Krister Westlye Fjermestad

Professor - Clinical Psychology

Norwegian version of this page

Email k.w.fjermestad@psykologi.uio.no

Phone +47 22845211

Room S02-27

Available hours By agreement

Username

Visiting address Forskningsveien 3A Harald Schjelderups hus 0373 Oslo

Postal address Postboks 1094 Blindern 0317 Oslo

Press photo Download business card

Academic interests

Child anxiety disorders, assessment and treatment
Rare disorders
Treatment processes including the alliance

Background

Krister Fjermestad is Dr. Psychol from the University of Bergen in 2012. His PhD is on the alliance in child anxiety treatment. His main areas of research are child anxiety, treatment process, and rare disorders. He is involved in a large randomized controlled trial at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, where 182 children were treated for anxiety in community clinics.

He holds a 20% position at Frambu center for rare disorders, involving research and liaison services for families of children with rare disorders.

Fjermestad has worked as a clinical child psychologist in several settings over the last decade, including the child in-patient unit at Haukeland University Hospital.

Partners

He has close international collaborators at Yale University and Virginia Commonwealth University in the US.

Tags: Clinical psychology

Tien, Ingrid S.; Orm, Stian; Wood, Jeffrey J.; Skogli, Erik Winther & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2024). Sex Differences in Autism Symptoms and Mental Health Difficulties in Adolescents with Rare Genetic Disorders. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ISSN 2366-7532.
Zahl, Erica; Dale, Sigurd Skjeggestad; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye & Vatne, Torun Marie (2024). Parenting a child with a disability: Fathers’ perceptions of the couple relationship. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. ISSN 0265-4075. doi: 10.1177/02654075241248387.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Orm, Stian; Fredriksen, Trude; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit & Vatne, Torun Marie (2024). Factor Structure of the Experiences in Close Relationships— Relationship Structures Scale (ECR-RS) in Siblings of Children with Chronic Disorders. Children. ISSN 2227-9067. doi: 10.3390/children11050560.
Veerman, Linda K.M.; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Vatne, Torun Marie; Sterkenburg, Paula S.; Derks, Suzanne D.M. & Brouwer-van Dijken, Anjet A.J. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Cultural applicability and desirability of ‘Broodles’: The first serious game intervention for siblings of children with disabilities. PEC Innovation. 4. doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100277.
Fredriksen, Trude; Vatne, Torun Marie; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Czajkowski, Nikolai Olavi; Wakefield, Claire E. & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2024). Evaluation of Siblings’ Perceived Relationship Outcomes with Their Parents in an Open Trial of the SIBS Intervention for Children with Chronic Disorders. Journal of Child and Family Studies. ISSN 1062-1024. doi: 10.1007/s10826-024-02824-z.
Schumann, Amalie; Vatne, Torun Marie & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2024). What challenges do siblings of children with chronic disorders express to their parents? A thematic analysis of 73 sibling-parent dialogues. Journal of Pediatric Nursing : Nursing Care of Children and Families. ISSN 0882-5963. 76, p. 91–98. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.01.032.
Boettcher, Johannes; Orm, Stian & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2024). Autism traits, social withdrawal, and behavioral and emotional problems in a Norwegian cohort of adolescents with rare genetic disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities. ISSN 0891-4222. 147. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104699.
Rognstad, Kristian; Engell, Thomas; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore & Kjøbli, John (2023). Process and Implementation Elements of Measurement Feedback Systems: A Systematic Review. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research. ISSN 0894-587X. doi: 10.1007/s10488-023-01325-3. Full text in Research Archive
Dyresen, Agnete; Stubberud, Jan Egil; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Haugen, Ingvild & Øie, Merete Glenne (2023). Executive control training for adolescents with ADHD: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials. ISSN 1551-7144. 136. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107404. