Willy Pedersen

• Tamnes, Christian K.; Bekkhus, Mona; Eilertsen, Maja; Nes, Ragnhild Bang; Prydz, Monica Beer & Ystrom, Eivind [Vis alle 63 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2025). The nature of the relation between mental well-being and ill-being. Nature Human Behaviour. 9(12), s. 2431–2440. doi: 10.1038/s41562-025-02319-x. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Frøyland, Lars Roar; Pedersen, Willy; Enstad, Frøydis & Soest, Tilmann Martin von (2025). School party culture as a driver of cocaine use among Norwegian adolescents: A cross-classified multilevel analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 271. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112627. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Adolescent substance use typically occurs within peer contexts and is influenced by characteristics of neighborhoods and the cultural environments of the schools adolescents attend. This study aimed to (i) examine variation in cocaine use among adolescents in Oslo, Norway, based on neighborhood of residence and high school affiliation; (ii) assess the significance of school-based party cultures; and (iii) identify individual-level correlates. Methods: The study used data from the Young in Oslo 2023 survey, which collected information from a population-based sample of senior high school students (n = 9741) residing in 95 neighborhoods and attending 25 schools. Participants completed e-questionnaires with information on cocaine use, neighborhood and school affiliation, school-based party cultures, sociodemographic variables, and potential correlates of cocaine use. The data were analyzed using cross-classified multilevel models (CCMM). Results: Of all adolescents, 9.3 % had used cocaine in the previous year. A CCMM including neighborhood and school showed an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.004 for neighborhood and 0.106 for school, indicating that 10.6 % of the variance in cocaine use was linked to school affiliation, while neighborhood variations were negligible. Including school party culture decreased the ICC for school to 0.055, suggesting this measure accounted for half the school-level variance. Further adjustments for individual-level correlates reduced the ICC to 0.028. The most significant individual factors were male gender, alcohol intoxication, and peers use of illicit drugs. Conclusions: Certain youth milieus characterized by heavy-drinking boys and school-based party cultures increased cocaine use. Targeting these environments may be effective in prevention work.

• Tokle, Rikke & Pedersen, Willy (2025). ‘Cubs of Wall Street’: Cocaine Use in Top-Boy Culture. British Journal of Sociology. ISSN 0007-1315. 76(4), s. 757–766. doi: 10.1111/1468-4446.13212. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Although cocaine use is rising among youth in many countries, little is known about the social context and its influence on this new pattern of use. Drawing on a theoretical framework of class, gender, and peer-status dynamics and extensive data from personal interviews, we investigate how cocaine use is culturally situated and socially organised in certain Norwegian high school cultures. The focal sample consists of study participants who stated that they had used cocaine. They totalled 32 persons, of whom 28 were boys. We identify four key cultural characteristics linked to cocaine use: (i) affluence: users often had backgrounds rich in economic capital; (ii) a party-centred culture: cocaine was introduced in contexts with excessive partying and binge drinking; (iii) top-level networks: cocaine use was linked to exclusive social networks, based in Norwegian high school graduation celebrations; and (iv) masculinity: boys used more cocaine than girls, to boost their energy and self-confidence. We conclude that the key driver of cocaine use is a structurally determined socialisation pattern, which we theorise as a ‘top-boy’ culture. This culture is anchored in status-seeking elite school milieus characterised by affluence, heavy partying, and exclusive homosocial networks. Boys invested in this culture may engage in cocaine use to signal membership and to mimic the hallmark of ‘ease’, in accordance with a rather orthodox type of masculinity. Whereas youth cultures often represent pockets of resistance to traditional hierarchies, this culture instead seems to strengthen such established hierarchical arrangements.

• Schwencke, Ellen Oftedal; Berger, Eirik Jerven & Pedersen, Willy (2024). «Vi er jo ikke stonere»: bruk av cannabis og symbolske grenser blant ungdommer vest i Oslo. Norsk sosiologisk tidsskrift. 8(1), s. 1–15. doi: 10.18261/nost.8.1.2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Bruk av illegale rusmidler forbindes ofte med lav sosial klasse og belastede områder i store byer. Det er derfor et paradoks at ungdommers bruk av cannabis, det mest utbredte illegale rusmiddelet i Norge, er høyere i velstående Oslo vest enn i Oslo øst. Få studier belyser hvorfor og hvordan ungdommer fra slike områder bruker cannabis. I artikkelen viser vi hvilke former for cannabisbruk som aksepteres, og hvilke som sanksjoneres negativt blant ungdom fra Oslo vest. Data er kvalitative intervjuer med 20 ungdommer, alle med høy sosioøkonomisk bakgrunn og erfaringer med cannabis. Vi bruker et Bourdieu-inspirert teoretisk rammeverk hvor begrepet «ease» er sentralt, samt teori om symbolske grenser og kjønn. Bruken av cannabis blir regulert av et restriktivt sett normer ved at den (1) må foregå sammen med andre og ikke når ungdommene er alene; (2) det må skje «for gøy», ikke fordi de «trenger det»; (3) og de må ikke bruke stoffet for ofte. Gjennom normsettet etableres symbolske grenser til en stereotyp og avvikende «stoner-identitet». Funnene speiler ungdommenes klasseposisjon, hvor selvsikkerhet og ease er viktig i møtet med noe som har potensial til å bli assosiert med både kriminalitet og sosial marginalitet. Kjønnsspesifikke normer legger føringer på bruken av cannabis. Jentenes bruk innen maskulint definerte kontekster kan gi dem en opplevelse av frihet og åpne for en mer kompleks femininitet. Guttene iscenesetter en «mykere maskulinitet» på en annen måte enn ved hard drikking.

• Pedersen, Willy; Frøyland, Lars Roar; Enstad, Frøydis & Soest, Tilmann Martin von (2024). Oslo – den delte byen: ungdom, rus og sosioøkonomisk status. Forebygging.no. doi: 10.21340/pe70-hr10. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Oslo er delt i en velstående vestlig del og en fattigere østlig del. Vi undersøker mønstre av bruk av alkohol, cannabis og kokain blant ungdommer fra 16 til 19 år (N = 10 595) i ulike deler av byen, mens vi spesielt ser på betydningen av sosioøkonomisk status (SØS). Ungdom i de vestlige bydelene hadde mye høyere andeler som har vært beruset av alkohol. Multivariate analyser viste at SØS-indikatorer både på bydelsnivå og i familien statistisk forklarte det meste av forskjellene. Bruken av cannabis var mest utbredt i de indre bydelene, men statistisk forklarte ikke SØS verken på bydelsnivå eller i familien noe av dette mønsteret. Bruken av kokain var høyst i de indre og vestlige delene av byen. Statistisk var det ingen sammenheng til SØS i familien, men høy SØS på bydelsnivå ga økt sannsynlighet for bruk. Flerbruk av de ulike rusmidlene var utbredt, med en kombinasjon av alkohol og cannabis som mest vanlig, mens en betydelig gruppe hadde brukt alle tre rusmidler. Alkoholberuselse er altså mest utbredt i områder

• Berger, Eirik Jerven; Sandberg, Sveinung & Pedersen, Willy (2024). Dealing blant fattige og rike. Forebygging.no. doi: 10.21340/h57v-g689. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  En lang tradisjon av forskere har belyst dealing i gatekulturer. Miljøene som har blitt belyst, har vært sosialt marginale, og selgerne har ikke hatt tilgang på noe særlig kulturell eller økonomisk kapital, som ellers er vanlige kilder til selvrespekt. Men i Oslo er både bruken av illegale rusmidler og omfanget av dealingen høyere i de velstående og vestlige bydelene enn i de fattigere østlige delene av byen. Det er lite forskning på salg av illegale rusmidler i velstående områder, selv om noen få amerikanske studier peker mot at dealere i slike miljøer kommer fra samme bakgrunn som kundene sine, de er gjerne lite synlige, de tar ikke del i vold og oppdages sjelden av politiet. I denne studien trekker vi på to datasett: en studie av åpent salg i indre Oslo øst og en av mer skjult dealing i velstående vestlige deler av byen. Den østlige scenen var preget av marginaliserte unge menn med etnisk minoritetsbakgrunn. Vold og kontakt med politiet var del av hverdagen. Dealerne i de vestlige bydelene var ikke involvert i vold, men de var preget av en relativ marginalisering, sammenliknet med jevnaldrende i deres miljøer. De kom dessuten fra familier med noe dårligere økonomi enn det som var typisk i deres omgivelser. Flertallet hadde hatt kontakt med politiet på grunn av salget. Det er altså større likheter mellom dealerne i de fattigere og mer velstående delene av Oslo enn en kunne ha forventet basert på tidligere forskning.

• Pedersen, Willy; Røgeberg, Ole & Holst, Cathrine (2023). Nederlag for rusreformen? Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS). ISSN 0040-716X. 64(2), s. 126–146. doi: 10.18261/TFS.64.2.2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Rusreformutvalget ble nedsatt av Solberg-regjeringen i 2018 og anbefalte å avkriminalisere bruk av narkotika. Vi plasserer reformforslaget i en historisk kontekst og belyser debatten med vekt på hvordan forskning ble brukt i prosessen. Materialet er høringsuttalelsene som ble levert inn (N = 247). Norsk narkotikapolitikk er tuftet på visjonen om et harmonisk samarbeid mellom helse, sosial og justis. Forskere fra «den samfunnsvitenskapelige opposisjonen» advarte imidlertid fra 1970-tallet mot kriminaliseringens kostnader som tvangsmiddelbruk og stigmatisering. Men kritikken fikk først politisk kraft da brukerorganisasjonene vokste frem etter år 2000. I høringsrunden var tvang og stigmatisering begrunnelser for reform fra brukerorganisasjonene. Politiet og påtalemyndigheten var negative til reformen, som de mente kunne bidra til økt bruk av narkotika. Reformtilhengerne hevdet at kriminaliseringens forebyggende effekt var for usikker til å rettferdiggjøre kriminaliseringen, gitt de negative konsekvensene for brukerne. Motstanderne mente at usikkerheten talte imot å avvikle kriminaliseringen, gitt muligheten for økt bruk – en bekymring som ofte er underbygget med henvisning til forskere ved Folkehelseinstituttet. Det var få referanser til forskning rundt kriminaliseringens kostnader av den typen den samfunnsvitenskapelige narkotikaopposisjonen i sin tid sto for. Derimot støttet de som ønsket reform seg til uttalelser fra ulike FN-organer, som Verdens helseorganisasjon, samt Den europeiske menneskerettighetskonvensjon.

