Knut Inge Fostervold

• Hesselberg, Jan Ole; Ulleberg, Pål; Sørensen, Øystein; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Ingvaldsen, Sigrid Hegna & Svege, Ida (2026). Why do reviewers disagree? Evidence from four funders and 134,000 reviews. PLOS ONE. 21(9), p. 1–21. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0356108. Full text in Research Archive
• Lau, Bjørn; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Bjørkelo, Brita (2026). The effort–reward imbalance model in policing: associations with mental health and work functioning among sworn and civilian employees. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. ISSN 0340-0131. 99(7). doi: 10.1007/s00420-026-02231-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Objective The Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) model is widely used to explain work-related stress and its health consequences. In policing, ERI research has primarily focused on sworn officers, while civilian employees have received limited attention. The purpose of this study was to examine whether ERI variables are associated with mental health and occupational functioning among police employees, and whether these associations differ between sworn officers and civilian personnel. Methods This cross-sectional study included sworn police officers and civilian employees in the Norwegian police. A random sample of 4000 employees was invited to complete an online survey, and 560 employees participated. Effort, reward, and overcommitment were measured with the 16-item short ERI questionnaire, and the ERI ratio was calculated from the effort and reward scales. Anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, work engagement, and job-related self-efficacy were assessed using separate questionnaires. Group differences were examined using analyses of covariance, and associations between ERI predictors and outcome variables were tested using hierarchical regression analyses with interaction terms for occupational role. Results In the covariate-adjusted analytic sample (N = 558), no significant differences were observed between sworn officers and civilian employees in ERI variables, mental health outcomes, or occupational functioning. Higher ERI ratio was associated with higher anxiety symptoms (β = 0.28) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.33) and with lower work engagement (β = − 0.27) and job-related self-efficacy (β = − 0.16). Overcommitment showed stronger associations with anxiety symptoms (β = 0.50) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.46) and was inversely associated with job-related self-efficacy (β = − 0.28) and work engagement (β = − 0.14). Occupational role did not moderate these associations. Conclusions The findings support the ERI model by demonstrating consistent associations between effort–reward imbalance, overcommitment, mental health, and occupational functioning in policing. Neither the levels of the ERI variables nor their associations with the outcomes differed by occupational role, suggesting that ERI processes operate similarly across occupational categories within a highly regulated welfare-state context.

• Hafstad, Marius Duhovic; González-Romá, Vicente; Bjørkli, Cato; Myklebust, Trond & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2026). Beyond the individual: A multilevel model of employees perceived organizational support. Journal of Management & Organization. ISSN 1833-3672. doi: 10.1017/jmo.2026.10081. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The focus of existing research on perceived organizational support (POS) has largely been concentrated at the individual-level, leaving an understudied gap at a higher unit-level of analysis. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the multilevel relationship between employee POS and job satisfaction, emphasizing the moderating role of unit-level POS. We hypothesize, based on POS theory and social comparison theory, that unit-level POS serves as a contextual moderator for the relationship between individual-level POS and job satisfaction. Additionally, at the unit-level, we identify clan culture values and unit-satisfaction as correlates of unit-POS. We test our hypotheses using a Bayesian Multilevel Structural Modeling approach on 45 work units and 317 employees. The results show that at low levels of unit-level POS, individual-level POS is more important for employees’ job satisfaction. We furthermore found support for a positive association between unit-level POS, unit-clan culture, and unit satisfaction. Our results, and their notable theoretical and practical implications, are discussed.

• Bjørkli, Cato; Hansen, Magnus Bechmann; Holter, Marianne Therese Smogeli; Hafstad, Marius Duhovic & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2026). The impact of COVID-19 on the gig economy in the creative- and culture sector. Journal of Managerial Psychology. ISSN 0268-3946. p. 1–17. doi: 10.1108/JMP-08-2023-0477. Full text in Research Archive
• Zhang, Juliana Jia Yu; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Halberg, Anne Marie & Bjørkli, Cato (2025). Value-driven energy prosumerism: Toward an integrated understanding of peer-to-peer energy trading adoption. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption. 20. doi: 10.1016/j.clrc.2025.100380. Full text in Research Archive
• Knutsen, Rigmor; Nielsen, Morten Birkeland; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Johannessen, Håkon Andre (2025). Associations between workplace aggression and subsequent mental distress and sick leave among home care workers. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. ISSN 0340-0131. 98, p. 899–911. doi: 10.1007/s00420-025-02183-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: The Norwegian home care sector faces staff shortages and high sick leave due to common mental disorders, often linked to work-related stress. This study examined associations between workplace aggression (threats/violence, bullying, and unwanted sexual attention) and subsequent mental distress and sick leave among home care workers. Methods: A total of 1426 employees (baseline n = 2591) from 130 randomly selected home care services completed surveys on workplace aggression and mental distress (HSCL-5 > 2) at baseline, 8 months, and 14 months. Registry data on medically certified sick leave (with diagnostic codes) were obtained for 1819 participants over 26 months. Mixed-effects lagged logistic regression estimated odds of mental distress, and negative binomial regression calculated incidence risk ratios (IRRs) for sick leave due to mental disorders. Results: All types of workplace aggression were associated with increased risk of clinically relevant mental distress. Only colleague-perpetrated bullying significantly predicted sick leave for mental disorders (IRR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17–2.23). Conclusion: Workplace aggression was common and associated with poorer mental health and increased absenteeism. Targeted, multicomponent interventions are needed to prevent aggression and reduce its mental health impact.

• Myklebust, Trond; Hafstad, Marius Duhovic; Bjørkli, Cato; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Bjørklund, Roald Arild (2025). The effect of multiple climates on readiness for change within the Norwegian Police Service. International Journal of Police Science and Management. ISSN 1461-3557. doi: 10.1177/14613557251337304. Full text in Research Archive
• Knutsen, Rigmor; Nielsen, Morten Birkeland; Lunde, Lars-Kristian; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Johannessen, Håkon Andre (2025). Sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders: A prospective cohort study. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances (IJNS Advances). 9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100376. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background In Norway, home care workers experience particularly high levels of medically-certified sick leave. A substantial percentage of sick leave is due to musculoskeletal disorders, which may be attributed to risk factors at work. Due to limited knowledge of the impact of working conditions on sick leave in this sector, an improved understanding of occupation-specific risk factors is needed. Objective To examine the impact of psychosocial and mechanical work factors on subsequent sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting A probability sample of 130 Norwegian municipalities and their respective home care services. Participants 1819 home care workers. Methods Participants were surveyed on work environment factors and followed for 26 months between 2019 and 2021 using registry data on sick leave from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. Registry data comprised complete registrations of all medically-certified sick leave, including the relevant diagnostic codes of the International Classification of Primary Care system. Incidence risk ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using negative binomial regression with robust standard deviations. Population attributable risk and population preventable fractions were calculated to estimate the contribution of the significant work factors to sick leave in the sample. Results The following factors were associated with excessive risk of sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders: Lifting or supporting the patient between bed and chair or wheelchair, heavy physical exertion without aids or assistance, heavy physical exertion despite aids or assistance, walking/standing, forward bending of the upper body, squatting/kneeling, and experiencing the work as physically demanding. Control over work pacing, fair leadership, empowering leadership, and support from immediate supervisor were associated with reduced risk of sick leave. Conclusions Preventive efforts to reduce sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among home care workers should adopt a multifactorial approach, including both psychosocial and mechanical work factors and the context in which they occur. There may be considerable potential for risk reduction by targeting awkward postures and heavy physical exertions, facilitating control over work pacing, and developing relationship-oriented leadership skills.