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. In addition to the commonly observed symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, individuals with ADHD often experience impairments in executive functions (EFs). Goal management training (GMT) is a cognitive remediation intervention targeting EFs, with empirical support from studies with adult populations, including ADHD. The objective of the upcoming trial is to assess the effectiveness of GMT for adolescents with ADHD. Methods: This pre-registered protocol outlines a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing GMT to treatment as usual (TAU) to improve EFs. We aim to recruit 120 participants, aged 12 to 18 years, recently diagnosed with ADHD. Participants will be randomly allocated to the group-based GMT intervention in addition to TAU, or the TAU condition, through block randomisation with site stratification. GMT will be delivered in groups of four to six participants, with weekly two-hour sessions for seven weeks, complemented by separate parent and teacher sessions. TAU is standard community mental health treatment. The primary outcome measure will be parent-reported EF assessed with the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2). Secondary outcomes will include ADHD symptom measures, social functioning, quality of life, and neuropsychological tests (attention span, inhibition, working memory, and visuo-motor speed). The outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months post-treatment. Conclusion: The study findings will contribute to determine the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological ADHD treatment, including outcome trajectories up to 24 months post-treatment.
Zapf, Holger; Boettcher, Johannes; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Orm, Stian; Coslar, Sarah & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2023). A systematic review of the association between parent-child communication and adolescent mental health. JCPP Advances. ISSN 2692-9384. doi: 10.1002/jcv2.12205. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background This systematic review addresses how adolescent-rated parent-child communication (PCC) quality is related to adolescent mental health. Methods We performed a systematic literature search in Medline and APA PsycInfo, including peer-reviewed quantitative studies examining associations between adolescent-rated dyadic PCC quality and general as well as specific measures of adolescent mental health. Qualitative and case studies were excluded, as were studies reporting only parent-rated communication quality or instruments assessing other constructs than dyadic PCC. We screened 5314 articles, of which 37 were included in the review. We assessed study quality with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results We synthesized the findings in a table and narratively, reporting the main outcomes organized according to mental health constructs. The included studies were mainly cross-sectional. The results showed that adolescent-rated PCC quality is negatively associated with mental health constructs, demonstrating small to large effects across different mental health constructs and populations. The associations were found for general mental health and specific domains, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and addictive internet use/gaming. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that PCC is a relevant variable to consider in assessing adolescent mental health and preventive efforts. Limitations include the exclusive focus on adolescent-reported PCC questionnaires since parent- and observer-rated instruments may lead to different results. Also, PCC is related to other constructs, such as dyadic relationships, that were not included in this review. We conclude that PCC is a relevant variable to consider in mental health research. Our findings suggest that PCC may be considered in mental health practice, both in terms of assessing its quality and potentially by tailoring interventions to enhance PCC. These may represent a mean to promote adolescent mental health.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Arnevåg, Sofie F; Öst, Lars Gøran; Kodal, Arne; Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger & Heiervang, Einar Røshol [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Treatment motivation in child anxiety treatment – Factor structure and associations with outcomes. Psychiatry Research Communications. ISSN 2772-5987. 3(4). doi: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100142. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Motivation is associated with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) outcomes. We examined the factor structure of a motivation measure, and if motivation factors were differentially associated with CBT outcomes for children with anxiety. The sample comprised 179 children aged 8–15 years (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.1; 53.0% girls) with anxiety disorders who received CBT in a randomized controlled community clinic trial. Participants completed the Nijmegen Motivation List – child version (NML-C) at treatment onset. Outcomes were diagnostic recovery, anxiety/depression symptom and clinical severity change from pre-treatment to post-treatment, one-, and 3.9-years follow-up, and treatment dropout. Principal component analysis showed that the NML-C comprised two factors, preparedness (beliefs that CBT is useful and willingness to engage in treatment; 36.4% explained variance) and distress (discomfort from symptoms and perceived urgency to be helped; 12.7% explained variance). Higher preparedness predicted larger clinical severity reduction at post-treatment, alongside pre-treatment clinical severity. Higher distress predicted larger depression reduction at one-year follow-up, alongside pre-treatment depression. Higher preparedness predicted lower dropout. In conclusion, the NML-C comprises two factors that are differentially associated with CBT outcomes, but not above the effects of pre-treatment symptoms. Clinicians' focus on children's distress and preparedness could enhance CBT outcomes and reduce dropout.
Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Öst, Lars Gøran; Gjestad, Rolf & Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Predictors of school-based cognitive behavior therapy outcome for youth with anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy. ISSN 0005-7967. 169. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104400. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Meta-analyses of school-based CBT have shown that prevention for anxiety symptoms typically report small but significant effects. There is limited knowledge regarding which youths may benefit most and least from such programs, and characteristics of youth who respond differentially to interventions of different intensity. The present study examined predictors of school-based CBT outcomes among 302 youths (mean age 14.0 years, SD 0.8, 84% female) who participated in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial comparing a 10-session and a 5-session group intervention. Potential predictors included youth and parental factors, and credibility and expectancy of the interventions. Pre-intervention anxiety and depression levels, and clinician rated severity were examined as moderators of intervention effects. Outcomes were youth-, and parent-reported youth anxiety and depressive symptoms at post-intervention and 1-year follow-up. Higher parent-reported impairment from youth anxiety predicted larger parent-reported anxiety and depressive symptom change, whereas higher caregiver strain was associated with less symptom change. Higher parent rated credibility and expectancy was associated with improved outcomes at post-intervention. At 1-year follow-up, no predictors of outcome were identified. No moderators were identified. Families with high levels of caregiver strain associated with youth anxiety may need extra support regardless of length of intervention program. Parents’ credibility and expectancy of interventions should be targeted to optimize school-based CBT.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Bergh, Nathalie; Fleten, Susanne Kyte; Huster, Rene Jürgen; Gravholt, C. & Solbakk, Anne-Kristin (2023). Mentalization and cognitive skills in men with Klinefelter syndrome versus non-clinical controls. Psychiatry Research Communications. ISSN 2772-5987. 3(2). doi: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100116. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Finnbakk, R.R.; Solbakk, Anne-Kristin; Gravholt, C.H. & Huster, Rene Jürgen (2023). Subjective versus objective sleep in men with Klinefelter syndrome. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. ISSN 1750-1172. 18(1). doi: 10.1186/s13023-023-02822-2. Full text in Research Archive
Orm, Stian; Wood, Jeffrey J.; Corbett, Blythe & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2023). Suicidal Risk Behaviors in Adolescents With Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Role of Sex, Autistic Traits, and Mental Health Difficulties. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. ISSN 0146-8693. 48(10), p. 852–860. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad051.
Orm, Stian; Blikstad-Blumenthal, Celina & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2023). Attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities in Norway. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (IJDD). ISSN 2047-3869. doi: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2230825. Show summary
Background We investigated attitudes toward individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) in a Norwegian sample and tested the psychometric properties of a Norwegian translation of the Community Living Attitudes Scale – Intellectual Disability (CLAS-ID). Method The sample was 645 adults (M = 41.9 years, SD = 13.8, 80% female). One subgroup had working experience with individuals with an ID (n = 377), and another subgroup had a family member with an ID (n = 133). Results The four-factor structure of the CLAS-ID showed good model fit in a confirmatory factor analysis of the Norwegian translation with adequate internal consistency. Participants with working experience with ID or a family member with ID reported more favorable attitudes compared with participants without working experience or without a family member with ID, respectively. Women and older participants reported more positive attitudes compared to men and younger participants. Conclusion The Norwegian translation of the CLAS-ID appears to be a valid tool for assessing attitudes toward individuals with an ID. Individuals with first-hand experience with individuals with an ID have more positive attitudes than those without, and women and older people have more positive attitudes than men and younger people.
Rognli, Erling Wright & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2023). Informant Discrepancy in Report of Parent-adolescent Conflict as a Predictor of Hopelessness among Depressed Adolescents: A Replication Study. Journal of Child and Family Studies. ISSN 1062-1024. 32, p. 2522–2531. doi: 10.1007/s10826-023-02610-3. Show summary