• Frøyland, Lars Roar; Pedersen, Willy; Stefansen, Kari & Soest, Tilmann Martin von (2023). Sexual and Physical Victimization and Health Correlates Among Norwegian Adolescents. Archives of Sexual Behavior. ISSN 0004-0002. 52, s. 2767–2777. doi: 10.1007/s10508-023-02604-8. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Large-scale epidemiological studies have documented that many children and adolescents are exposed to different forms of victimization experiences. However, such population-based studies have rarely examined how specific types of victimization are correlated with health indicators. Thus, we investigated sexual victimization, physical victimization by parents, and physical victimization by peers and their associations with sexual health, mental health, and substance use. We gathered data from a nationally representative sample of Norwegian 18–19-year-old students in their final year of senior high school (N = 2075; 59.1% girls). The analyses showed that 12.1% of the adolescents reported sexual victimization experiences. Physical victimization was more prevalent: 19.5% of the respondents had been exposed to victimization from parents and 18.9% from peers. Multivariate analyses revealed specific associations between sexual victimization and a range of sexual health indicators, such as early sexual intercourse debut, many sexual partners, engaging in sex without contraception while intoxicated, and participating in sexual acts for payment. Neither physical victimization from parents nor from peers were correlated with these variables. However, all three forms of victimization were associated with impaired mental health and potential substance use problems. We conclude that a variety of victimization experiences should be addressed in policies for prevention of adolescent mental health and substance use problems. In addition, a special emphasis is warranted regarding sexual victimization: Sexual health policies should address such potential experiences in addition to more traditional themes such as reproductive health and should also include low-threshold services for young victims of sexual victimization.

• Berger, Eirik Jerven; Pedersen, Willy & Sandberg, Sveinung (2022). Pathways to Drug Dealing in the Middle and Upper Classes: Early Marginalization, Relative Disadvantage and Countercultural Opposition. British Journal of Criminology. ISSN 0007-0955. 63(4), s. 889–905. doi: 10.1093/bjc/azac063. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Drug dealing is widespread in all sectors of society but is still studied predominantly in disadvantaged urban areas. We identify three main pathways to drug dealing based on qualitative interviews with middle- and upper-class individuals in Oslo, Norway. First, problems in the family and school and a lack of belonging in affluent neighbourhoods intersected with drug use and eventually led to recruitment into the illegal drug economy. Second, criminal entrepreneurship developed among relatively disadvantaged people who dealt drugs in an affluent low-risk context. Third, dealing emerged from involvement in drug liberalization and medical marihuana countercultures. The first pathway is similar to trajectories in disadvantaged urban areas, while the others reveal the importance of studying drug dealing in the upper layers of society.

• Pedersen, Willy; Mastekaasa, Arne & Soest, Tilmann von (2022). Cannabis and Tobacco Use Among Young People and Labor Market Outcomes in Midlife: A 23-Year Population-Based Longitudinal Study. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. ISSN 1937-1888. 83(5), s. 731–739. doi: 10.15288/jsad.21-00311. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Enstad, Frøydis; Pedersen, Willy & Soest, Tilmann von (2022). Adolescent and young adult drunkenness and future educational attainment and labour market integration: A population-based longitudinal study. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. ISSN 1937-1888. 84(1), s. 109–117. doi: 10.15288/jsad.21-00395. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objective: Drunkenness is common among youth and has been linked to injuries and other acute consequences as well as subsequent alcohol problems. Less is known about the long-term consequences of drunkenness regarding future education and labour market integration, and how risk changes during the developmental course. We identify trajectories of drunkenness from early adolescence to young adulthood and examine how drunkenness is associated with subsequent outcomes in the domains of education, income, and unemployment and disability. Method: We use four-wave longitudinal data from 3,116 participants (1,428 men, 1,688 women) from the population-based Young in Norway Study (ages 13 to 31). Questionnaire data on drunkenness were linked to register data on subsequent educational and occupational outcomes. Results: The frequency of drunkenness during the past 12 months increased from ages 13 to 21, followed by a levelling off and decline from age 25 to 31. Early drunkenness (at age 13) was related to lower educational attainment, lower income, and higher risk for disability and unemployment at age 32; yet, after control for covariates most of these associations became nonsignificant. Later drunkenness (> 21 years) was either not associated or inversely associated with educational and employment outcomes. Conclusions: Results indicate that the effect of drunkenness changes during the developmental course. In early teenage years, drunkenness seems to be a marker of risk and linked to poor educational outcomes and weak labour market integration. From the early twenties, drunkenness instead seems to be related to positive educational and work-related outcomes.

• Hart, Rannveig Kaldager; Pedersen, Willy & Skardhamar, Torbjørn (2022). Blowing in the wind? Testing the effect of weather on the spatial distribution of crime using Generalized Additive Models. Crime Science. 11(1). doi: 10.1186/s40163-022-00171-2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Oslo, the capital of Norway, is situated in a North European cool climate zone. We investigate the effect of weather on the overall level of crime in the city, as well as the impact of different aspects of weather (temperature, wind speed, precipitation) on the spatial distribution of crime, net of both total level of crime, time of day and seasonality. Geocoded locations of criminal offences were combined with data on temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) allowed us to map level of and the spatial distribution of crime, and how it was impacted by weather, in a more robust manner than in previous studies. There was slightly more crime in pleasurable weather (i.e. low precipitation and wind speed and high temperatures). However, neither temperature, precipitation nor wind speed impacted the spatial distribution of crime in the city.

• Pedersen, Willy (2022). Rus, ritualer og ruspolitikk. I Frønes, Ivar & Kjølsrød, Lise (Red.), Det norske samfunn - Bind 3. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205572324. s. 176–196. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bilgrei, Ola Røed; Bakken, Anders & Pedersen, Willy (2021). Når ungdom ruser seg. I Ødegård, Guro & Pedersen, Willy (Red.), UNGDOMMEN. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202732998. s. 255–274. doi: 10.23865/noasp.142.ch11. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Traditionally, the use of cannabis has been associated with more deviance and psychosocial problems than the use of alcohol among adolescents in Norway. Drawing on national survey data, we present trends in the use of both substances since the early nineties and ask: Are cannabis users still characterized by more psychosocial problems compared to those who only drink alcohol? Moreover, how do young people evaluate the health harms associated with alcohol and cannabis use? We show that the use of alcohol declined rapidly after the turn of the millennium, while the use of cannabis currently seems to be on the rise. Immigration from non-European countries is associated with the reduction in alcohol use. However, adolescents with backgrounds from certain countries, particularly in the Middle East, combine alcohol abstinence with the use of cannabis. Overall, the cannabis users are more frequently involved in rule-breaking behaviour and have poorer mental health compared to those who only drink alcohol, although they are quite similar to alcohol users in terms of relations to friends, peers and school. We also find that the youngest adolescents rate cannabis as much more harmful than alcohol. However, by the age of 17–18, boys rate alcohol as slightly more harmful than cannabis. Finally, we discuss these findings in relation to the increasing digitalisation of young people’s lives.

• Pedersen, Willy & Ødegård, Guro (2021). Norsk ungdomsforskning. Røtter og samtidsforståelser. I Ødegård, Guro & Pedersen, Willy (Red.), UNGDOMMEN. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202732998. doi: 10.23865/noasp.142. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Throughout the 1950s, as psychology, sociology and criminology developed as academic disciplines in Norway, researchers within these disciplines began publishing scattered reports on youth. In the 1970s and ‘80s, The Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (the so-called Birmingham school) became a global inspiration for youth researchers. In Norway, the Centre’s studies on e.g. style and resistance in particular were replicated by qualitative youth researchers. However, the establishment of UNGforsk in 1991 fundamentally changed the youth research milieu in Norway. Over the course of a few years, a group of 15–20 researchers developed a secure base and continued to publish studies based on qualitative interviews and fieldwork. However, the defining features of the milieu were representative surveys of youth in numerous local communities and a large and national representative longitudinal study – Young in Norway. The participants in this study are now in their mid-40s and are still followed up in surveys and register data. UNGforsk gradually became part of the Norwegian Social Research (NOVA) institute at Oslo Metropolitan University. After 30 years, the youth research section still remains the key youth research institution in Norway. A rich and solid infrastructure of regular national surveys (UNGDATA), annual conferences and a Nordic youth research journal has developed through the institute. Its research is continually cited in mainstream Norwegian media, and the researchers regularly take part in expert groups developing Norwegian youth policy.

