- 10:00: Trial lecture
- 12:00: Public defence
The ordinary opponents are:
- First opponent: Associate Professor Ruth Palmer, IE University, Spain
- Second opponent: Professor Lisbeth Morlandstø, Nord University
- Leader of the committee: Associate Professor Dag Karterud, OsloMet
The main supervisor is Professor Tine Ustad Figenschou, OsloMet. The co-supervisor is Professor Ann Kristin Bjørnnes, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN).
Thesis abstract
Mental Health, Media, and Ethics: When Private Struggles Become Public Stories.
How does it affect people when their most vulnerable moments are shared with a national TV audience? This project explores the ethical and personal implications of participating in Norwegian television documentaries about mental health.
Drawing on examples from well-known series like "Five Days Inside," "True Selfie," "Voices in My Head," and "Insane," the research examines what happens when individuals with mental health challenges share their stories on screen.
The study highlights both the opportunities and challenges of this increasing openness. On one hand, personal stories in the media can help reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental illness. On the other hand, being filmed during difficult times can create new forms of vulnerability and dependency for participants — especially when they are hospitalized or in treatment.
The research shows that while some participants find sharing their experiences meaningful, others regret, and experience distress.
Findings
A key focus is the complex relationship between media professionals, healthcare staff, and participants. The research finds that the power dynamics in these relationships can affect how participants experience the process, and that ethical responsibilities are sometimes unclear when journalistic and healthcare values meet.
The study argues for better care for participants, including clearer contracts and more attention to their needs and vulnerabilities.
By combining historical analysis of newspaper coverage with interviews from recent TV productions, the project offers new insights into how mental health is represented in Norwegian media, and how openness is both encouraged and managed.
The findings are relevant for journalists, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of media, ethics, and mental health.