More knowledge is needed about how family factors influence depression features in adolescents. We aimed to replicate a previous small sample study showing that higher discrepancy between adolescents and caregivers in report of conflict predicted more hopelessness in adolescents with major depression. The current sample comprised 417 adolescent and maternal caregiver dyads. The adolescents were aged between 12 and 17 years (55.4% female, 44.6% male). The sample was drawn from the Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). Analyses were conducted using latent difference score modelling, item response theory, and linear regression in a Bayesian framework. Higher adolescent-perceived conflict relative to caregiver-perceived conflict predicted more adolescent hopelessness. This replicated the original findings in a much larger sample. Adolescent gender did not influence the associations. Addressing divergence in adolescent and parent perceptions of conflict may be relevant to ameliorate hopelessness in treatment of adolescents with depression.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; McLeod, Bryce D.; Silverman, Wendy K.; Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Lerner, Matthew D. & Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen (2023). The Therapy Process Observational Coding System: Group cohesion scale in youth anxiety treatment: Psychometric properties. Journal of Clinical Psychology. ISSN 0021-9762. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23496.
Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Gjestad, Rolf; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Öst, Lars Gøran; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Kodal, Arne [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Adherence, Competence, and Alliance as Predictors of Long-term Outcomes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth Anxiety Disorders. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. ISSN 2730-7166. 51, p. 761–773. doi: 10.1007/s10802-023-01028-1. Full text in Research Archive
Orm, Stian; Øie, Merete Glenne; Fossum, Ingrid Nesdal; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Andersen, Per Normann & Skogli, Erik Winther (2023). Predictors of Quality of Life and Functional Impairments in Emerging Adults With and Without ADHD: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study. Journal of Attention Disorders. ISSN 1087-0547. 27(5), p. 458–469. doi: 10.1177/10870547231153962. Show summary
Objective: We tested the hypotheses that (1) a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood or adolescence is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and everyday functioning in emerging adulthood, and (2) executive function (EF) deficits, internalizing difficulties, and ADHD symptoms predict reduced QoL and more functional impairments. Method: We assessed 85 children and adolescents with ADHD and 50 typically developing (TD) peers at baseline (Mage = 11.6 years, 58% males), 2-year follow-up, and 10-year follow-up with neuropsychological tests of EF and self-reports. Results: Individuals with ADHD reported lower QoL and functional impairments in emerging adulthood compared to TD peers. More internalizing difficulties and ADHD symptoms at baseline and 2-year follow-up significantly predicted lower QoL and more functional impairments at the 10-year follow-up. Conclusion: ADHD and internalizing difficulties in childhood or adolescence have a negative impact on QoL and everyday functioning in emerging adulthood. Keywords: ADHD; anxiety; depression; executive function; functional impairments; longitudinal; quality of life.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Bellika, Katarina; Matre, Caroline; Silverman, Wendy K. & Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen (2022). Age and depressive symptoms change predict the 4-year self-concept trajectory for youth after anxiety treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychology. ISSN 0021-9762. 78(11), p. 2109–2121. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23427.
Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen; Posserud, Maj-Britt Rocio; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Njardvik, Urdur & Öst, Lars Gøran (2022). Early Behavioral Interventions for Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Routine Clinical Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Psychology. ISSN 0969-5893. 29(4). doi: 10.1037/cps0000106. Full text in Research Archive
Vatne, Torun Marie; Skjeggestad, Sigurd; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2022). A Qualitative Study of Men’s Experience of Being a Father in Families with Childhood Disability. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. ISSN 1056-263X. doi: 10.1007/s10882-022-09847-8.
