examined whether adolescents actually have low self-esteem and whether it increases with increasing age.
Read more about the self-esteem, appearance and friendships topic here
Social support during adolescence and early adulthood
One of the challenges in adolescence and young adulthood is achieving independence. As a consequence, parents may become less important, while friendships with peers may become more important. But can we be sure to find such changes across adolescence and young adulthood? In the Young in Norway Study we asked who one would reach out to in a time of crisis, for instance when experiencing a personal problem or when getting arrested by the police.