• Hesselberg, Jan Ole; Ulleberg, Pål; Sørensen, Øystein; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Ingvaldsen, Sigrid Hegna & Svege, Ida (2025). Registered report protocol: Factors associated with inter-rater agreement in grant peer review. PLOS ONE. 20(5). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322696. Full text in Research Archive
• Borge, Randi Hovden; Johannessen, Håkon Andre; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Nielsen, Morten Birkeland (2025). Does Attending Work When Ill Vary Across Different Office Concepts? A Bayesian Analysis of Differences in Sickness Presenteeism using Nationally Representative Data. Occupational Health Science. ISSN 2367-0134. 9, p. 409–435. doi: 10.1007/s41542-025-00223-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Several studies have examined how sickness absence varies across different office concepts, but the potential role of sickness presenteeism (i.e., attending work when faced with health complaints) is poorly understood. We discuss how different office concepts may influence the decision between attending and not attending work when faced with health complaints, and the implications this may have for how observed differences in sickness absence are interpreted. We then use data from a nationwide probability sample from Norway (N = 3112) to explore (i) differences in presenteeism among employees in different office concepts with and without assigned workstations (i.e., private, conventional shared-room, conventional open-plan, non-territorial) and (ii) whether and how perceived health status moderates these differences. Based on a frequency measure of presenteeism, we infer about likely differences in presenteeism propensity by adjusting for perceived health status and self-certified sickness absence, in addition to important demographic and occupational covariates. Results from Bayesian cumulative probit models indicated similar levels of presenteeism among employees in private and conventional shared-room and open-plan offices and lower levels among employees in non-territorial offices. Differences in presenteeism between private and non-territorial offices increased as perceived health status deteriorated. Our study represents an important step towards a complete picture of attendance patterns across different office concepts. Our findings suggest that whether you have a personalized workstation may be relevant for attending or not attending work when faced with health complaints. Future studies should take this into account when interpreting differences in sickness absence observed across office concepts.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Reme, Silje Endresen; Strømsø, Helge Ivar & Ludvigsen, Sten Runar (2024). Relationships between study conditions, stress, and perceived health: Studying at university after the COVID-19 lockdown. In McCarthy, Christopher J.; Lynch, R. Jason & DiDonato, Stephen (Ed.), Research on College Stress and Coping Implications From the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. Information Age Publishing. ISSN 9798887307329. p. 109–134. Full text in Research Archive
• Hafstad, Marius Duhovic; Bang, Henning; Bjørkli, Cato; Myklebust, Trond & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2024). Cultivating flexibility: the relationship between flexible organizational values, participation climate, and job attitudes from an employee perspective. Current Psychology. ISSN 1046-1310. 43(41), p. 32027–32039. doi: 10.1007/s12144-024-06759-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Adopting a flexible organizational culture have the potential to be a remedy for organizations that face globalization, technological advancements, and higher expectations from the workforce. However, research on the mechanism between organizational culture and its outcomes remain understudied. This study adopts an employee-centric approach, suggesting that employees’ perception of a participation climate act as a mediator between flexible organizational culture values (clan and adhocracy values) and employees’ organizational commitment and readiness for change. Cross-sectional data was collected from 619 police employees and analyzed by a two-step structural equation modeling approach. The results supports participation climate as a mediator. Participation climate partially mediated the relationship between clan culture and organizational commitment, adhocracy culture and organizational commitment, and adhocracy culture and eadiness for change. Full mediation was found for the relationship between clan culture and readiness for change. Theoretically, this study provides supporting evidence of a relationship between employees’ perceptions of flexible organizational values and a climate for participation, grounded in the notion that organizational climate is the surface level manifestation of organizational culture. Practically, the results offer valuable insight for leaders and organizations who seek knowledge on flexible values, participation climate, employee commitment and readiness for change.

• Hafstad, Marius Duhovic; Ebrahimi, Omid V. & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2024). The Dialectical Relationship Between Burnout and Work Engagement: A Network Approach. Stress and Health. ISSN 1532-3005. doi: 10.1002/smi.3514. Full text in Research Archive
• Borge, Randi Hovden; Johannessen, Håkon Andre; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Nielsen, Morten Birkeland (2024). Does job control contribute to differences in physician-certified sickness absence across office concepts? A mediation analysis in a nationally representative sample. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. ISSN 0355-3140. 50(6), p. 416–425. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.4167. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: Several studies have found higher sickness absence in shared and open workspaces than in private offices, but little is known about why these differences occur. We propose and test job control as a potential mechanism underlying observed differences in the risk of physician-certified sickness absence between private offices and shared and open workspaces. Methods: We conducted a counterfactual mediation analysis using observational survey data from a nationally representative sample of Norwegian employees merged with prospective data from national registries (N=5512). The registry data included information about whether participants had any physician-certified sickness absence the year following the survey. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education level, occupation group, executive/leadership responsibility, and time spent on office work. Results: We found significantly higher sickness absence risk in conventional [risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01‒1.25] and non-territorial (RR 1.20, 95% 1.04‒1.37) open-plan and non-territorial shared-room offices (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13‒1.48) compared to private offices. Natural indirect effects due to job control were statistically significant in all contrasts and accounted for 19–34% of total effects depending on contrast. Conclusions: Findings were in line with hypothesized relationships and suggest that job control may be a mechanism underlying observed differences in sickness absence across office concepts. Future studies should continue to explore potential mechanisms linking shared and open workspaces to higher sickness absence and other unfavorable outcomes in the workplace, particularly with study designs that provide stronger basis for causal inference.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Ulleberg, Pål; Nilsen, Odd Viggo & Halberg, Anne Marie (2024). The hidden costs of working from home: examining loneliness, role overload, and the role of social support during and beyond the COVID-19 lockdown. Frontiers in Organizational Psychology. ISSN 2813-771X. doi: 10.3389/forgp.2024.1380051. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: This study evaluated the impact of the number of days per week working from home (WFH) on employee loneliness during and 2 years after the COVID-19 lockdown, with a focus on role overload as a mediating factor and social support from coworkers as a moderating variable. Methods: Data were collected via self-reports from a sample of 6,918 participants during the lockdown in January 2021 and 6,576 participants 2 years post-lockdown in January 2023. Results: Analysis using a moderated mediation model showed that increased WFH days were associated with heightened loneliness during the lockdown, a link that weakened post-lockdown. Role overload served as a mediator, intensifying loneliness during WFH but less so after the lockdown. While higher social support was generally linked to reduced role overload and loneliness, it paradoxically intensified these issues in individuals with extensive WFH days. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the number of days WFH can exacerbate loneliness and role overload among employees, with the effect being more pronounced during the lockdown. Employees with substantial social support faced more challenges as WFH duration increased. These results underscore the complex dynamics between WFH, social support, and employee wellbeing.

• Rabbing, Lillis Marie-Louise Elisabeth; Lau, Bjørn; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Blenkinsopp, John & Bjørkelo, Brita (2023). Enhancing self-reported assessment of working conditions in policing: Revisiting the psychometric properties and applications of the police stress questionnaire. Psychological Reports. ISSN 0033-2941. p. 1–19. doi: 10.1177/00332941231207957. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives Policing is recognized as a highly stressful occupation, encompassing stressors not commonly encountered in other fields. In response, police-specific stress scales have been developed and used when studying police work. Despite changes in the composition of police personnel, most studies examining police working conditions focus on sworn police officers (SPO), excluding employees without police education (EWPE). To advance research and practice on stress in the police, align results, and increase the possibilities for comparisons across studies using police-specific measures (PSMs) we conducted a psychometric evaluation of the two scales in the Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ). We examined whether adding “Not Applicable” to the response scales would reduce vulnerability and make the PSQ more robust. Method Based on a survey with a randomised sample (N = 560) of SPO and EWPE in the Norwegian Police, we tested the original factor structures of the PSQ through Confirmatory Factor Analysis including tests of factor structures from previous studies. Results For all models, the indicators of fit indicated a poor fit with either our whole or stratified sample. The response choice ‘Not Applicable’ provided extended information for SPOs and EWPEs on the PSQ. Conclusions To promote aligning results and enabling comparisons across studies using the PSQ, we suggest treating the PSQ scales as formative indexes, rather than reflective scales. Adding “Not Applicable” to the response scale offers an influential elaboration of the PSQ with beneficial and extended information. Generalised studies of stress in the police should include the entire population working there.