Hafting, Marit; Puthy, Pat; Aadland, Gunn; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye & Jegannathan, Bhoomikumar (2022). Competence building in child mental health -A Norway-Cambodia transcultural experience. Nordic Psychology. ISSN 1901-2276. doi: 10.1080/19012276.2022.2066561. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The prevalence of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders in young people is high in low- and middle-income countries. Collaboration between institutions from high-income countries and institutions in resource-poor settings may enhance professional competence. This may be a key to bridging the gap between service needs and ability to meet those needs. However, there are challenging issues in transferring knowledge from a Western context to a different cultural and socioeconomic situation. The aim of the present study is to describe significant aspect of a transcultural competence building project in Cambodia in child mental health from the perspective of the staff. A Norwegian expert team developed and implemented a program at Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (Caritas-CCAMH) in collaboration with the staff two weeks per year over a 14-year period. The study has a qualitative approach using thematic analysis of the transcripts from a focus-group interview with 11 staff members at the end of the 14-year period. The multidisciplinary staff described a learning process characterized by collaboration in planning and implementation. Mixing theory and practice in clinical case discussions with a bio-psycho-social perspective was perceived as the cornerstone of the teaching process. A pedagogical strategy that involved constant reflection back and forth enabled the customization of the content and method of capacity building despite the differences in socio-economic conditions and learning styles. This model of continuity, low-investment, and low-intensity capacity-building may enrich the child and adolescent mental health settings in low- and middle-income countries.
Zapf, Holger; Boettcher, Johannes; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Orm, Stian; Coslar, Sarah & Wiegand-Grefe, Silke [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). A Systematic Review of Parent–Child Communication Measures: Instruments and Their Psychometric Properties. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review. ISSN 1096-4037. 26(1), p. 121–142. doi: 10.1007/s10567-022-00414-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Parent–child communication represents an important variable in clinical child and family psychology due to its association with a variety of psychosocial outcomes. To give an overview of instruments designed to measure the quality of parent–child communication from the child’s (8–21 years) perspective and to assess the psychometric quality of these instruments, we performed a systematic literature search in Medline and PsycInfo (last: February 25, 2022). Peer-reviewed journal articles published in English with a child-rated instrument measuring the quality of parent–child communication were included. Initial screening for eligibility and inclusion, subsequent data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by couples of review team members. Based on the screening of 5115 articles, 106 studies reported in 126 papers were included. We identified 12 parent–child communication instruments across the studies. The Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) was used in 75% of the studies. On average, the evidence for psychometric quality of the instruments was low. Few instruments were used in clinical and at-risk samples. Several instruments are available to rate parent–child communication from the child’s perspective. However, their psychometric evidence is limited and the theoretical foundation is largely undocumented. This review has limitations with regard to selection criteria and language bias.
Kirchhofer, Solveig Melanie; Orm, Stian; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Fredriksen, Trude; Wakefield, Claire E. & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2022). A systematic review of social support for siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities. ISSN 0891-4222. 126. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104234. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Social support is a protective factor for siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Aims We reviewed studies on social support received by siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods and procedures We conducted a pre-registered systematic review (CRD42020207686), searching PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Outcomes and results Fifteen articles were eligible for the review, 13 of which used cross-sectional designs. Two studies investigated sibling social support after an intervention. Multiple variables were negatively related to social support (e.g., sibling depression, loneliness, stress). Variables that were positively related to social support included prosocial behavior, competence (academic, social, and activity-related), problem-focused coping, and family quality of life. Potential moderators of the relationship between social support and psychosocial adjustment included the type of disorder of the affected sibling and the type of social support provider. We conclude with an overview of the reliability and validity of the seven social support measurements used across the studies. Conclusions and implications Lower levels of social support are associated with more negative psychosocial adjustment among siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We encourage future researchers to further investigate ways to increase social support for siblings to improve outcomes. Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Vatne, Torun Marie; Mossige, Svein & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2022). Psychosocial functioning in siblings of children with rare disorders compared to controls. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. ISSN 0044-0086. 94(4), p. 537–544.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Orm, Stian; Silverman, Wendy K. & Cogo Moreira, Hugo (2022). Short report: COVID-19-related anxiety is associated with mental health problems among adults with rare disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities. ISSN 0891-4222. 123. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104181. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background For adults with rare disorders, COVID-19 can be more severe and deadlier. This may lead to anxiety about COVID-19 among adults with rare disorders, including worries about being infected. COVID-19 anxiety is linked with mental health problems in the general population. Aims To examine the levels of mental health problems and COVID-19 anxiety, and their association, among adults with rare disorders. Methods and procedures Adults with rare disorders (N = 58, Mage = 45.2 years, SD = 12.7, 69.0% females, 31.0% males) answered standardized mental health and COVID-19 anxiety questionnaires online. Their scores were compared with samples without rare disorders. Outcomes and results Mental health problems were higher than in a sample without rare disorders (effect size d = 1.14), as was COVID-19 anxiety (effect size d = 0.53). COVID-19 anxiety correlated significantly with mental health problems (r = .46). Controlling for age, gender, and work status, COVID-19 anxiety explained 16.1% of the variance in mental health problems (ΔR2 = .161, p = .001). Conclusions and implications COVID-19 anxiety is higher than norms and associated with mental health problems for adults with rare disorders. During the pandemic, clinicians are recommended to assess COVID-19 anxiety for patients with rare disorders.
Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Mossige, Svein & Vatne, Torun Marie (2021). Parent-child communication about emotions during SIBS: a joint intervention for siblings and parents of children with chronic disorders. Nordic Psychology. ISSN 1901-2276. p. 1–18. doi: 10.1080/19012276.2021.1986850.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Ditlefsen, Nina; Unsvåg, Marie H.; Öst, Lars Gøran; Havik, Odd E. & Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen (2021). Exposure Quality in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Anxiety Disorders—Predictors and Associations with Outcomes. Journal of Child and Family Studies. ISSN 1062-1024. p. 1–13. doi: 10.1007/s10826-021-02188-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
To optimize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) outcomes for anxiety disorders in youth, more knowledge is needed about how specific CBT components work. Exposure to feared situations is an effective CBT component. However, there is little observation-based empirical research on how exposure relates to outcomes and other clinical variables. In a randomized controlled community clinic trial for youth with anxiety disorders, observers reliably rated exposure quality for 68 youths aged 8 to 15 years based on 118 videotaped sessions. The treatment program was the manual-based FRIENDS program. Three exposure quality elements (preparation, post-processing, and parent contribution to exposure) were examined in relation to pre-treatment demographic and clinical variables, outcomes, and youth- and therapist-rated alliance using multilevel hierarchical regression models. The outcomes were diagnostic recovery, clinical severity and anxiety symptoms change from pre- to post-treatment and one-year follow-up, and treatment dropout. The results showed that parent contribution to exposure was higher for boys and younger children. Parent contribution to exposure, but no other exposure element, was associated with a larger likelihood of diagnostic recovery and larger clinical severity reduction at one-year follow-up. Exposure quality was unrelated to outcomes at post-treatment, dropout, or alliance. We conclude that enhancing parent contribution to exposure during treatment could improve long-term outcomes after CBT for youth anxiety disorders. Exposure elements should be observed in larger samples to further examine their potential role for CBT outcomes.
Orm, Stian & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2021). A Scoping Review of Psychosocial Adjustment in Siblings of Children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ISSN 2366-7532. 5(4), p. 381–395. doi: 10.1007/s41252-021-00222-w. Show summary