• Pedersen, Willy; Slagstad, Ketil & Soest, Tilmann von (2021). Nye seksualiteter, nye kjønn? I Ødegård, Guro & Pedersen, Willy (Red.), UNGDOMMEN. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202732998. s. 295–315. doi: 10.23865/noasp.142.ch13. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Fifty years ago, the concept “sexual script” was coined to describe sexual activities as social and learned interactions. Such scripts gradually change, however, and result in what we may label “generational sexualities”. Drawing on such theory and the Young in Oslo data set, we show that age of first heterosexual intercourse, perhaps contrary to expectations, has increased over the past two decades. We also show how debut age reflects sociodemographic and area-related characteristics in Oslo: Adolescents in the wealthy areas have a lower sexual debut age than those living in less affluent parts of the city. This pattern, however, varies with factors such as immigration, religion and the use of alcohol and social media. Further, we show that one in five no longer define themselves within the traditional homo-hetero dichotomy. We discuss whether gender identities have become more fluid, and we show that the term “queer”, with its connotations of exploration, openness and inclusion, has become popular, as opposed to older terms such as “lesbian”, “gay” or “bisexual”. Thus, strong social forces shape adolescent sexual behaviours, but sexual scripts, and sexual and gender identities, seem to allow for more variations than before.

• Pedersen, Willy; Copes, Heith & Gashi, Liridona (2021). Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics. Acta Sociologica. ISSN 0001-6993. 64(2), s. 230–246. doi: 10.1177/0001699320980050. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  We are now witnessing a radical revival in clinical research on the use of psychedelics (e.g. LSD and psilocybin), where ‘mystical’ experiences are at the centre. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 50 psychedelic drug users, we document how they draw on archetypical mystical narratives, comprising three key dimensions: (1) the transcendence of time and space; (2) deep euphoria; and (3) the perception of being at one with ‘a larger whole’. We suggest that the evolving new cultures around the use of psychedelics contain a variety of narratives, with clear roots in traditional mystical thinking. At the same time, these narratives reflect current cultural and political influences, including the narratives of oneness with plants and animals and our perceived need to protect nature. We conclude that the way people experience mystical occasions due to psychedelic use have archetypical patterns, but culturally specific storylines.

• Pedersen, Willy; Bakken, Anders; Stefansen, Kari & Soest, Tilmann von (2021). Sexual victimization in the digital age: A population-based study of physical and image-based sexual abuse among adolescents. Archives of Sexual Behavior. ISSN 0004-0002. doi: 10.1007/s10508-021-02200-8. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Adolescents increasingly use social media platforms, and these practices open up new forms of sexual victimization, in particular image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). Few studies have examined prevalence rates and correlates of both physical sexual victimization (PSV) and these new forms of victimization in representative samples. We used data from 5,245 adolescent girls (53%) and 4,580 adolescent boys (47%) from the population-based Young in Oslo Study (mean age 17.1 years, SD = 0.9). Of all respondents, 2.9% had experienced IBSA, 4.3% PSV, and 1.7% both IBSA and PSV in the course of the previous 12 months. Multivariate analyses revealed that PSV victims, after control for other variables, had many characteristics described in previous studies of sexual victimization. Girls had higher prevalence rates than boys, many had been victims of other types of violence, and were part of peer groups with much use of alcohol and drugs. PSV victims also reported early intercourse onset and a higher proportion had been commercially sexually exploited. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents had higher victimization rates. Victims of both PSV and IBSA had a similar but even more pronounced profile. The IBSA victims were different: They lacked many of the traditional risk factors for sexual victimization, there were no significant gender differences in this group, and IBSA victims more often came from high socioeconomic backgrounds. In conclusion, we observe a reconfigured landscape of sexual victimization patterns among Norway adolescents due to their increasing participation on social media and digital platforms.

• Røgeberg, Ole & Pedersen, Willy (2021). Hjelpesøkende atferd blant brukere av illegale rusmidler. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.21.0249. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  BAKGRUNN Formålet med studien var å undersøke helserelatert hjelpesøkende atferd blant brukere av illegale rusmidler. MATERIALE OG METODE Data ble samlet inn fra nettstedet Rusopplysningen.no. Det ble stilt spørsmål om bruk av illegale rusmidler og om åpenhet rundt slik bruk overfor helsepersonell. Kun respondenter som oppga å ha brukt illegale rusmidler, ble inkludert. Manglende svar på enkeltspørsmål ble holdt utenfor prosentberegningene. RESULTATER 2 485 respondenter hadde brukt illegale rusmidler. 880 (39 %) hadde fortalt helse- og sosialfaglig personell om egen rusmiddelbruk, hvorav 506 (68 %) oppga at de ikke hadde behov for hjelp. 802 (36 %) hadde unnlatt å fortelle helse- og sosialfaglig personell om bruk av illegale rusmidler i relevante situasjoner. 309 (14 %) mente de hadde hatt behov for rusbehandling, og 202 av disse (65 %) hadde unnlatt eller utsatt å oppsøke slik behandling. Blant de 815 som hadde vært i en rusrelatert akutt medisinsk situasjon, hadde 82 (10 %) opplevd at man utsatte og 330 (41 %) at man unnlot å tilkalle ambulanse. Frykt for varsling av politiet var den hyppigst oppgitte årsaken blant disse (n = 280, 71 %), mens 216 (55 %) oppga at ambulanse ble vurdert som unødvendig. FORTOLKNING Mange brukere av illegale rusmidler forteller ikke om slik bruk til helsepersonell. Noen unnlater også å tilkalle ambulanse ved akutte rusrelaterte situasjoner. Frykt for sanksjoner fra politiet fremstår som en plausibel medvirkende faktor. Hovedfunn Mange brukere av ulovlige rusmidler hadde ikke fortalt om bruken til helse- og sosialfaglig personell. Et flertall av dem som mente de hadde hatt behov for rusbehandling, hadde unnlatt eller utsatt å søke hjelp. Blant dem som hadde fortalt om illegal bruk til helse- og sosialfaglig personell, mente en del at det hadde hatt negative konsekvenser for dem. En del hadde opplevd at man utsatte eller unnlot å tilkalle ambulanse i akutte rusrelaterte situasjoner.

• Pedersen, Willy; Holst, Cathrine & Fjell, Live Kjos (2021). Warriors against the ‘War on Drugs’: Lay experts in Norwegian drug policy. Current Sociology. ISSN 0011-3921. doi: 10.1177/00113921211056056. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  International drug policy is undergoing change, and certain types of lay experts, those who have experienced problems with drug use, are getting a more important role. By drawing on 30 in-depth interviews with representatives from drug users’ organizations, bureaucrats and researchers, we explore the rise of lay experts in Norwegian drug policy. We show how these lay experts’ personal credibility is based on a history of serious drug problems, in particular injecting amphetamine or heroin, as well as the ensuing stigma. On an organizational level, lay experts’ roles as service users or patients generate credibility, even if the background is often the users’ experiences of pain and stigma. We document how lay experts have been included and have influenced the Norwegian drug policy process. However, a problem with representativeness remains, as some groups of drug users, for example, young persons, those who mainly use cannabis or benzodiazepines, those involved in crime and those who belong to ethnic minorities, have not been included to the same extent. Thus, the increasing role of lay experts in the Norwegian drug policy process poses some unexpected challenges in terms of the democratization of expertise. This lack of representativeness may be part of the reason why the initially successful reform movement now seems to face a setback.

• Pedersen, Willy; Moffitt, Terrie & Soest, Tilmann von (2021). Privileged background protects against drug charges: A long-term population-based longitudinal study  . International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. 100. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103491. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background We investigated the importance of indicators of parental socio-economic status (SES) for getting an official drug charge, while we controlled for self-reported drug law infractions (use of illegal drugs and/or drug trafficking) and potential variables confounding the association. Methods We used data from the long-term, population based longitudinal Young in Norway Study (N = 2,549). Participants were followed up over four survey-based data collections with linkages to crime registers from adolescence to adulthood. Data on drug charges were assessed based on official registers. The use of illegal substances, involvement with drug trafficking and potential covariates such as involvement with other types of crime, academic resources, and risk factors in the family, were assessed by means of self-reports. Results Two per cent had been charged for drug-related offences, and 37% reported drug offending. Use of cannabis was the primary infraction statistically related to a criminal charge. Having parents with 4+ years university education (14% of the sample) was associated with lower risk for being charged than having parents with no higher education (OR 4.87; 95% CI: 1.16–20.52) or with a short university education (OR 4.76; 1.05–21.48). The association between parental education and drug charges remained stable when controlling for self-reported drug law infractions and other potential covariates. Conclusion In Norway, adolescents who have parents with higher university education, may be protected from getting a drug charge, even though they report similar levels of drug law infractions as other adolescents.

• Pedersen, Willy & Eriksen, Ingunn Marie (2021). Distribution of capital and school-related stress at elite high schools. Journal of Youth Studies. ISSN 1367-6261. s. 1–18. doi: 10.1080/13676261.2021.1970724. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  We investigate school-related stress at two very different elite schools in Norway, using a mixed-methods approach. Schola Osloensis (SO) has a high-grade average and students come from backgrounds with large amounts of cultural capital. At Oslo Commercial School (OCS), students’ grades are average, while parents have large economic resources. Data are qualitative interviews of 35 students at each school, photographs taken by students with the mobile phone app MyView as well as focus groups. At SO, academic performance and the struggle for top grades was the most important source of stress. At OCS, much centred on family background and codes regarding style. Lack of integration in key networks was the central cause of stress. We suggest that the most important stressors at the two schools may be shaped by different factors: At SO, surrounded by high aspirations and much cultural capital, stress is a result of the fear of failing academically. At OCS, where tight social networks based in milieus with much economic capital predominate, stress is caused by not getting access to the right social circles. Thus, stress may originate from tensions related to values and codes based in key socio-economic dimensions in social systems.