• Borge, Randi Hovden; Johannessen, Håkon Andre; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Nielsen, Morten Birkeland (2023). Office design, telework from home, and self-certified sickness absence: A cross-sectional study of main and moderating effects in a nationally representative sample. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. ISSN 0355-3140. 49(3), p. 222–230. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.4078. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives This study aimed to investigate (i) the main effects of office design and access to telework from home (TWFH) on self-certified sickness absence and (ii) the moderating effects of access to TWFH on the relationship between office design and self-certified sickness absence. Methods The study used cross-sectional survey data from a nationally representative sample from Norway (N=4329). Research objectives were investigated with negative binomial hurdle models, adjusting for age, gender, education level, leadership responsibility, and time spent on office work. Moderating effects of TWFH were evaluated with pairwise comparisons and plots of estimated marginal means. Results In adjusted models, employees in conventional open-plan offices [odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.54] had significantly higher odds of sickness absence than employees in private offices. Employees with access to TWFH (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–0.99) had significantly lower odds of sickness absence than employees with no access. Among employees with access to TWFH, those in conventional open-plan offices had significantly higher predicted probability of self-certified sickness absence than those in private offices (z=4.41, P<0.0001). There were no significant differences between office designs among employees who did not have access to TWFH. There were no significant main or moderating effects on the number of sickness absence episodes in adjusted models. Conclusions The current study identifies conventional open-plan offices as a potential risk factor for sickness absence. While access to TWFH may be a protective factor overall, it amplified – rather than attenuated – differences in sickness absence between employees in private offices and conventional open-plan offices.

• Taule, Tina; Følstad, Asbjørn & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2022). How can a chatbot support human resource management? Exploring the operational interplay. In Følstad, Asbjørn; Araujo, Theo; Papadopoulos, Symeon; Law, Effie L.-C.; Luger, Ewa; Goodwin, Morten & Brandtzæg, Petter Bae (Ed.), Chatbot Research and Design: 5th International Workshop, CONVERSATIONS 2021, Virtual Event, November 23–24, 2021, Revised Selected Papers. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783030948894. p. 73–89. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-94890-0_5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chatbots are increasingly taken up to support organizational functions and processes, particularly in support of the Human Resource Management (HRM) function. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the organizational implications of this support – in particular the operational interplay between the chatbot, the HRM function, and the organization at large. In this study, we contribute knowledge to the fields of chatbot research and digital HRM support through interviews with 13 HRM practitioners in organizations that had implemented chatbots to support their function. The findings show that a chatbot may support the HRM function through handling of repetitive inquiries and tailoring of HRM support in response to insights from analysis of chatbot use. At the same time, the chatbot impacts the HRM function in terms of new tasks and competence requirements. The findings also provide insight into characteristics of the organization and the chatbot which may impact uptake and effective use. Based on the findings, we suggest implications for theory and practice and point out future research needs.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge & Watten, Reidulf G. (2022). Put your feet up: The impact of personality traits, job pressure, and social support on the need for recovery after work. Current Psychology. ISSN 1046-1310. doi: 10.1007/s12144-022-02950-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The need for recovery after work (NFR) is an important warning of work-related fatigue. NFR is linked to prolonged work-related efforts and depletion of resources, creating a need for temporary respite from work demands. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between NFR and the five-factor model (FFM), comprising the personality traits of emotional stability (ES), extraversion (E), agreeableness (A), conscientiousness (C), and openness to experience (O). Per-ceived job pressure and perceived social support were included as mediators. The study was conducted using structural equa-tion modelling (SEM) on cross-sectional data from a sample of 681 participants from several work sectors (N females = 376, N males = 305; M age = 46.9 years; SD= 11.1). The results showed that NFR was affected both directly and indirectly by FFM traits. High ES and high O contributed directly to reduced and increased NFR, respectively. High perceived social support contributed to reduced NFR, while high perceived job pressure contributed to increased NFR. High ES contributed indirectly to reduced NFR through perceived job pressure and social support, high O contributed indirectly to increased NFR through perceived social support, and high E contributed indirectly to increased NFR through perceived job pressure. A and C were not related to NFR. The findings demonstrate that personality traits, especially ES, are firmly related to NFR and highlight the importance of incorporating personality factors into studies of work environmental factors on NFR.

• Skjuve, Marita; Følstad, Asbjørn; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Brandtzæg, Petter Bae (2022). A longitudinal study of human–chatbot relationships. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. ISSN 1071-5819. 168. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2022.102903. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Social chatbots have become more advanced, paving the way for human–chatbot relationships (HCRs). Although this phenomenon has already received some research attention, the results have been contradictory, and there is uncertainty regarding how to understand HCR formation. To provide the needed knowledge on this phenomenon, we conducted a qualitative longitudinal study. We interviewed 25 participants over a 12-week period to understand how their HCRs formed with the popular chatbot Replika. We found that the HCRs formed gradually and mostly in line with the assumptions of Social Penetration Theory. Our findings indicate the need to acknowledge substantial variation and nuance in the HCR formation process, plus variation in the onset of self-disclosure and in the subsequent relationship formation. The results show that important drivers pushing the relationship toward attachment and perceived closeness appear to be Replika's ability to participate in a variety of interactions, as well as to support more deep-felt human needs related to social contact and self-reflection. In contrast, unpredictable events and technical difficulties could hinder relationship formation and lead to termination. Finally, we discuss the appropriateness of using a theoretical framework developed for human–human relationships when investigating HCRs, and we suggest directions for future research.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Ludvigsen, Sten Runar & Strømsø, Helge Ivar (2022). Students’ time management and procrastination in the wake of the pandemic. Educational Psychology. ISSN 0144-3410. doi: 10.1080/01443410.2022.2102582. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  On March 12, 2020, Norwegian universities closed campus areas and reorganised teaching to digital environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a sample of 8,907 university students, we investigated how aspects of students’ self-regulation were affected by their motivation, perceived stress, working conditions, and remote teaching offered in the new and challenging situation. Specifically, we assumed that self-regulation in terms of time management, procrastination, effort regulation, and time for independent studies might be affected. Analyses based on structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that motivation significantly positively predicted time management and effort regulation and that procrastination negatively predicted time management and effort regulation. Students’ perceived stress increased both procrastination and independent study time, whereas remote teaching only weakly reduced procrastination. Students’ physical working conditions slightly affected time management. An important finding of the study is the minor impact of students’ attendance of remote classes on self-regulation.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge & Eilertsen, Dag Erik (2022). Implementing integrative lighting in conventional office luminaires: Effects on melatonin secretion and sleepiness. Lighting Research and Technology. ISSN 1477-1535. doi: 10.1177/14771535221123237. Full text in Research Archive
• Rabbing, Lillis; Bjørkelo, Brita; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Strømme, Hilde & Lau, Bjørn (2022). A Scoping review of stress measurements and psychometry in police research. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology. ISSN 0882-0783. doi: 10.1007/s11896-022-09498-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Despite a growing body of research, there is no systematic body of evidence that establishes the rigour of existing measures of stress among police. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate (1) the diversity of stress measures used in police research and (2) the psychometric properties of such measures and the ways in which they are utilised. The systematic literature search discovered 16,216 records, which were reduced to 442 records of relevance. A total of 20 qualitative and 422 quantitative studies were found to be relevant, including a total of 129 unique measures, of which the majority showed satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha≥0.80). The identifed measures pertain to four main categories: police-specifc, perceived stress, psychological and physiological outcomes (including mood and afect changes), and assessment batteries. The measures have a general tendency to emphasise illness, and police-specifc stressors pertain mostly to traditional police work. Measures should be chosen based on the aspect of the stress phenomenon that is to be investigated. This study provides detailed recommendations concerning how to use these measures to advance research concerning stress among police.