Objectives Siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at higher risk for psychosocial maladjustment than other children. The risk may differ between neurodevelopmental disorders. One group of siblings that has been largely neglected in research is siblings of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective was to review all studies examining psychosocial adjustment in siblings of children with ADHD to identify research gaps. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search with keywords related to ADHD and siblings in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and ERIC. We included studies that relied on clinical ADHD diagnosis, used control group(s) for sibling data, and/or examined within-sibling sample associations. We included 15 papers examining psychosocial adjustment in a total of 3729 siblings aged below 18 years. Results We identified four main psychosocial adjustment categories across studies: mental health (k = 10), family environment (k = 4) quality of life (k = 1), and resilience (k = 1). For mental health, most of the reviewed studies found that siblings had more mental health problems than controls, with small to large effect sizes. A few studies found no difference. For family environment, the reviewed studies suggested that siblings experience more family conflicts and less support than controls, with medium effect sizes. Compared to controls, siblings had poorer quality of life and less resilience (large effect). Conclusions Siblings of children with ADHD display poorer psychosocial adjustment than controls. However, research is scarce and more studies are needed that examine associations between psychosocial variables and effects of interventions.
Fredriksen, Trude; Vatne, Torun Marie; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Tudor, Megan & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2021). Siblings of children with chronic disorders: Family and relational factors as predictors of mental health. Journal of Child Health Care. ISSN 1367-4935. doi: 10.1177/13674935211052157. Show summary
Siblings of children with chronic disorders are at increased risk of mental health problems. Predictors of siblings' mental health require further study to identify children in need of interventions and to design effective intervention programs. Siblings of children with chronic disorders (n = 107; M age = 11.5 years; SD = 2.1, 54.6% girls) and their parents (n = 199; 50.3% mothers) were included in a survey study. Siblings and parents completed questionnaires on mental health. Siblings completed questionnaires on parent-child communication, relationships with parents, and an adjustment measure on the sibling situation. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of siblings' mental health. Sibling-reported relationship with parents was a significant predictor of sibling mental health reported by siblings, fathers, and mothers (R2 = 0.26 - R2 = 0.46). Siblings' adjustment was significantly associated with fathers' report of siblings' mental health (r = .36), but not mothers' report (r = .17). Siblings' relationships (d = 0.26) and communication (d = 0.33) with mothers were significantly better than with fathers. We conclude that the sibling-parent relationship is a significant factor in identifying siblings at risk and that family-based intervention programs should be developed. Keywords: Siblings; chronic disease; fathers; mental health; mothers; multiple chronic conditions.
Orm, Stian; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Vatne, Torun & Fjermestad, Krister (2021). Measuring family communication in pediatric nursing: Psychometric properties of the Parent-Child Communication Scale – Child Report (PCCS-CR). Journal of Pediatric Nursing : Nursing Care of Children and Families. ISSN 0882-5963. 62, p. 78–83. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.10.022. Show summary
Purpose: Communication quality is an essential indicator of family functioning and represents an important outcome after pediatric nursing interventions. However, few well-documented child-report questionnaires for family communication exist. We aimed to document the psychometric properties of a previously developed child-rated family communication scale for use in pediatric nursing. Design and Methods: We examined the Parent-Child Communication Scale – Child Report (PCCS-CR) in terms of factor structure, convergent validity against the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures scale (ECR-RS), and discriminant validity between a sample of siblings of children with pediatric health conditions and controls. The sample comprised 101 siblings of children with a pediatric health condition and 44 controls (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.2). Results: We confirmed a two-factor structure of the PCCS-CR. One factor is communication from the child to the parent, labelled child communication (e.g., “I discuss problems with my parents”) and the other is communication from the parent to the child, labelled parent communication (e.g., “My parent is a good listener”). Convergent validity of the PCCS-CR was demonstrated through correlations with ECR-RS (r = -.73 to -.22, p ≤ .05). Further, construct validity through differences between families with and without a child with a pediatric health condition was demonstrated (g = .36-.83, p ≤ .052). Conclusion: The PCCS-CR appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of parent-child communication from the child’s point of view. Practical implications: The PCCS-CR can be administered in pediatric nursing care and can be used to target and measure the outcomes of interventions aimed at enhancing family functioning.
Orm, Stian; Haukeland, Yngvild; Vatne, Torun Marie; Silverman, Wendy K. & Fjermestad, Krister (2021). Prosocial behavior is a relative strength in siblings of children with physical disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. ISSN 1056-263X. doi: 10.1007/s10882-021-09816-7. Show summary