• Røgeberg, Ole & Pedersen, Willy (2021). Help-seeking behaviour among illegal substance users. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Haave, Per & Pedersen, Willy (2020). The Promise and Demise of LSD Psychotherapy in Norway. Social history of medicine. ISSN 0951-631X. s. 1–18. doi: 10.1093/shm/hkz128. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  In the early-to-mid 1960s, there was considerable use of LSD in psychotherapy in several countries. However, its use gradually levelled off. Two explanations have been suggested: The first revolves around a ‘moral panic’ in the wake of the introduction of cannabis and LSD by subcultural youth groups. The second focuses on the lack of proof for the therapeutic efficacy of LSD at a time when double-blind designs became the gold standard. Using available sources, we explore the Norwegian case. Both explanations are supported: Even before illegal drug use had taken root in youth subcultures, scepticism was gradually building among key figures in the Norwegian healthcare system due to lack of evidence for therapeutic efficacy. This scepticism only increased when the new youth subcultures became visible in the mid-1960s and when the ‘war on drugs’ transformed the drug policy.

• Soest, Tilmann Von; Pedersen, Willy; Bakken, Anders & Sletten, Mira Aaboen (2020). Compliance with infection control rules among adolescents in Oslo during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.20.0449. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  BACKGROUND Effective infection control is crucial for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated whether adolescents in Oslo reported compliance with the Norwegian infection control rules during the pandemic and whether compliance with the rules was associated with sociodemographic characteristics, trust in the authorities and acceptance of the infection control rules. MATERIAL AND METHOD Students in lower and upper secondary schools completed an electronic questionnaire (N = 12 686, 37 % response rate) during a period with strict infection control measures in force. We used self-reporting of compliance with the infection control rules, sociodemographic characteristics, trust in the authorities and people in general, and acceptance of the infection control rules. We used logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The majority reported that they always or to a large extent complied with the rules for hand washing (n = 9 915, 84 %), refrained from shaking hands/hugging (n = 8 730, 74 %) and avoided large groups (n = 8 565, 73 %). Fewer reported to maintain physical distance (n = 5 859, 50 %). The level of trust in the government (n = 8 742, 80 %) and health authorities (n = 9 962, 92 %) was high. The highest compliance with the rules was among girls, adolescents from immigrant backgrounds, those with a high level of trust in the authorities and people in general, and those who showed acceptance of the infection control rules. INTERPRETATION A large proportion reported to comply with the infection control rules. Adolescents from immigrant backgrounds and those who were living in the outer eastern suburbs of Oslo also more frequently reported to comply with the rules. Trust and acceptance of the rules were also important factors.

• Soest, Tilmann Von; Bakken, Anders; Pedersen, Willy & Sletten, Mira Aaboen (2020). Livstilfredshet blant ungdom før og under covid-19-pandemien. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.20.0437. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  BAKGRUNN Covid-19-pandemien våren 2020 innebar skolestengning og strenge sosiale restriksjoner. Studien belyser om dette påvirket ungdoms livstilfredshet og subjektive livskvalitet. MATERIALE OG METODE En elektronisk spørreskjemaundersøkelse blant ungdomsskoleelever i Oslo (N = 8 116, 46 % svar) ble gjennomført i en periode med stengte skoler og strenge tiltak mot smittespredning. Resultatene ble sammenlignet med tilsvarende undersøkelser gjennomført i Oslo i 2018 (N = 13 790, 83 % svar) og i flere fylker i 2020 før covid-19-restriksjonene (N = 19 799, 49 % svar). Livstilfredshet, subjektiv livskvalitet og bakgrunnsfaktorer ble målt på identisk måte. Vi brukte logistisk regresjonsanalyse og korrigerte for sosiodemografiske forskjeller. RESULTATER Blant gutter gikk andelen med høy livstilfredshet (skår 6 eller høyere på en fra skala 0 til 10) tydelig ned, fra 88 % i 2018 og 92 % i 2020 før covid-19-restriksjonene til 71 % under restriksjonene (p

• Pedersen, Willy (2020). Møter med det hellige: bruk av LSD, fleinsopp og andre psykedeliske stoffer. Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS). ISSN 0040-716X. 61(4), s. 372–388. doi: 10.18261/issn.1504-291X-2020-04-03. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Rogne, Adrian Farner; Pedersen, Willy & Soest, Tilmann von (2020). Intelligence, alcohol consumption, and adverse consequences. A study of young Norwegian men. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1403-4948. 49(4), s. 411–418. doi: 10.1177/1403494820944719. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Research suggests that intelligence is positively related to alcohol consumption. However, some studies of people born around 1950, particularly from Sweden, have reported that higher intelligence is associated with lower consumption and fewer alcohol-related problems. We investigated the relationships between intelligence, alcohol consumption, and adverse consequences of drinking in young men from Norway (a neighboring Scandinavian country) born in the late 1970s. Methods: This analysis was based on the population-based Young in Norway Longitudinal Study. Our sample included young men who had been followed from their mid-teens until their late 20s (n = 1126). Measures included self-reported alcohol consumption/intoxication, alcohol use disorders (AUDIT), and a scale measuring adverse consequences of drinking. Controls included family background, parental bonding, and parents’ and peers’ drinking. Intelligence test scores—scaled in 9 “stanines” (population mean of 5 and standard deviation of 2)—were taken from conscription assessment. Results: Men with higher intelligence scores reported average drinking frequency and slightly fewer adverse consequences in their early 20s. In their late 20s, they reported more frequent drinking than men with lower intelligence scores (0.30 more occasions per week, per stanine, age adjusted; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0. 49). Intelligence was not associated with intoxication frequency at any age and did not moderate the relationships between drinking frequency and adverse consequences. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the relationship between intelligence and drinking frequency is age dependent. Discrepancies with earlier findings from Sweden may be driven by changes in drinking patterns.

• Pedersen, Willy; Hart, Rannveig Kaldager; Moffitt, Terrie E & Soest, Tilmann von (2020). Delinquency Abstainers in Adolescence and Educational and Labour Market Outcomes in Midlife: A Population-Based 25-year Longitudinal Study. Developmental Psychology. ISSN 0012-1649. doi: 10.1037/dev0001117. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Research has suggested that adolescent delinquency abstainers might have unfavorable characteristics, impeding their access to peer networks. However, recent studies have emphasized the possible heterogeneity of abstainers. We know little about the long-term adaption of delinquency abstainers. We identify subtypes of delinquency abstainers and investigate subsequent adult academic careers, income levels, and possible marginalization in the labor market. We use the population-based Young in Norway Longitudinal study, where participants (N = 2,494) are followed up by surveys and registers from their teens until their mid-30s. By means of latent class analysis, abstainers were divided in three groups according to degree of social integration. Results showed that delinquency abstainers performed as well or better in adulthood than those with moderate delinquency involvement and markedly better than the highly delinquent. Lonely abstainers performed just as well as all other groups when it comes to higher education and earnings. However, they had a higher probability of marginalization in the labor market than the social abstainers. We conclude that no group fared better than delinquency abstainers with strong social ties. The outcomes of the lonely abstainers were close to those of the majority. Thus, in this cohort who came of age in the 1990s, delinquency abstainers are not particularly vulnerable, and theory about abstainers needs to be modernized.

• Gashi, Liridona; Sandberg, Sveinung & Pedersen, Willy (2020). Making “bad trips” good. How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. 87. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102997. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background We study the significance of stories about bad trips among users of psychedelics. Drawing on narrative theory, we describe the characteristics of such stories and explore the work they do. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews with 50 Norwegian users of psychedelics. Results Almost all participants had frightening experiences when using psychedelics and many described these as bad trips. The key feature of a bad trip was a feeling of losing oneself or going crazy, or ego dissolution. Most users said that these experiences could be avoided by following certain rules, based on tacit knowledge in the subcultures of users. Possessing such knowledge was part of symbolic boundary work that distinguished between drug culture insiders and outsiders. Some also rejected the validity of the term bad trip altogether, arguing that such experiences reflected the lack of such competence. Finally, and most importantly, most participants argued that unpleasant experiences during bad trips had been beneficial and had sometimes given them deep existential and life-altering insights. Conclusion Bad trip experiences are common among users of psychedelics. Such experiences are often transformed into valuable experiences through storytelling. Bad trip narratives may be a potent coping mechanism for users of psychedelics in non-controlled environments, enabling them to make sense of frightening experiences and integrate these into their life stories. Such narrative sense-making, or narrative work, facilitates the continued use of psychedelics, even after unpleasant experiences with the drugs.

• Pedersen, Willy (2019). Fatal attraction: A narrative of early opioid addiction. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (NAD). ISSN 1455-0725. 36(5), s. 470–481. doi: 10.1177/1455072519843218. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Norway’s first clinic to treat drug abuse was established in 1961. Most patients had been initiated into drug use through the healthcare system, i.e., in an iatrogenic manner. However, we know little about the drug users from this period. Here, we present an in-depth interview with a woman born into a wealthy family in the early 1920s who developed a heavy morphine addiction. In the course of the interview, she gradually reveals how her husband, who was a physician, as well as two other physicians, who were also erotically attracted to her, had key roles in this development. The narrative illustrates and elaborates how females from the upper strata of society with close links to male physicians may have been at particular risk of opioid misuse in the period before 1960. We now witness a new wave of iatrogenic drug abuse, particularly in the USA. We suggest that experiences from this period may again be relevant.