• Ulleberg, Pål; Bjørnskau, Torkel & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2022). Does age matter? Examining age-dependent differences in at-fault collisions after attending a refresher course for older drivers. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour. ISSN 1369-8478. 87, p. 379–390. doi: 10.1016/j.trf.2022.04.016. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract: The “Driver 65+” course is a voluntary refresher course offered to all drivers aged 65 years or older in Norway. The current study estimated differences in at-fault motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) between older drivers who had attended in the course and older drivers who had not attended the course. Methods: Two samples of drivers were selected from the database of an insurance company and were sent a questionnaire in the mail. The first sample consisted of 2039 car owners aged 70 years or older who had reported a collision to the insurance company during the last 24 months. The second sample consisted of 1569 drivers aged 70 or older who had not reported any collisions during the last 24 months. Results: The results indicated an age-dependent effect; drivers attending the course before 75 years of age had a significantly lower risk of being the at-fault driver in a multi-MVC than older drivers who did not attend the course. Conclusion: The results indicate that the refresher course had a beneficial effect on collision risk for drivers who attended the course before reaching 75 years of age. One possible explanation of this age-dependent effect is that a certain level of visual, cognitive, and motor functioning is needed to implement the strategies learned in the course. However, the design of the study makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions about the causal relationship between course attendance and later collision involvement.

• Skjuve, Marita; Følstad, Asbjørn; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Brandtzæg, Petter Bae (2021). My chatbot companion – a study of human-chatbot relationships. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. ISSN 1071-5819. 149. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2021.102601. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  There has been a recent surge of interest in social chatbots, and human–chatbot relationships (HCRs) are becoming more prevalent, but little knowledge exists on how HCRs develop and may impact the broader social context of the users. Guided by Social Penetration Theory, we interviewed 18 participants, all of whom had developed a friendship with a social chatbot named Replika, to understand the HCR development process. We find that at the outset, HCRs typically have a superficial character motivated by the users' curiosity. The evolving HCRs are characterised by substantial affective exploration and engagement as the users' trust and engagement in self-disclosure increase. As the relationship evolves to a stable state, the frequency of interactions may decrease, but the relationship can still be seen as having substantial affective and social value. The relationship with the social chatbot was found to be rewarding to its users, positively impacting the participants' perceived wellbeing. Key chatbot characteristics facilitating relationship development included the chatbot being seen as accepting, understanding and non-judgmental. The perceived impact on the users' broader social context was mixed, and a sense of stigma associated with HCRs was reported. We propose an initial model representing the HCR development identified in this study and suggest avenues for future research.

• Hesselberg, Jan Ole; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Ulleberg, Pål & Svege, Ida (2021). Individual versus general structured feedback to improve agreement in grant peer review: a randomized controlled trial. Research Integrity and Peer Review. 6(12). doi: 10.1186/s41073-021-00115-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Vast sums are distributed based on grant peer review, but studies show that interrater reliability is often low. In this study, we tested the effect of receiving two short individual feedback reports compared to one short general feedback report on the agreement between reviewers. Methods A total of 42 reviewers at the Norwegian Foundation Dam were randomly assigned to receive either a general feedback report or an individual feedback report. The general feedback group received one report before the start of the reviews that contained general information about the previous call in which the reviewers participated. In the individual feedback group, the reviewers received two reports, one before the review period (based on the previous call) and one during the period (based on the current call). In the individual feedback group, the reviewers were presented with detailed information on their scoring compared with the review committee as a whole, both before and during the review period. The main outcomes were the proportion of agreement in the eligibility assessment and the average difference in scores between pairs of reviewers assessing the same proposal. The outcomes were measured in 2017 and after the feedback was provided in 2018. Results A total of 2398 paired reviews were included in the analysis. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the proportion of absolute agreement on whether the proposal was eligible for the funding programme, with the general feedback group demonstrating a higher rate of agreement. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the average score difference. However, the agreement regarding the proposal score remained critically low for both groups. Conclusions We did not observe changes in proposal score agreement between 2017 and 2018 in reviewers receiving different feedback. The low levels of agreement remain a major concern in grant peer review, and research to identify contributing factors as well as the development and testing of interventions to increase agreement rates are still needed. Trial registration The study was preregistered at OSF.io/n4fq3.

• Bakke, Jan Vilhelm & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2020). Offices. In Reiko, Kishi; Norbäck, Dan & Atsuko, Araki (Ed.), Indoor Environmental Quality and Health Risk toward Healthier Environment for All. Springer Nature. ISSN 9789813291812. p. 57–86. doi: 10.1007/978-981-32-9182-9_4. Full text in Research Archive
• Myklebust, Trond; Motland, Karoline; Garnås, Alexander; Bjørklund, Roald Arild; Bjørkli, Cato Alexander & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2020). An Empirical evaluation of the relationship between human relations climate and readiness for change. Scandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology. 5(1), p. 1–12. doi: 10.16993/sjwop.74. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Readiness for change is seen as an important factor in organisational change processes, but it is unclear how organisational climate might affect readiness for change. Addressing this important gap, the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between human relations climate, a dimension of the Quinn and Rohrbaugh’s competing values framework of organizational climate, and readiness for change. More specifically the aim was to investigate the mediating role of perceived organisational support. Employees in the Norwegian Police Service (N = 901) answered a survey measuring organisational culture. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Following a two-step analytical approach, the measurement models were first evaluated and then the relationships between constructs were examined. Evaluations of the original measurement models showed non-satisfactory fit, however after modifications, the measurement models were found to have satisfactory fit. In the second step, both the original and the modified measurement models were applied to the examination of three competing models: a partially mediated model, a fully mediated model, and a non-mediated model. Evaluation of the models showed fully mediated models (original and modified) to have the best fit to data, suggesting that the relationship between human relations organisational climate and employees’ readiness for change is mediated by perceived organisational support. The finding adds theoretically to literature on organisational climate, highlighting the role of perceived organisational support. From an applied perspective actions fostering human relations climate to strengthen perceived organisational support are recommended.

• Volden, Frode; Edirisinghe, Viveka de Alwis & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2019). Human Gaze-Parameters as an Indicator of Mental Workload. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing. ISSN 2194-5357. 827, p. 209–215. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-96059-3_23. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In this study we have investigated which eye-parameters that most reliably can indicate increased mental workload. Being able to detect high mental workload in individuals, allows for early detection of potentially dangerous situations, and possibly adjustment of the information flow that creates the high workload. N-back memory tasks with four difficulty levels were designed to induce mental workload for a sample of 21 university students. 17 eye parameters were measured using an Eye Tracker at a sampling rate of 250 Hz. Data indicate that peak fixation duration is the most suitable eye parameter to estimate mental workload. It has a negative relationship with mental workload, where higher peak fixation duration can be observed at lower mental workload and lower peak fixation duration at higher mental workload. Moreover, blink frequency, blink count, peak blink duration, and pupil diameter show a significant positive relationship to mental workload. Most of the saccade parameters failed to show a significant relationship, while fixation frequency, fixation duration, fixation count, blink duration, saccade velocity, and peak saccade amplitude showed a partial relationship with mental workload.

