About
I am an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University and the University of South-Eastern Norway. My research explores how emotions, movement, and nature experiences shape health and well-being across the lifespan.
Drawing on perspectives from environmental psychology, culture studies, movement science, outdoor studies, and public health, I investigate how embodied experiences influence nature connectedness, sustainability, health, and learning processes, with particular interest in social-relational emotions such as kama muta (“being moved”) and awe.
I am particularly interested in outdoor learning, sensory and embodied pedagogy, nature-based education, and movement experiences in early childhood and higher education.
Another area of my research focuses on balance, footwear, and fall prevention in older adults and clinical populations with neurological impairments, including barefoot and minimalist footwear interventions.
My methodological expertise spans qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, including interview methodology, phenomenology, photo elicitation, experimental designs, and survey-based studies.
I am involved in interdisciplinary and international research collaborations related to nature, health, movement, sustainability, and education, and I welcome opportunities for PhD supervision, invited talks, and roles as an external examiner or viva committee member.
Administrative field of work
Research groups
Research projects
Ongoing research projects
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Holistic approach to increased student exchange in early childhood education (HETBLU)
The HETBLU project aims to strengthen the culture for internationalization and increased student exchange at early childhood institutions.
-
Outdoor Learning in Higher Education (OLHE)
The project aims to strengthen knowledge, skills, and practices related to outdoor learning (OL) in higher education across Europe.
Publications and research
Scientific publications
Houe, Kirsten Wielandt; Bischoff, Annette;
Petersen, Evi
(2025).
A new path, or the same as yesterday? – An intervention study on experienced recreational qualities of everyday nature walks.
Cities & Health.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23748834.2025.2578109
Broch, Tuva Beyer; Keller, Rose;
Petersen, Evi
(2024).
Water symphonies. Teaching silent soundscapes and
tranquillity.
Brown, Mike (Ed.).
The Ocean, Blue Spaces and Outdoor Learning.
Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003272496-8
Brambilla, Elena;
Petersen, Evi
; Stendal, Karen; Sundling, Vibeke; MacIntyre, Tadhg E.; Calogiuri, Giovanna
(2024).
Effects of immersive virtual nature on nature connectedness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Digital Health.
Vol. 10.
https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241234639
Broch, Tuva Beyer; Keller, Rose;
Petersen, Evi
(2024).
Water Symphonies: Teaching silent soundscapes and tranquility.
Brown, Mike (Ed.).
The Ocean, Blue Spaces and Outdoor Learning.
Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003272496
Nigg, Carina;
Petersen, Evi
; Intyre, Tadhg Mac
(2023).
Natural environments, psychosocial health, and health behaviors in a crisis – A scoping review of the literature in the COVID-19 context.
Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Vol. 88.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102009
Calogiuri, Giovanna;
Petersen, Evi
; Haile, Amelia; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred; Litleskare, Sigbjørn
(2023).
The impact of visualization techniques of immersive virtual scenarios in promoting nature connectedness: A blind randomized controlled trial with mixed-methods approach.
Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Vol. 90.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102102
Calogiuri, Giovanna;
Petersen, Evi
; Rossi, Alessio;
Terragni, Laura
(2023).
The significance of green exercise for the health and wellbeing of Italian immigrants in Norway: a mixed-methods study.
BMC Public Health.
Vol. 23.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16375-3
Brambilla, Elena;
Petersen, Evi
; Stendal, Karen; Sundling, Vibeke; Intyre, Tadhg Mac; Calogiuri, Giovanna
(2022).
Effects of immersive virtual nature on nature connectedness: A systematic review protocol.
Digital Health.
Vol. 8.
https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221120324
Murphy, Cassandra; MacCarthy, Danielle;
Petersen, Evi
(2022).
Emerging Concepts Exploring the Role of Nature for Health and Well-Being.
Brears, Robert (Ed.).
The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures.
Palgrave Macmillan.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51812-7_250-1
Hollander, Karsten;
Petersen, Evi
; Zech, Astrid; Hamacher, Daniel
(2022).
Effects of barefoot vs. shod walking during indoor and outdoor conditions in younger and older adults.
Gait & Posture.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.04.024