• Sandberg, Sveinung; Copes, Heith & Pedersen, Willy (2019). When peaceful people fight: Beyond neutralization and subcultural theory. British Journal of Criminology. ISSN 0007-0955. 59(6), s. 1309–1327. doi: 10.1093/bjc/azz032. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Fights are widespread in society, but for most people it happens once or twice and is not part of a consistent pattern or lifestyle. Using a narrative criminological framework, we study the stories of violence among people who otherwise seldom engage in violent behaviour. The young Norwegians we interviewed, emphasized that their fights emerged as a response to insults, was fuelled by drinking and could be exciting. Participants had negative evaluations of their fights, took the blame for them, talked down their importance and self-critically used humour to ridicule their involvement. Our study demonstrates the shortcomings of subcultural and neutralization theories when it comes to understanding violent behaviour among those who rarely engage in it.

• Vaynman, Margareth; Sandberg, Sveinung & Pedersen, Willy (2019). 'Locker room talk': Male bonding and sexual degradation in drinking stories. Culture, Health and Sexuality. ISSN 1369-1058. 22(11), s. 1235–1252. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1670864. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This paper explores alcohol-related sexual storytelling. In a qualitative study of more than 100 male participants in the night-time economy in Norway, many told animated and cheerful stories laced with erotic excitement. However, a minority of men also told sex stories characterised by aggressive, belittling and degrading language. We propose that this minority of men may employ such locker room talk to: (i) achieve male bonding and intimacy, (ii) explore ambiguous and confusing sexual experiences and/or (iii) excuse sexual events characterised by overt aggression. We draw on theories of masculinity and homosociality and a narrative framework and show that for some men, sexual relationships with women are strongly influenced by their relations with other men. We discuss how these stories reflect degrading attitudes towards women and how they produce and legitimise sexual violence.

• Rogne, Adrian Farner; Pedersen, Willy & Bakken, Anders (2019). Immigration and the decline in adolescent binge drinking. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 203, s. 35–43. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.05.031. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Adolescent alcohol consumption has fallen in most Western countries over the past two decades, while immigrants and children of immigrants from low-consumption countries constitute a growing proportion of teenagers in many Western nations. We investigate the extent to which immigrants and children of immigrants have contributed to the decline in adolescent heavy episodic drinking in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Methods We use repeated cross-sectional survey data on adolescents in grades 9-11 in Oslo (aged around 14–16, N = 54,474) from 1996 to 2018. We use data on heavy episodic drinking/intoxication in the past 12 months (dichotomized), immigrant background, sex and grade. We decompose the trend into components attributable to changes in the demographic composition of the adolescent population (by immigrant background, grade and sex), and to changes in drinking patterns within different groups. Confidence intervals (CIs) are obtained by bootstrap resampling. Results The proportion of adolescents with immigrant backgrounds increased from 21% to 35% over the time span. The proportion reporting having been intoxicated fell from 42% to 25%. Most of the decline stems from reduced heavy episodic drinking in the majority population, accounting for 70.8% of the reduction (95% CI: 67.5–74.2). The increased proportion of adolescents with an immigrant background accounts for 21.4% of the decline (95% CI: 19.2–23.8). Conclusions An increasing proportion of immigrants and children of immigrants with low alcohol consumption explains one-fifth of the decline in the prevalence of adolescent heavy episodic drinking in Oslo.

• Pedersen, Willy; Bakken, Anders & Soest, Tilmann von (2019). Mer bruk av cannabis blant Oslo-ungdom: Hvem er i risikosonen? Norsk sosiologisk tidsskrift. 3, s. 457–471. doi: 10.18261/issn.2535-2512-2019-06-06. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Cannabis ble introdusert i Norge på 1960-tallet, i kjølvannet av ungdomsopprøret som rullet over den vestlige verden. Bruken var stabil på 1970- og 80-tallet, men økte kraftig på 1990-tallet og ble da knyttet til teorien om «normalisering». Det ble hevdet at cannabis var i ferd med å spre seg til helt vanlige ungdomsgrupper. Bruken av cannabis øker nå igjen i Oslo. Har økningen vært knyttet til en «normalisering» som det ble hevdet skjedde på 1990-tallet? Vi bruker surveystudien Ung i Oslo, som har pågått fra 1996 til 2018. Elever fra grunnskolen og videregående skole har deltatt. Mest inngående blir materialet fra 2015 (N = 21.017) og 2018 (N = 23.261) belyst. Det ble samlet inn data om cannabisbruk, sosiodemografiske kjennetegn, foreldrerelasjoner, skoleresultater, angst og depresjon, ensomhet og atferdsproblemer. Bruken av cannabis var høy på 1990-tallet og stabiliserte seg så på et lavere nivå etter årtusenskiftet. Den økte så markant fra 2015 til 2018. Da var det nærmere 40 % av guttene i slutten av videregående skole som hadde brukt stoffet. Brukerne fortsatte likevel å rapportere flere psykososiale problemer enn andre, som dårligere oppfølging av foreldre, svake skoleresultater, atferdsproblemer, angst og depresjon. Slike problemer var mer uttalt blant de yngre enn eldre brukerne. Konklusjonen er at økningen i bruken av cannabis ikke er knyttet til noen klar «normalisering» av brukerne. Særlig de yngste brukerne har fortsatt mange psykososiale utfordringer. Funnene peker imidlertid mot et paradoks: Bruken er høyest i Oslo vest hvor levekårene er bedre enn øst i byen. Hos de eldste brukerne er det også en positiv sammenheng til høy sosiale klasse og brukerne har flere nære venner enn ikke-brukerne. Vi trenger derfor mer forskning på hvordan tradisjonelle risikofaktorer spiller sammen med sosial klasse, oppvekst- og skolekulturer, nettverk og grad av integrasjon.

• Sandberg, Sveinung; Tutenges, Sébastien & Pedersen, Willy (2019). Drinking stories as a narrative genre: The five classic themes. Acta Sociologica. ISSN 0001-6993. 62(4), s. 406–419. doi: 10.1177/0001699319833142. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Drinking stories feature widely in Western societies. Many people eagerly share their stories in the aftermath of drinking events. These stories are also common in books, movies, music and the media. Based on qualitative interviews with 104 young Norwegian heavy episodic drinkers, the article seeks to establish drinking stories as a distinct narrative genre. We argue that this narrative genre of drinking stories comes from an oral storytelling tradition which uses transgressions to trigger interest, entertain, and challenge commonly held views. These transgressions typically come in the form of playful violations of conventions and common sense and tend to centre around five classic themes: sex, bodily harm, bodily fluids, lawbreaking and pranks. While often dismissed as trivial, vulgar and of little literary value, drinking stories are highly valued by many people and have significant consequences for how people experience drinking and behave while being drunk.

• Tutenges, Sébastien; Sandberg, Sveinung & Pedersen, Willy (2019). Sexually violent effervescence: Understanding sexual assault among youth. Sexualities. ISSN 1363-4607. 23(3), s. 406–421. doi: 10.1177/1363460719830342. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Based on interviews with 104 young partygoers, this article examines sexual assaults that occur in the context of festive events. Focus is on how individuals describe their sexual victimization. Three experiential characteristics stand out in the victims’ accounts. First, the assaults are described as being characterized by an altered state of consciousness, primarily alcohol-related intoxication. Second, the assaults are described as involving a sense of losing control. Third, the assaults are described as antagonistic, with one side using force to achieve domination. Drawing on Durkheimian theory, the article introduces the sensitizing concept of ‘sexually violent effervescence’ to clarify how victims experience sexual assaults.

• Tokle, Rikke Iren & Pedersen, Willy (2019). “Cloud chasers” and “substitutes”: E-cigarettes, vaping subcultures and vaper identities. Sociology of Health and Illness. ISSN 0141-9889. 41(5), s. 917–932. doi: 10.1111/1467-9566.12854. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The use of e-cigarettes is increasing, a practice denoted as vaping. We explore user motives, self-identity as vapers and involvement in vaping subcultures, drawing on sociological theory of stigma, subcultures and symbolic boundaries. Based on analyses of semi-structured interviews with 30 Norwegian vapers, we find that there is a vaping subculture in Norway. We identify two dominant vaper identities. The first is labelled cloud chasers. These were dedicated vapers who identified with symbols and values in the subculture. Many were politically engaged in improving vaping regulation regimes and felt a sense of belonging to a vaping community. The second group is labelled substitutes. These were former daily smokers who used e-cigarettes for smoking cessation in a more pragmatic and defensive manner, to avoid health risks, to escape the stigma of smoking and to manage nicotine addiction. In this group, a self-identity as a vaper was generally lacking. Vaping was often symbolically linked to the stigmatised smoker identity they wanted to escape, and was restricted to private contexts. The perceived symbolic meaning of e-cigarettes varies: for some, they are a symbol of pleasure and community. For others, they connote the stigmatised status of the addicted smoker seeking an alternative to cigarettes.

• Pedersen, Willy & Eriksen, Ingunn Marie (2019). Hva de snakker om når de snakker om stress. Norsk sosiologisk tidsskrift. 3, s. 101–118. doi: 10.18261/issn.2535-2512-2019-02-01. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Few researchers have investigated how social class and context form so-called stressors. In this article, we ask: How is the meaning of school-related stress constituted in two upper secondary schools in Oslo? The first school, K, is situated in Oslo’s city centre, has a high grade point average, and the students’ parents are rich in cultural capital. The other school, Ø, is situated on Oslo’s affluent west side, the grades in this school are mediocre, and students’ parents have much economic capital. The study is based on the survey Young in Oslo, qualitative interviews and photographs taken with the MittBlikk app where students take pictures of their everyday lives. For both student groups, the school is considered the most important source of stress, but stress is generated in different ways. At K, there is much pressure to achieve good academic results. Many are afflicted by school-related stress, but the social environment in school is seen as supportive and inclusive. At Ø, school work is not considered an important factor behind stress. The school appears socioculturally homogenous but is in reality marked by subtle codes for language, styles and fashion with roots in Oslo west. Lack of inclusion is a key source of stress. The study shows that stressors have a dimension of cultural meaning that seems to be related to reproduction of social class. In milieus rich in cultural capital, meritocratic values are at the centre. In milieus with much economic capital, social networks and class-specific codes for belonging and style are important. At both schools, stress is developed as a response to problems within the social field that is deemed the most important.