• Steinbakk, Renata Torquato; Ulleberg, Pål; Sagberg, Fridulv & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2019). Speed preferences in work zones: the combined effect of visible roadwork activity, personality traits, attitudes, risk perception and driving style. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour. ISSN 1369-8478. 62(62), p. 390–405. doi: 10.1016/j.trf.2019.01.017. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2019). Discomfort glare and psychological stress during computer work: subjective responses and associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood flow. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. ISSN 0340-0131. p. 1–14. doi: 10.1007/s00420-019-01457-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Exposure to additional environmental stress during computer work, such as visual and psychological demands, is associated with increased eye and neck discomfort, altered moods, and reduced well-being. The aim of this study is to elucidate further how subjective responses in healthy, young females with normal binocular vision are afected by glare and psychological stress during computer work, and to investigate possible associations between trapezius muscle blood fow and neck pain development. Methods 43 females participated in a laboratory experiment with a within-subject design. Four 10-min computer work conditions with exposure to diferent stressors were performed at an ergonomically optimal workstation, under the following series of conditions: no additional stress, visual stress (induced as direct glare from a large glare source), psychological stress, and combined visual and psychological stress. Before and immediately after each computer work condition, questionnaires regarding diferent visual and eye symptoms, neck and shoulder symptoms, positive and negative state moods, perceived task difculty, and perceived ambient lighting were completed. Associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood fow were also investigated. Results Exposure to direct glare induced greater development of visual/eye symptoms and discomfort, while psychological stress exposure made participants feel more negative and stressed. The perception of work lighting during glare exposure was closely related to perceived stress, and associations between visual discomfort and eyestrain, and neck pain were observed in all conditions. Furthermore, participants with high trapezius muscle blood fow overall reported more neck pain, independent of exposure. Conclusions Exposure to visual and psychological stresses during computer work afects the development of symptoms and negative moods in healthy, young females with normal binocular vision, but in diferent ways. The results also demonstrate the complex interactions involved in symptom development and lighting appraisal during computer work. When optimizing computer workstations, the complexity

• Steinbakk, Renata Torquato; Ulleberg, Pål; Sagberg, Fridulv & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2019). Effects of roadwork characteristics and drivers? individual differences on speed preferences in a rural work zone. Accident Analysis and Prevention. ISSN 0001-4575. 132. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.105263. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Work zone safety from a psychological perspective has received little attention in scientific literature. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the influence of roadwork characteristics and drivers’ individual differences in terms of personality traits and self-assessment of driving skills on speed preferences in a rural work zone. Eight hundred forty-five Norwegian drivers stated their preferred speed for ten pictures of a rural work zone with a 50 km/h reduced speed limit without knowing the speed limit. The results showed that the preferred speeds were greater than the actual reduced speed limit for all pictures. The standard deviations were quite high (from 11 to 14 km/h), indicating that drivers have a rather high variation in preferred speeds. A multilevel model was used to analyse the effects of the variables on speed preference. The results indicated that preferred speeds increased with age, higher scores on the normlessness scale, and higher self-assessment of own driving skills. As for the roadwork characteristics, speed increased with the presence of road markings by 11 km/h, while it decreased by 9 km/h with the presence of road delineators and by 5 km/h with barriers. Implications for respect for the reduced speed limits in work zones were discussed, and recommendations of other countermeasures were presented.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Koren, Peter Christian & Nilsen, Odd Viggo (2018). Defining Sustainable and “Decent” Work for Human Factors and Ergonomics. In Thatcher, Andrew & Yeow, Paul H.P. (Ed.), Ergonomics and Human Factors for a Sustainable Future Current Research and Future Possibilities. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9789811080715. p. 47–76. doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-8072-2_3. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge & Halberg, Anne-Marie (2018). Subjective Evaluation of the Physical Work Environment and the Influence of Personality. In Bagnara, Sebastiano; Tartaglia, Riccardo; Albolino, Sara; Alexander, Thomas & Fujita, Yushi (Ed.), Proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018). Springer. ISSN 9783319960890. p. 578–582. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-96089-0_62. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2018). Visual and psychological stress during computer work in healthy, young females' physiological responses. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. ISSN 0340-0131. 91(7), p. 811–830. doi: 10.1007/s00420-018-1324-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Among computer workers, visual complaints, and neck pain are highly prevalent. This study explores how occupational simulated stressors during computer work, like glare and psychosocial stress, affect physiological responses in young females with normal vision. Methods The study was a within-subject laboratory experiment with a counterbalanced, repeated design. Forty-three females performed four 10-min computer-work sessions with different stress exposures: (1) minimal stress; (2) visual stress (direct glare); (3) psychological stress; and (4) combined visual and psychological stress. Muscle activity and muscle blood flow in trapezius, muscle blood flow in orbicularis oculi, heart rate, blood pressure, blink rate and postural angles were continuously recorded. Immediately after each computer-work session, fixation disparity was measured and a questionnaire regarding perceived workstation lighting and stress was completed. Results Exposure to direct glare resulted in increased trapezius muscle blood flow, increased blink rate, and forward bending of the head. Psychological stress induced a transient increase in trapezius muscle activity and a more forward-bent posture. Bending forward towards the computer screen was correlated with higher productivity (reading speed), indicating a concentration or stress response. Forward bent posture was also associated with changes in fixation disparity. Furthermore, during computer work per se, trapezius muscle activity and blood flow, orbicularis oculi muscle blood flow, and heart rate were increased compared to rest. Conclusions Exposure to glare and psychological stress during computer work were shown to influence the trapezius muscle, posture, and blink rate in young, healthy females with normal binocular vision, but in different ways. Accordingly, both visual and psychological factors must be taken into account when optimizing computer workstations to reduce physiological responses that may cause excessive eyestrain and musculoskeletal load.

• Skar, Ane-Marthe Solheim; Sherr, Lorraine; Macedo, Ana; Tetzchner, Stephen von & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2017). Evaluation of parenting interventions to prevent violence against children in Colombia - a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. ISSN 0886-2605. 36(1-2), p. 1098–1126. doi: 10.1177/0886260517736881. Full text in Research Archive
• Steinbakk, Renata Torquato; Ulleberg, Pål; Sagberg, Fridulv & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2017). Analysing the influence of visible roadwork activity on drivers’ speed choice at work zones using a video-based experiment. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour. ISSN 1369-8478. 44(January), p. 53–62. doi: 10.1016/j.trf.2016.10.003. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study used a video-based experimental design to investigate the influence of visible roadwork activity on speed preferences at work zones. Four videos from real work zones in Norway were used. Two roadwork areas were filmed at two moments – with and without visible roadwork activity. A total of 815 drivers watched two videos and answered a questionnaire online. Participants stated speed preferences for both videos and then evaluated the influence of 17 common work zone elements on their speed choice. The results showed lower preferred speeds for the videos with visible roadwork activity. The elements considered by drivers to influence their speed included speed regulation (e.g. speed limit signs), transient motives (e.g. time pressure), flow pressure (e.g. speed of the rear driver) and situational conditions (e.g. road situation). Results from the regression analysis showed that visible roadwork activity was the strongest predictor of lower preferred speeds. Speed regulation and transient motives were also significant predictors of preferred speeds. Those who considered speed regulation more important to influence their speed choice at work zones were likely to state lower preferred speeds, while those who considered transient motives as more important were likely to state higher preferred speeds. These findings support the hypothesis that visible roadwork activity is an important factor for lower speed preferences at work zones. The main practical implication is that road authorities should consider various countermeasures to achieve safe driving speeds at work zones, not only roadworks warning signs.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Watten, Reidulf G. & Volden, Frode (2015). Ergonomi og human factors Basiskunnskap for universell utforming. In Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (Ed.), Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574747. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Volden, Frode & Watten, Reidulf G. (2015). Universell utforming Grunnlag og tverrfaglig inspirasjon. In Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (Ed.), Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574747. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Watten, Reidulf G. & Volden, Frode (2015). Universell utforming og ergonomi Hva er forskjellen? In Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (Ed.), Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574747. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (2015). Menneske, miljø og natur. En utvidet forståelse av universell utforming. In Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (Ed.), Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574747. p. 199–203. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Rydstedt, Leif W (2015). Stress hormones in the hair: A new method for investigation of stress and work-load. In Fostervold, Knut Inge; Johnsen, Svein Åge Kjøs; Rydstedt, Leif W & Watten, Reidulf G. (Ed.), Creating Sustainable Work-environments, Proceedings of NES2015. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574754. p. 194–199. Full text in Research Archive
• Volden, Frode; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Watten, Reidulf G. (2015). Det digitale selvbetjeningssamfunnet : for alle? In Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (Ed.), Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574747. p. 92–95. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (2015). Noen sentrale perseptuelle faktorer i universell design og miljøpsykologi. In Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (Ed.), Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574747. p. 61–90. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Watten, Reidulf G. & Volden, Frode Strand (2014). Evolutionary adaptations: Theoretical and practical implications for visual ergonomics. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation. ISSN 1051-9815. 47(3), p. 387–397. doi: 10.3233/WOR-131771. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  BACKGROUND: The literature discussing visual ergonomics often mention that human vision is adapted to light emitted by the sun. However, the theoretical and practical implications of this viewpoint is seldom discussed and taken into account. OBJECTIVE: The paper discusses some of the main theoretical implications of an evolutionary approach to visual ergonomics. DISCUSSION: Based on interactional theory and ideas from ecological psychology an evolutionary stress model is proposed as a theoretical framework for future research in ergonomics and human factors. The model stresses the importance of developing work environments that fits with our evolutionary adaptations. In accordance with evolutionary psychology, the environment of evolutionary adaptedness (EEA) and evolutionarily-novel environments (EN) are used as key concepts. Using work with visual display units (VDU) as an example, the paper discusses how this knowledge can be utilized in an ergonomic analysis of risk factors in the work environment. CONCLUSION: The paper emphasises the importance of incorporating evolutionary theory in the field of ergonomics. Further, the paper encourages scientific practices that further our understanding of any phenomena beyond the borders of traditional proximal explanations.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2012). Cognitive components and the ability to ignore and adapt to irrelevant stimuli: a key factor in open plan offices? WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation. ISSN 1051-9815. 41, p. 6024–6030. doi: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1055-6024. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Employees differ in their apperception of open plan offices. Despite this, individual differences have been sparsely treated in the literature discussing effects of office design. The aim of the present study was to investigate how stimulus screening, working memory, and attention interrelate and affect important factors in the work environment. The study utilized a cross sectional design. Participants (N=35) were recruited among employees in four organizations. Working memory was assessed bye means of the Operation –Word Span Task (OSPAN) while attention was measured by the d2 test of attention. Dependent variables were job stress, job involvement, organizational commitment, and need for recovery. The results showed a main affect of stimulus screening on need for recovery and one subscale of organizational commitment. A main effect was also found for fluctuation rate across trials, a sub measure of attention, on need for recovery. The results revealed no indication of any mediator or moderator effects of either working memory or attention, on stimulus screening, for any of the dependent variables. Thus, the effect of stimulus screening seems not to be explained through individual differences in cognitive processes.

• Bjørnstad, Anne Lise; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Ulleberg, Pål (2011). Effects of Cultural Diversity on Trust and its Consequences for Team Processes and Outcomes in Ad Hoc Distributed Teams. Scandinavian Journal of Organizational Psychology. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This quasi-experimental study explores trust as a mediator, explaining how cultural diversity may affect team processes and outcomes in distributed ad hoc teams. Data were collected both through self-report and direct behavioral measures from a military sample. Our results demonstrate significantly lower trust in culturally heterogeneous distributed teams than in homogenous teams. In turn, trust was found to be positively related to team processes (i.e., communication). The results suggest trust will add explanatory value as a mediator in future team composition research. In terms of performance, outcome was not significantly predicted. Aiming to contribute to the future successful use of internationally composed teams, the implications of and the need for further research in these areas are discussed.

• Halberg, Anne-Marie; Teigen, Karl Halvor & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2009). Maximum vs. minimum values: Preferences of speakers and listeners for upper and lower limit estimates. Acta Psychologica. ISSN 0001-6918. 132(3), p. 228–239. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2009.07.007. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Estimates about uncertain quantities can be expressed in terms of lower limits (more than x, minimum x), or upper limits (less than y, maximum y). It has been shown that lower limit statements generally occur much more often than upper limit statements (Halberg & Teigen, in press). However, in a conversational context, preferences for upper and lower limit statements will be moderated by the concerns of the interlocutors. We report three studies asking speakers and listeners about their preferences for lower and upper limit statements, in the domains of distances, durations, and prices. It appears that travellers prefer information about maximum distances and maximum durations, and buyers (but not sellers) prefer to be told about maximum prices and maximum delivery times. Mistaken maxima are at the same time regarded as more “wrong” than mistaken minima. However, this preference for “worst case” information is not necessarily shared by providers of information (advisors), who are also concerned about being blamed if wrong.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge & Ankrum, Dennis R. (2008). Visual ergonomics for children. In Lueder, Rani & Rice, Valerie J Berg (Ed.), Ergonomics for children designing products and places for toddler to teens. Taylor & Francis. ISSN 9780415304740. p. 65–108. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, KI & Nersveen, Jonny (2008). Proportions of direct and indirect indoor lighting - The effect on health, well-being and cognitive performance of office workers. Lighting Research and Technology. ISSN 1477-1535. 40(3), p. 175–200. doi: 10.1177/1477153508090917. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Kleiven, Jo & Volden, Frode (2008). Barn og unges IKT-bruk - Kjønnsforskjeller og elektronisk mobbing. In Nygren, Pär & Thuen, Harald (Ed.), Barn og unges kompetanseutvikling. Universitetsforlaget. ISSN 9788215013466. p. 111–126. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Kleiven, Jo; Fauske, Halvor & Volden, Frode (2008). Gender Profiles of Internet and Mobile Phone Use among Norwegian Adolescents. Seminar.net - Media, technology and lifelong learning. 4(3), p. 1–10. Full text in Research Archive
• Øvergård, Kjell Ivar; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Bjelland, Hans Vanhauwaert & Hoff, Thomas (2007). Knobology in use: an experimental evaluation of ergonomics recommendations. Ergonomics. ISSN 0014-0139. 50(5), p. 694–705. doi: 10.1080/00140130601168046. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The scientific basis for ergonomics recommendations for controls has usually not been related to active goal-directed use. The present experiment tests how different knob sizes and torques affect operator performance. The task employed is to control a pointer by the use of a control knob, and is as such an experimentally defined goal-directed task relevant to machine systems in general. Duration of use, error associated with use (overshooting of the goal area) and movement reproduction were used as performance measures. Significant differences between knob sizes were found for movement reproduction. High torques led to less overshooting as opposed to low torques. The results from duration of use showed a tendency that the differences between knob sizes were reduced from the first iteration to the second iteration. The present results indicate that the ergonomically recommended ranges of knob sizes might differently affect operator performance.

• Teigen, Karl Halvor; Halberg, Anne-Marie & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2007). Single- Limit Interval Estimates as Reference Points. Applied Cognitive Psychology. ISSN 0888-4080. 21(3), p. 383–406. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  People often describe uncertain quantities by suggesting a lower or upper limit of an uncertainty interval, rather than the complete range. Five studies are reported, which demonstrate how interval limits function as provisional reference points (PRP), conferring evaluative meanings to the target objects, by suggesting downward or upward comparisons. Thus, a price above X appears expensive, whereas a price below Y appears cheap, even when Y > X. This can give rise to framing effects: a purchase can appear to be recommended or advised against, and a seller can appear as optimistic or pessimistic, and, more generally, an estimate can indicate abundance or scarcity, depending upon which boundary (upper or lower) that is selected. Furthermore, inclusive lower bounds (minimum, at least) and upper bounds (maximum, at most) differ from exclusive lower (more than, above) and upper bounds (less than, below), by suggesting possible (likely) rather than implausible (unlikely) values.