• Gashi, Liridona; Pedersen, Willy & Ugelvik, Thomas (2019). The pains of detainment: Experience of time and coping strategies at immigration detention centres. Theoretical criminology. ISSN 1362-4806. doi: 10.1177/1362480619855989. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2018). Eilert Sundt: Hard refser, øm forsoner. Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS). ISSN 0040-716X. 59(1), s. 73–79. doi: 10.18261/ISSN.1504-291X-2018-01-06. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Den norske samfunnsforskningen hviler på Eilert Sundt. Jon Elster (1989:171–182) mener arbeidene hans er eksemplariske, fordi de ikke er preget av den destruktive disiplinoppdelingen vi fikk i siste halvdel av 1800-tallet, mellom sosiologi, økonomi, antropologi, statsvitenskap og psykologi. Sundt minner om Adam Smith i Wealth of Nations eller Marx i Das Kapital, sier Elster. Ingen av dem er opptatt av å videreutvikle modellene i egne fag, av å plassere seg innen «det merkelige kontorlandskapet» som utviklet seg; snarere av å finne ut hvordan det egentlig er der ute. Elster har et poeng. Hadde Sundt skrevet på et verdensspråk ville han vært en klassiker, men like gjerne i sosiologi, geografi, økonomi, historie eller antropologi. Selv kalte han seg aldri sosiolog. Men det var mitt eget fag – sosiologien – som kuppet ham. Da vi for noen år siden skulle lage en norsk sosiologisk kanon, var vi ikke i tvil: Den måtte starte med Sundt (Pedersen 2011). Men hva skjedde etter ham i norsk sosiologi? Hvem skulle være nummer to? Vi støvsugde bibliotekene, men det var lite å finne. Den neste teksten vi valgte ut, ble publisert 100 år etter Sundts studier. Det var Nils Christies magisteravhandling, om norske fangevoktere i norske konsentrasjonsleirer (Christie 1952). En flott bok, men en forferdelig fortelling, om leire med dødsrater som i dem en hadde i Tyskland og Polen. Det gikk altså 100 år fra Sundt skrev sine bøker til sosiologien ble etablert her i landet. Faget var søkende, og ny-lesningen av Sundt og utgivelsen av bøkene hans på 1960-tallet handlet nok om hva psykoanalytikere ville kalle projektiv identifikasjon (Aguayo 2013). Sosiologene lette etter et anegalleri, etter identitet og historie. De projiserte lengselen inn hans forfatterskap. Det hadde lenge vært stille om Sundt, men bøkene ventet. Han var et funn for faget.

• Jarness, Vegard; Pedersen, Willy & Flemmen, Magne (2018). The discreet charm of the children of the bourgeoisie: economic capital and its symbolic expressions at an elite business school. British Journal of Sociology. ISSN 0007-1315. doi: 10.1111/1468-4446.12625. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  We address a largely neglected issue in contemporary research on cultural class divisions: economic capital and its associated lifestyles and symbolic expressions. Using qualitative interviews, we explore how adolescents from wealthy elite backgrounds, namely students at Oslo Commerce School (OCS), traditionally one of the most prestigious upper‐secondary schools in Norway, demarcate themselves symbolically from others. They draw symbolic boundaries against students at other elite schools in Oslo, more characterized by backgrounds with high cultural capital, accusing them of mimicking a ‘hipster’ style. Within the OCS student body, we describe identity work centring on styles of material consumption and bodily distinctions. The most salient dividing line is between those who manage to master a ‘natural’ style, where expensive clothes and the desired bodily attributes are displayed discreetly, and those who are ‘trying too hard’ and thus marked by the stigma of effort. We also show some interesting intersections between class and gender: girls aspiring to the economic elite obey the ‘rules of the game’ by exercising extensive control over their bodies and adhering to demanding bodily norms for their weight and slimness. Such rules are less evident among the boys, where a lack of discipline, unruliness, hard partying and even fighting constitute parts of the lifestyle valued. This article contributes to the field of cultural stratification, highlighting the importance of the ‘hows’ of material consumption when expressing elite distinction. It also adds new insight to the research field of elite education by showing how a mastery of ‘high‐end’ consumer culture is involved in fostering favourable dispositions at elite schools.

• Pedersen, Willy; Jarness, Vegard & Flemmen, Magne (2018). Revenge of the nerds: Cultural capital and the politics of lifestyle among adolescent elites. Poetics. ISSN 0304-422X. 70, s. 54–66. doi: 10.1016/j.poetic.2018.05.002. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  In recent scholarly debates about cultural stratification, some have argued that ‘openness’ and ‘omnivorous’ lifestyles constitute a new form of distinction. Using qualitative interviews, we address this by focusing on adolescents from backgrounds particularly rich in cultural capital, namely students at Schola Osloensis, the most prestigious upper-secondary school in Norway. Our findings reveal that (i) these students value academic merit; although they embrace selected forms of pop culture, and are self-reflexively reluctant to describe themselves as ‘elite’, their lifestyle is characterized by preferences for classical cultural canons. They regard this as necessary to understand contemporary avant-garde culture and achieve academic success. They also exhibit (ii) a distinctive fashion style that does not only emphasize aesthetics but also involves moral-political aspects. ‘Hipster’ style is criticized for being too commercial, whereas a ‘nerdy’ position is embraced as compatible with a quest for knowledge and insight. They also adopt (iii) political positions on feminism, antiracism and environmental protection, seamlessly interweaving these forms of position-taking in their everyday lives. (iv) Those who break key moral-political and aesthetic norms are negatively sanctioned and there are few signs of truly ‘open’ and ‘omnivorous’ lifestyles. We conclude that an elite education in an egalitarian society such as Norway is associated with a purported non-elitist style, where liberal values such as gender equality and international solidarity are at the centre. Simultaneously, however, through their education at Schola Osloensis, these students acquire high levels of cultural capital, including symbolic mastery and an embodied ability to perform well in demanding social settings. These skills, we argue, will be useful at the top levels of a rapidly changing labour market. In pointing to the persistent salience of ‘old school’ displays of cultural capital, as well as clear instances of symbolic boundary work, our study challenges core assumptions in research about cultural stratification and omnivorousness.

• Pedersen, Willy; Bakken, Anders & Soest, Tilmann von (2017). Neighborhood or School? Influences on Alcohol Consumption and Heavy Episodic Drinking Among Urban Adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. ISSN 0047-2891. s. 1–15. doi: 10.1007/s10964-017-0787-0. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Little is known about the relative influences of neighborhood and school on the alcohol socialization process. Survey data from the Young in Oslo Study (N = 10,038, mean age 17.1 years, 52% girls) were used to investigate the details of such influences, using cross-classified multilevel models. School and neighborhood contexts were equally important for ordinary alcohol use; however, neighborhood influences were mainly explained by individual and family factors, whereas peer-based sociocultural processes played a key role in explaining school effects. Neither context had much impact on heavy episodic drinking. The study suggests that “privileged” youth may be at risk of high alcohol consumption. Parental influences and peer-based sociocultural aspects of the school milieu should be considered in prevention efforts.

• Pedersen, Willy; Vestel, Viggo Jan & Bakken, Anders (2017). At risk for radicalization and jihadism? A population-based study of Norwegian adolescents. Cooperation and Conflict. ISSN 0010-8367. doi: 10.1177/0010836717716721. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Soest, Tilmann von (2017). How is low parental socioeconomic status associated with future smoking and nicotine dependence in offspring? A population-based longitudinal 13-year follow-up. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1403-4948. 45(1), s. 16–24. doi: 10.1177/1403494816680800. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Aims: Low socioeconomic status (SES) characterizes smoking and nicotine dependence in adult samples. However, less is known about how parental SES is linked to smoking in offspring and potential mechanisms at work. Methods: A population-based longitudinal study (N = 1,380) from Norway. Participants were followed from mid-teens until late 20s using survey and register data. Data were collected on parental education, parental smoking, educational aspirations and expectations, school grades and school-related conduct problems. Register data monitored education, unemployment and social welfare assistance. By means of multinomial logistic regression analyses, risk factors for smoking and nicotine dependence were identified. Mediation analyses were used to investigate pathways between parental SES and future smoking. Results: Future smokers were recruited from families with low educational levels. Poor school grades, school dropout, low educational aspirations were also predictors. Unemployment and social welfare assistance additionally increased the risk. Parental smoking, no high school exam and welfare assistance were mediators between low parental education and high levels of nicotine dependence in young adulthood. Conclusions: Socialization to smoking reflects a multifaceted socialization process fueled by low parental SES. However, parental influences may be masked behind influences seemingly coming from e.g. schools or peers. Future research should try to capture the multiple sources of SES-related influence at work. Prevention strategies should target adolescents from low SES backgrounds, who orient themselves towards manual working class, and who have problems entering the labor force.

• Andersen, Patrick Lie; Pedersen, Willy & Bakken, Anders (2017). Russetid i Oslo. Hvem deltar? Hvem feirer hardest? I Ljunggren, Jørn (Red.), Oslo - ulikhetenes by. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202521615. s. 307–323. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Oslo er en unik by i norsk sammenheng. Ikke bare er Oslo hovedstad, politisk maktsentrum og det nærmeste Norge kommer en internasjonal storby: Oslo er også ulikhetenes by. Ingen andre steder i Norge er det tydeligere at sosiale skiller følger geografiske skillelinjer. Det er også stor offentlig interesse for temaet. Jevnlig dukker det opp debatter om byen er «delt» eller ikke og om hva slags sosiale ulikheter som kommer i kjølvannet av omfattende nasjonal og internasjonal innvandring. Hittil har det likevel ikke kommet noen samlet forskningsinnsats om temaet. Oslo - ulikhetenes by tilbyr nettopp dette. Med bidrag fra noen av de fremste ekspertene på temaet, fra disipliner som sosiologi, samfunnsgeografi, statsvitenskap, historie, pedagogikk, samfunnsøkonomi, sosialantropologi og arkitektur, analyseres Oslos sosiale ulikheter fra flere vinkler. I et tilgjengelig språk, uten å gå på akkord med vitenskapelige idealer, berøres sosiale ulikhet knyttet til blant annet: Oslos historie bostedssegregasjon, boligmarked og flytting stemmegivning formue Oslo-skolen helse migrasjon rus russetid arkitektur gentrifisering nabolagseffekter livssjanser

• Pedersen, Willy; Tutenges, Sébastien & Sandberg, Sveinung (2017). The pleasures of drunken one-night stands: Assemblage theory and narrative environments. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. 49, s. 160–167. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.08.005. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: In this study, we use assemblage theory to investigate the link between alcohol use and one-night stands. Methods: The data come from qualitative interviews conducted with 104 young participants in the night-time economy. Results: We show that: (i) alcohol-fuelled sexual explorations (e.g. erotic fantasizing, flirting and sex) are of paramount importance for young partygoers; (ii) sexualized territories (e.g. private parties, rural feasts and the backseat of cars) significantly shape the experience and performance of one-night stands; and (iii) contrary to previous research, one-night stands are to a large degree associated with pleasure—the immediate pleasure of having sex and the long-term pleasure of telling about it to others. Conclusion: We argue that drunken one-night stands are part and parcel of a drinking culture that places high value on sexual encounters and personal sex stories.

• Edland-Gryt, Marit; Sandberg, Sveinung & Pedersen, Willy (2017). From ecstasy to MDMA: Recreational drug use, symbolic boundaries and drug trends. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. 50. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.030. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Ecstasy pills with MDMA as the main ingredient were introduced in many European countries in the 1980s, and were often linked to the rave and club scenes. However, use gradually levelled off, in part as a response to increased concerns about possible mental health consequences and fatalities. Extensive use of MDMA now seems to be re-emerging in many countries. In this study, we investigated the cultural and social meaning associated with MDMA use in Oslo, Norway, with an emphasis on how users distinguish MDMA crystals and powder from “old ecstasy pills”. Methods Qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 31, 61,3% males) were conducted with young adult party-goers and recreational MDMA/ecstasy users (20–34 years old, mean age 26.2 years). Results Research participants emphasised three important perceived differences between the MDMA crystals and ecstasy pills: (i) The effects of MDMA were described as better than ecstasy; (ii) MDMA was regarded as a safer drug; (iii) Users of MDMA crystals were described as more distinct from and less anchored in out-of-fashion rave culture than those using ecstasy. These differences were an important part of the symbolic boundary work MDMA users engaged in when justifying their drug use. Conclusion MDMA has re-emerged as an important psychoactive substance in Oslo’s club scene. One important reason for this re-emergence seems to be its perceived differentiation from ecstasy pills, even though the active ingredient in both drugs is MDMA. This perceived distinction between MDMA and ecstasy reveals the importance of social and symbolic meanings in relation to psychoactive substance use. Insights from this study can be important in terms of understanding how trends in drug use develop and how certain drugs gain or lose popularity.

• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Ungdommens rusdelte Oslo. I Ljunggren, Jørn (Red.), Oslo - ulikhetenes by. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202521615. s. 293–306. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Oslo er en unik by i norsk sammenheng. Ikke bare er Oslo hovedstad, politisk maktsentrum og det nærmeste Norge kommer en internasjonal storby: Oslo er også ulikhetenes by. Ingen andre steder i Norge er det tydeligere at sosiale skiller følger geografiske skillelinjer. Det er også stor offentlig interesse for temaet. Jevnlig dukker det opp debatter om byen er «delt» eller ikke og om hva slags sosiale ulikheter som kommer i kjølvannet av omfattende nasjonal og internasjonal innvandring. Hittil har det likevel ikke kommet noen samlet forskningsinnsats om temaet. Oslo - ulikhetenes by tilbyr nettopp dette. Med bidrag fra noen av de fremste ekspertene på temaet, fra disipliner som sosiologi, samfunnsgeografi, statsvitenskap, historie, pedagogikk, samfunnsøkonomi, sosialantropologi og arkitektur, analyseres Oslos sosiale ulikheter fra flere vinkler. I et tilgjengelig språk, uten å gå på akkord med vitenskapelige idealer, berøres sosiale ulikhet knyttet til blant annet: Oslos historie bostedssegregasjon, boligmarked og flytting stemmegivning formue Oslo-skolen helse migrasjon rus russetid arkitektur gentrifisering nabolagseffekter livssjanser

• Enstad, Frøydis; Pedersen, Willy; Nilsen, Wendy & Soest, Tilmann von (2017). Predicting early onset of intoxication versus drinking—A population-based prospective study of Norwegian adolescents. Addictive Behaviors Reports. ISSN 2352-8532. 6, s. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.abrep.2017.04.002. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Aims Recent research suggests that early onset of intoxication (EOI) may be of greater importance for a wide range of subsequent adverse outcomes than early drinking experiences without intoxication. However, research on antecedents of EOI is scarce. The present study identifies predictors of EOI and whether they differ from those of early onset of drinking (EOD). Methods Data was drawn from the prospective Tracking Opportunities and Problems (TOPP) study of Norwegian families (n = 382), which followed up mothers and their children with six data collections from childhood (age 1.5) to adolescence (age 14.5). Self-reports from the adolescents (parenting practices, adolescent's conduct problems and friends' deviant behaviour) and their mothers (adolescent temperament, socio-economic factors and household alcohol problems) were used to identify predictors of EOI and EOD. Findings A variety of temperamental, socio-economic, and family factors predicted EOI, whereas EOD was predicted of substantially fewer variables. Particularly, when controlling for relevant covariates, low levels of shyness, own conduct problems and having friends with deviant behaviour prospectively predicted EOI, but not EOD. Conclusions Future research and prevention efforts should take into consideration that EOI and EOD without getting drunk appear to be predicted by different risk factors in childhood and adolescence.

• Pedersen, Willy; Sandberg, Sveinung & Copes, Heith (2017). Destruction, fascination and illness: risk perceptions and uses of heroin and opiate maintenance treatment drugs. Health, Risk and Society. ISSN 1369-8575. 19(1-2), s. 74–90. doi: 10.1080/13698575.2016.1256377. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Copes, Heith & Sandberg, Sveinung (2016). Alcohol and violence in nightlife and party settings: a qualitative study. Drug and Alcohol Review. ISSN 0959-5236. 35(5), s. 557–563. doi: 10.1111/dar.12395. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Introduction and AimsIn binge drinking' cultures, there is a strong association between alcohol consumption and violence. At the same time, several studies suggest that this link is cultural and contextual. We explore the role of alcohol in incidents of violence in nightlife settings. Design and MethodsWe used qualitative interviews with 104 Norwegians (52 men and 52 women, mean age 25years) who binge drink and party in nightlife settings. ResultsAlcohol both sparks and constrains violence in these contexts. When participants use alcohol, they expect conflicts to occur and blame alcohol intoxication for such behaviour. The packed settings of nightlife and parties combined with the effects of alcohol can induce violence through personal affronts, heightened emotions and jealousy. At the same time, nightlife settings constrain violence. That is, binge drinkers excuse misbehaviour when it is attributed to alcohol. In addition, audiences in these setting often go to great lengths to stop fights. Combined, these factors help explain why violence occurs and why it usually does not escalate. Discussion and ConclusionsThe association between alcohol and violence can be understood by more closely examining the cultural and situational context where the events occur. This link is not primarily related to the psychopharmacological properties of alcohol, but rather it is associated with situational factors and cultural norms regarding how to behave while intoxicated. Strategies aiming at reducing violence in nightlife should take such factors into consideration. [Pedersen W, Copes H, Sandberg S. Alcohol and violence in nightlife and party settings: A qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:557-563]

• Fjær, Eivind Grip; Pedersen, Willy; Soest, Tilmann von & Gray, Paul (2016). When is it OK to be drunk? Situational and cultural variations in the acceptability of visible intoxication in the UK and Norway. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. 29, s. 27–32. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.002. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Research on norms regulating drunken behaviour has tended to focus on differences between different countries and cultures rather than variations within them. Here, we examine whether there are: (i) situation-specific differences in the acceptability of visible intoxication among students in the UK and Norway; (ii) whether there are situation-specific and overall differences in this regard between the two countries; and finally (iii) to what degree possible differences reflect individual characteristics such as use of alcohol, perceived harm of alcohol consumption, and broader value orientation. Methods Students at one British (n = 473) and one Norwegian (n = 472) university responded to a survey including a battery of questions assessing the acceptability of visible intoxication in different situations, such as with friends, with work colleagues, with family members, and situations where children are present. Data were also collected regarding alcohol consumption, perceived harms of alcohol consumption, and value orientation. Analyses of covariance were performed to assess patterns in the acceptability of visible intoxication across different situations, and the relative contributions of country, alcohol consumption, perceived harm of alcohol consumption and human values. Results In both countries, visible intoxication was rated as most acceptable in situations involving friends and colleagues. Students from both countries rated visible intoxication least acceptable in situations where children are present. However, both overall, and in situations where children or family members are present, acceptability of visible intoxication scores were higher in the UK than Norway. These differences persisted after control for other variables. Conclusion The study demonstrates large situational variation in acceptability of drunken behaviour, pointing to a fine-meshed set of norms regulating alcohol use and drunken behaviour within the two cultures, with the UK standing out as a more alcohol-liberal culture than Norway. Such differences underline how norms regulating drunken behaviour are culturally constituted.