• Teigen, Karl Halvor; Halberg, Anne-Marie & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2007). More than, less than, or between: How upper and lower bounds determine subjective interval estimates. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making. ISSN 0894-3257. 20, p. 179–201. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Uncertain quantities can be described by single-point estimates of lower interval bounds(X1), upper interval bounds (X2), two-bound estimates (separate estimates of X1 and X2),and by ranges (X1-X2). A price estimation task showed that single-bound estimates phrased as ‘‘T costs more than X1’’ and ‘‘T costs less than X2,’’ yielded much larger intervals than ‘‘minimum X1’’ and ‘‘maximum X2.’’ This difference can be attributed to exclusive interpretations of X1 and X2 in the first case (X1 and X2 are unlikely values), and inclusive interpretations in the second (X1 and X2 are likely values). This pattern of results was replicated in other domains where participants estimated single targets. When they estimated a distribution of targets, the pattern was reversed. ‘‘Minimum’’ and ‘‘maximum’’ values of variable quantities (e.g., flight prices) were found to delimit larger intervals than ‘‘more than’’ and ‘‘less than’’ estimates.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Aarås, Arne & Lie, Ivar (2006). Work with visual display units: Long-term health effects of high and downward line-of-sight in ordinary office environments. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. ISSN 0169-8141. 36(4), p. 331–343. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2003). VDU-work with downward gaze: the emperor's new clothes or scientifically sound? International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. ISSN 0169-8141. 31(3), p. 161–167. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Lower monitor placements, with gaze angles to the centre of the screen 30�45 below the horizontal line are proposed as an alternative to higher monitor placements advocated by prevailing guidelines. A scientific basis for this proposition has been established within a comprehensive theoretical framework, founded on an ecological systemic approach to vision. A review of the literature shows reduced visual strain and a strong tendency towards reduced symptomatology in subjects working with downward gaze. Increased musculoskeletal load is not evident in m. trapezius, while a clinically insignificant increase might be present in some other neck and shoulder muscles. Research studying subjective preferences is inconclusive at present. The evidence indicates that lower monitor placements result in less strain on the total network of muscles involved in visual display unit (VDU) work.

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• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Johnsen, Svein Åge Kjøs; Rydstedt, Leif W & Watten, Reidulf G. (2015). Creating Sustainable Work-environments, Proceedings of NES2015. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISBN 9788299574754. 255 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (2015). Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISBN 9788299574747. 235 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode (2015). Universell utforming og omgivelser Tverrfaglige, kritiske og miljøpsykologiske perspektiver. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISBN 9788299574747. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Matusiak, Barbara Szybinska; Forberg, Lars-Fredrik; Bjørke, Charlotte Wettre; Mizda, Reidun & Kvassheim, Mona [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2015). Lys i læringsmiljø. Lyskultur. ISBN 9788293319054. 70 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge; Husby, Thor & Olsen, Kai (2010). Proceedings of NES 2010 "Proactive Ergonomics Implementation of ergonomics in planning of jobs, tasks, systems and environments". Norwegian Society for Ergonomics and Human Factors. ISBN 9788299574723. Full text in Research Archive
• Veiersted, Bo; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Gould, Kristian S. (2005). Ergonomics as a tool in future development and value creation. Nordic Ergonomics Society. ISBN 9788299574716. 416 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Rabbing, Lillis Marie-Louise Elisabeth; Lau, Bjørn; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Blenkinsopp, John & Bjørkelo, Brita (2023). Challenging and Demanding Work: A Study into Stress in the Police. Full text in Research Archive
• Rabbing, Lillis Marie-Louise Elisabeth; Lau, Bjørn; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Blenkinsopp, John & Bjørkelo, Brita (2023). Modern Policing and the Use of Police-Specific Measurements of Perceived Stress – Do We Get More Knowledge? Full text in Research Archive
• Knutsen, Rigmor; Lunde, Lars-Kristian; Nielsen, Morten Birkeland; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Johannessen, Håkon Andre (2023). Impact of psychosocial and mechanical work factors on medically certified sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders in Norwegian home care employees. Full text in Research Archive
• Rabbing, Lillis; Bjørkelo, Brita; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Strømme, Hilde & Lau, Bjørn (2021). Stress in the police: Measurements and psychometric properties. Full text in Research Archive
• Raeder, Sabine; Klein, Felix Anker & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2020). Time to Help? Contextualizing Trajectories of Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has been found to vary over time, but its longitudinal development has remained unexplored. Drawing from event system theory and human capital theory, we investigate the development of OCB over time and contextualize it with events in the organization that affect employees and their work tasks and with resources provided through human resource management (HRM) practices. The longitudinal growth model was tested in a sample of 205 employees with monthly measures over one year. For each event, we found distinctive trajectories of OCB. Furthermore, the HRM practices of selective staffing and training influenced OCB at the onset of an event, whereas the HRM practices of decision making, performance management, and promotional opportunities determined the level and the development of OCB after the event reorganization. Our contextual view of the development of OCB helps in understanding what motivates employees to perform OCB and what resources support discretionary behavior.

• Rabbing, Lillis; Lau, Bjørn; Bjørkelo, Brita & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2019). Norwegian Police Service Employee Study. Full text in Research Archive
• Bakke, Jan Vilhelm; Becher, Rune; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Nielsen, Morten Birkeland (2018). Utredningsinstruksen og KMDs utredning om helsekonsekvensene av «aktivitetsbaserte kontorarbeidsplasser» (ABW). Helserådet. ISSN 0806-7457. 26(18), p. 8–13. Full text in Research Archive
• Bakke, Jan Vilhelm; Becher, Rune; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Nielsen, Morten Birkeland (2018). Er aktivitetsbaserte kontorarbeidsplasser egnet for individuelt konsentrasjons-krevende arbeid? Helserådet. ISSN 0806-7457. 26(18), p. 4–8. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2017). The importance of optimal vision and lighting during near-visual work. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2017). COMPUTER WORK AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2016). How does Direct Glare and Psychological Stress affect young women during computer work? In Järvelin-Pasanen, Susanna (Eds.), Ergonomics in theory and practice, Proceedings of NES2016. University of Eastern Finland. ISSN 9789526121925. p. 242–244. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2016). Exposure to Direct Glare during Computer Work and increased Muscle Blood Flow in the Neck. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Falkenberg, Helle Kristine & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2016). How does Direct Glare and Psychological Stress affect young women during computer work? Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2015). Visual and Psychological Stress during Computer Work. In Fostervold, Knut Inge; Johnsen, Svein Åge Kjøs; Rydstedt, Leif W & Watten, Reidulf G. (Ed.), Creating Sustainable Work-environments, Proceedings of NES2015. Norwegian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors - NEHF. ISSN 9788299574754. p. B4-3–B4-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2015). Visual and Psychological Stress during Computer Work. Scandinavian Journal of Optometry and Visual Science. ISSN 1891-0882. 8(2), p. 2–3. Full text in Research Archive
• Mork, Randi; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Thorud, Hanne Mari Schiøtz (2015). Visual and Psychological Stress during Computer Work. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode Strand (2012). Ungdom, sensation seeking, skole og adferd. En positiv og en negativ form for sensation seeking? Full text in Research Archive
• Mysen, Mads; Hammer, Hugo Lewi; Nersveen, Jonny & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2012). Kampen School - Evaluation of pupils' performance and perceived health and well-being before and after school retrofitting. In et.al, [Mangler fornavn] (Eds.), Healthy Buildings 2012 : 10th International Conference 8-12 july 2012 Brisbane, Australia. Queensland University of Technology. ISSN 9781921897405. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Volden, Frode Strand (2011). State and Trait-Anxiety: Lifetime Profiles for Men and Women. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2009). Åpne Kontorlandskap: en litteraturgjennomgang. Ramazzini: norsk tidsskrift for arbeids- og miljømedisin. ISSN 0805-5238. 16(1), p. 13–15. Full text in Research Archive
• Teigen, Karl Halvor; Halberg, Anne-Marie & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2008). A study of asymmetrical frames. Full text in Research Archive
• Watten, Reidulf G.; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Volden, Frode & Volden, Frode (2006). Life span profile of sensation seeking. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2006). Eye symptom in the office - why? Full text in Research Archive
• Teigen, Karl Halvor; Halberg, Anne-Marie & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2006). How lower and upper limit estimates influence judgments and evaluations. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Uncertain or approximate quantities are in daily life often described by lower or upper limit estimates: ?more than 120 people killed?, ?a maximum 100-words abstract?. These estimates can be exclusive (more than, less than) or inclusive (minimum, maximum), leading to widely different intervals, dependent upon whether the estimates concern a single value or a distribution. Lower and upper limits pragmatically function as reference points, leading to framing effects. Shoes that cost ?more than X? are considered expensive, ?less than Y? implies that they are cheap, even when Y > X. Sales ?above X? indicate a rising trend, regardless of X.

• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2006). Lighting av VDU work. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2006). Fleksible arbeidsplasser : myter og fakta. Full text in Research Archive
• Halberg, Anne-Marie & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2005). Person-environment fit: a modern organizational theory that bridge the needs of the organization and their employees. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2005). Team og åpne kontorlandskap : problemer og muligheter. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2005). Åpne kontorlandskap, hvordan har de ansatte det ved slik organisering? ; Psykososialt arbeidsmiljø sin påvirkning av muskel og skjelettplager ; Faktorer som kan påvirke utvilkling av muskelplager ved skjermarbeid, som bl.a. skjermplassering, belysning og skjermfiltre. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2005). Åpne kontorlandskap, kontorløse arbeidsplasser, fjernarbeid - ideer og realiteter. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2005). Fjernarbeid og virtuelle organisasjoner : hvorfor, hvordan og for hvem? Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2005). Health consequenses and behavioural changes associated with work with visual display units Helbredskonsekvenser og adfærdsændringer ved skærmarbejde – en empirisk undersøgelse. Full text in Research Archive
• Sæther, Filip; Moen, Line Victoria; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Haugen, Fred (2025). Sleep and Alertness in the Arctic: The Effects of Shift Work and Seasonal Daylight Variation. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shift type and seasonal daylight variations on sleep architecture and alertness among arctic shift workers employed at an industrial plant. Additionally, it aimed to explore the influence of each sleep stage on alertness. Data material used in this paper was collected by STAMI as a part of the Noralert project. Sleep architecture was measured using the Oura ring and categorized as deep, light and REM sleep. Reaction time was used as a measure of alertness using Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). This study used data from 110 shift workers in total, gathered from both light and dark seasons. The data was analyzed using Linear Mixed Models in R. The results from the analysis revealed shift type to be the primary predictor of changes in sleep architecture and alertness. Sleep following night shifts showed significantly more deep sleep and less light sleep compared to sleep after morning shifts. However, there were no significant differences in REM sleep between the two shift types. Reaction times were significantly slower after night shifts than after morning shifts. Regarding seasonal variations, there were no significant differences in sleep architecture or reaction times when comparing the light and dark seasons. Moreover, no significant interaction effects of shift type and season on sleep architecture or alertness were observed. Lastly, our studies found a significant influence of deep sleep on reaction time scores. Considerable individual variations in sleep architecture and reaction times were observed.

• skjuve, Marita; Fostervold, Knut Inge & Følstad, Asbjørn (2025). A Qualitative Exploration of Human – Chatbot Relationship Development. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aim Recent technological developments have enabled social chatbots that are sufficiently sophisticated to become close companions with their users. However, there is a substantial research gap concerning how such a relationship develops as well as uncertainty regarding the appropriate theoretical foundations for understanding this phenomenon. Furthermore, existing research on this topic has yielded conflicting results. Using three empirical studies and Social Penetration Theory (SPT) as a theoretical foundation, this thesis aims to investigate the phenomenon of human–chatbot relationships (HCRs) with an emphasis on how these relationships develop over time, the factors impacting this development, and the applicability of the SPT in this regard. Methods We explored HCR development with a social chatbot called “Replika” using three qualitative approaches: retrospective interviews with 18 users in established HCRs (Paper I), longitudinal interviews with 25 users who had recently started using Replika (Paper II), and a longitudinal questionnaire study with 28 users who had recently started using Replika (Paper III, overlapping sample with Paper II). We analyzed the data through a thematic analysis, following the recommendations of Braun and Clarke (2006). Results Paper I establishes an initial understanding of how HCRs may develop, rooted in the experiences of users involved in long-term HCRs. This paper highlights the importance of trust and self-disclosure, and demonstrates that HCR appears to develop mostly in line with assumptions made by the SPT, where increasing levels of self-disclosure foster closer relationships. However, Paper I also show that SPT needs to be adapted to account for the artificial nature of the chatbot. Necessary adaptation to the theory may include accepting the lack of mutuality in self-disclosure and seeing trust as consisting of practical and affective components. Paper II builds on Paper I, but offers a more nuanced understanding of HCR development through its longitudinal research design. Similar to Paper I, Paper II outlines how HCR may develop and identifies self-disclosure as a critical construct impacting this development. Moreover, Paper II identifies different trajectories in HCR development, assumed to be facilitated by the prevalence of various rewards (e.g., increased self-reflection) and costs (e.g., technical limitations and instabilities). Finally, Paper III addresses self-disclosure, with an emphasis on the important characteristics of self-disclosure and how this construct develops in HCRs. Here, four patterns of development in self-disclosure are identified, impacted by perceived rewards and costs. This paper also uncovers how seemingly trivial conversation topics, such as daily activities, may be perceived as personal or intimate by the user. Concluding remarks This thesis demonstrates how HCRs may develop and identifies the important factors impacting this development. The thesis also increases our understanding of self-disclosure as a construct and its potential role in HCRs. Finally, the thesis sheds light on the applicability of theories aimed at understanding the development of relationships between humans to the study of HCR development. Overall, the thesis contributes important theoretical and practical insights that can support future development of theoretical frameworks and the design of chatbot companions.

• Veiersted, Bo; Fostervold, Knut Inge; Gould, Kristian S. & Bakkeli, Willy (2005). Ergonomics as a tool in future development and value creation : proceedings. Nordic Ergonomic Society/Norsk ergonomiforening. ISSN 9788299574716. Full text in Research Archive
• Heim, Jan; Haugen, Olav; Helland, Magne & Fostervold, Knut Inge (2004). Sluttrapport fra prosjektet "Syn og lesing hos elever i grunnskolen". SINTEF AS. ISSN 9788214033847. Full text in Research Archive
• Fostervold, Knut Inge (2003). Health consequenses and behavioural changes associated with work with visual display units (VDU) � an empirical investigation. Psykologisk Institutt, Universitetet i O. ISSN 9788256920891. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The implementation of information technology (IT) in modern work life has lead to a growing concern about negative health effects associated with visual display units (VDU). Despite abundant research and honourable ergonomic effort within this field, it has proven difficult to obtain substantial health effects from traditional ergonomic optimisations. The aim of this dissertation was to further the understanding of some specific factors associated with health problems in VDU work. Further, the aim was to contribute to the general understanding of the aetiology behind health problems and behavioural changes associated with VDU work. To accomplish this, four empirical studies were conducted, one laboratory study and three field studies. Paper I addressed questions about workstation design. The results show that forearm support reduces musculoskeletal load for both mouse work and keyboarding. Moreover, shifting between sitting and standing appears to be beneficial for the musculoskeletal system. Paper II discussed possible health effects from protective VDU screen filters. The results did not demonstrate any remedial effect of such filters. The results point to participant reactivity as a plausible explanation for positive findings previously reported in short-term studies. Paper III addressed questions about vertical monitor placement. That study supported previous laboratory research by showing a range of positive health effects from lower monitor placements. Paper IV discussed the importance of office lighting. The results revealed that proportions of indirect and direct lighting did not affect health and behaviour, provided that glare was removed as a source of environmental stress. The results of the four papers were interpreted within a new theoretical framework, the Evolutionary Stress Model (ESM). The ESM stresses the importance of developing work environments that fits with our evolutionary adaptations. Taken together, the presented results concur with predictions made from this model. On this basis, it seems pertinent to recommend the model as a theoretical framework for future research in ergonomics and human factors.

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