Se alle arbeider i NVA

• Pedersen, Willy (2025). Rusmidlenes skjønnhet og smerte. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202816025. 264 s. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2025). De rike drikker mest, de fattige rammes hardest: Rus og sosial ulikhet. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202868901. 197 s. doi: 10.23865/cdf.233. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ødegård, Guro & Pedersen, Willy (2021). UNGDOMMEN. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202732998. 300 s. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Pollan, Michael (2019). Psykedelisk renessanse. Forord. Flux forlag. ISBN 9788283840094. 5 s. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

Se alle arbeider i NVA

• Tokle, Rikke & Pedersen, Willy (2025). Guttastemning for kokain. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Frøyland, Lars Roar; Enstad, Frøydis & Soest, Tilmann von (2024). Stadig flere unge på vestkanten bruker kokain. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Davanger, Svend; Mørland, Jørg; Nordengen, Kaja & Bjørnebekk, Astrid Kristine (2024). Hjernen i sentrum: Rus Forelskelse, alkohol og narkotika. De gir oss alle en rus. Hva skjer i hjernen vår da? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Rus kan være uskyldig spenning og rus kan være farlig. Noen er rusa på livet, sterke naturopplevelser kan gjøre at vi kjenner oss beruset. Enkelte kunstnere hevder at rusmidler gjør dem i stand til å skape større kunst, noen vil behandle lidelser med psykedelika. Mange mennesker får livet rasert som avhengige av legemidler og narkotiske stoffer. Hva skjer med hjernen når vi ruser oss? Hvorfor blir noen avhengige og andre ikke? Bli med når forskere innen naturvitenskap, psykologi og medisin diskuterer og deler av sin kunnskap om hjernen vår og rus. Innledninger og samtale er beregnet på publikum uten faglig bakgrunn i temaet. Kom og få innblikk i siste nytt fra forskningsfronten! Denne kvelden møter du Seniorforsker Astrid Kristine Bjørnebekk. Hun forsker på psykologiske årsaker til rusavhengighet og langtidseffekt på hjernen ved Oslo Universitetssykehus. Professor emeritus Jørg Mørland, har særlig arbeidet med medisinsk rusmiddelforskning, og bruk av rus og rusadferd i forbindelse med strafferett, rettstoksikologi. Han er nå tilknyttet Senter for rus- og avhengighetsforskning (SERAF) Professor emeritus Willy Pedersen, forsker på ungdom og rusmiddelbruk, mental helse og narkotikapolitikk. Det samfunnsvitenskapelige fakultet. Professor Svend Davanger, forsker på hjernens tolkning av sanseinntrykk, dens evne til å tilpasse seg og hvordan den endres av nye erfaringer. Det medisinske fakultet. Kaja Nordengen, lege og forfatter av blant annet "Hjernen er stjernen" leder oss igjennom programmet.

• Gashi, Liridona; Pedersen, Willy & Ugelvik, Thomas (2022). How Detainees Experience and Cope with Time in Immigration Detention Centers. Border Criminologies Blog. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Stefansen, Kari; Bakken, Anders & Soest, Tilmann von (2021). Ny studie: Digitale overgrep er nå er nesten like vanlige som fysiske. s. 35–35. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Madsen, Ole Jacob (2021). Den psykisk skjøre generasjonen? [Internet]. Ti teser om ungdommen-podcast. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2021). Skal vi straffe rusmisbrukere «for sikkerhets skyld»? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Holst, Cathrine & Fjell, Live Kjos (2021). Rusreformens nye eksperter. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2021). Hva ville Thorvald sagt? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Eriksen, Ingunn Marie & Pedersen, Willy (2021). Podcast: Ti teser om ungdommen Alt som skjer i familien. [Internet]. https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/alt-som-skjer-i-famili. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Banafsheh, Azin (2021). Ti teser om ungdommen Hva gjør du når noen kaller deg «jævla muslim»? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Berg, Johannes (2021). Ti teser om ungdommen podcast Det politiske generasjonsgapet. [Internet]. https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/det-politiske-generasj. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Skogen, Ketil (2021). Podcast: ti teser om ungdommen Gutta på jakt. [Internet]. https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/gutta-p%C3%A5-jakt/id1. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy & Ødegård, Guro (2021). Podcast - Ti teser om ungdommen. Da ungdomsforskningen kom til Norge. [Internet]. Podcast . Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Jacobsen, Sigurd Eid; Persson, Marlene & Pedersen, Willy (2021). Ungdomsforskningen står sterkere enn før. [Internet]. sosiologen.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2021). LSD og møtet med det hellige NRK verdibørsen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2021). Podcasten "Fra straff til hjelp" UiO Visjonen om et narkotikafritt samfunn. [Internet]. Podcast . Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Banafsheh, Azin & Pedersen, Willy (2021). "Jævla terrorist!" Muslimhets og hverdagsmotsand. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Frønes, Ivar & Pedersen, Willy (2020). Lovlig marihuana i Norge? [Journal]. www.nubu.no. doi: https:/www.nubu.no/no/artikler/lovlig-marihuana-i-norge. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Willy Pedersen, professor i sosiologi Institutt for sosiologi og samfunnsgeografi ved universitetet i Oslo, er en av Norges absolutt ledende forskere på rus og bruk av rusmidler blant unge. I en rekke studier har han gitt innblikk i ungdoms former for rusbruk og subkulturer fra innsiden, og i forhold til samfunnsutvikling og konsekvenser for det videre samfunn. Han har i hele sin karriere forholdt forskning til sosial og politisk utvikling, så vel som til utforming av politikk. Artikkelen sto på trykk i den femte utgaven av NUBUs digitale tidsskrift KONTEKSTonline som ble utgitt i mars 2020.

• Pedersen, Willy; Bakken, Anders; Soest, Tilmann von & Sletten, Mira Aaboen (2020). Smittevern: Innvandrerungdom på Oslo øst viser vei. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Koronasmitten kan når som helst blusse opp igjen. En ny studie av Oslo-ungdom har overraskende funn om hvor smitten mest effektivt er blitt bekjempet.

• Bakken, Anders; Soest, Tilmann von; Pedersen, Willy & Sletten, Mira Aaboen (2020). Osloungdom i koronatiden. Oslospeilet. 30(3), s. 19–25. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gashi, Liridona; Pedersen, Willy & Ugelvik, Thomas (2020). Den innsattes tapte tid. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Moffitt, Terrie E; Hart, Rannveig Kaldager & Soest, Tilmann von (2020). Hvordan går det med ungdom som aldri gjør noe galt? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Rogne, Adrian Farner; Pedersen, Willy & Bakken, Anders (2019). Innvandring har gitt mindre ungdomsfyll. s. 37–37. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Haslie, Nina Alnes & Pedersen, Willy (2018). Professoren som endret ruspolitikken. [Journal]. Forskning.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bakken, Anders; Pedersen, Willy & Ødegård, Guro (2018). Farvel til generasjon lydig? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Drug policy in Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Russetid. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Norsk ruspolitikk. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Rus i Norge: Hva kan glede oss over? Hva bør bekymre oss? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Ruspolitikk i Norge. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Rus i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Tunge rusmidler i Norge. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2017). Rus i Nordnorge. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy; Skardhamar, Torbjørn & Fekjær, Silje Bringsrud (2017). Utelivsvolden og overskjenkingen i Oslo bare fortsetter. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Skardhamar, Torbjørn & Pedersen, Willy (2017). Har ikke lykkes med å redusere utelivsvolden i Oslo sentrum. [Journal]. Aftenposten. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andersen, Patrick Lie; Pedersen, Willy & Bakken, Anders (2017). Russetid i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2016). Willy Pedersen leser Tore Renberg om alkohol. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2016). Ruspolitikk i endring. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2016). Rus på Nordvestlandet. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pedersen, Willy (2016). Rus i Norge. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bakken, Anders; Pedersen, Willy; Soest, Tilmann von & Sletten, Mira Aaboen (2020). Oslo-ungdom i koronatiden. En studie av ungdom under covid-19-pandemien. OsloMet - storbyuniversitetet. ISSN 9788278947470. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Rapporten oppsummerer hovedfunnene fra undersøkelsen «Oslo-ungdom i koronatiden». Den kartlegger ungdoms hverdagsliv mens covid-19-pandemien preget landet på det mest intense våren 2020. Undersøkelsen belyser hvordan ungdom i Oslo hadde det under pandemien; hvordan den påvirket familielivet, hvordan den digitale hjemmeskolen fungerte, og hvordan fritiden og kontakten med venner utspilte seg. Rapporten viser også hvordan ungdom forholdt seg til smittevernregler, om de fulgte med på nyheter og graden av tillit til myndighetene. Undersøkelsen ble gjennomført i månedsskiftet april/mai 2020. Det var drøye seks uker etter at skolene ble stengt og elevene fortsatt hadde hjemmeskole. Datamaterialet er basert på et nettbasert spørreskjema, besvart av 12.686 Oslo-ungdommer i alderen 13 til 19.

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