Research on siblings of children with developmental and physical disabilities has emphasized negative influences on siblings’ mental health. Yet, such siblings may be more prosocial compared with siblings of children without disabilities, due to care responsibilities and their experiences with their brother’s or sister’s disability. We compared prosocial behavior between siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 47), physical disabilities (n = 42), and siblings of children without disabilities (n = 44) using a multi-informant approach (i.e., child-, mother-, and father-report). Prosocial behavior was measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Drawing on the theoretical and empirical sibling literature, we also examined whether siblings’ internalizing and externalizing difficulties, adjustment to the sibling situation, and communication with parents correlated with siblings’ prosocial behavior. Child-reported internalizing difficulties and mother–child communication significantly correlated with mother-reported prosocial behavior. Child-reported internalizing and externalizing difficulties significantly correlated with father-reported prosocial behavior. No significant correlates with child-reported prosocial behavior was identified. When adjusting for siblings’ internalizing and externalizing difficulties and mother–child communication, siblings of children with physical disabilities scored significantly higher than siblings of children without disabilities on mother- and father-reported prosocial behavior. Siblings of children with ASD scored significantly higher on mother-reported prosocial behavior. We conclude that prosocial behavior may be a relative strength in siblings of children with developmental and physical disabilities, and that siblings’ prosocial behavior may be influenced by type of disability, mental health, and family communication. Interventions targeting siblings’ mental health and family communication may be helpful in promoting siblings’ prosocial behavior.
Husabo, Elisabeth; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; McLeod, Bryce D.; Baste, Valborg; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen & Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2021). Treatment Fidelity in Brief Versus Standard-Length School-Based Interventions for Youth with Anxiety. School Mental Health. ISSN 1866-2625. doi: 10.1007/s12310-021-09458-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
To examine treatment fidelity in a randomized controlled trial of indicated school-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered in groups to youth with anxiety. We investigated whether adherence and competence (a) differed across brief and standard-length CBT, and (b) if adherence and competence predicted change in anxiety symptoms and impairment. Method: Sessions were observationally coded with the Competence and Adherence Scale for CBT for Anxiety Disorders in Youth. Coders (N = 7) rated 104 sessions from 52 groups delivered by 32 facilitators (M age = 43.2 years, SD = 8.1) to 295 youth (M age = 14.0 years, SD = 0.8). Outcomes were youth- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms and impairment at post-intervention and 1-year follow-up. Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze whether fidelity predicted clinical outcomes. Results: Levels of adherence and competence were adequate in both programs, but higher in brief compared to standard-length CBT p < .001 and p = .010, respectively). Neither adherence nor competence predicted clinical outcomes at any timepoints. Conclusion: Higher levels of adherence and competence in brief CBT suggest that it may be easier for novice CBT providers to achieve fidelity in simplified and less flexible interventions. Contrary to expectation, adherence and competence did not predict clinical outcomes.
Vatne, Torun Marie; Owren, Signe; Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth; Zahl, Erica & Fjermestad, Krister (2021). Youth and clinician evaluation of emotional communication in short-term counseling groups. Group Dynamics. ISSN 1089-2699. doi: 10.1037/gdn0000147. Show summary
Objectives: Group interventions are recommended to prevent psychological difficulties in siblings of children with a disability. However, emotional communication and support in such groups have not previously been described or evaluated. This article describes two studies to provide such knowledge. Methods: Study 1 examined communication patterns following expressions of negative emotions in counseling groups for siblings of children with a disability. We videotaped and transcribed communication patterns in 17 counseling group sessions for siblings of children with a disability aged 11–16 years. We applied content analysis to identify communication patterns following expressions of negative emotion(s). Study 2 examined youth- and clinician-evaluated supportiveness of the four most frequent patterns from Study 1. Reenacted video examples of the patterns were shown to 136 school pupils aged 11–16 years and 68 clinicians, who rated each pattern for supportiveness using visual analog scales. Results: In Study 1, the communication was found to be either child-centered or adult-centered. Frequent adult-centered communication patterns were interviewing, informing, or avoiding. Child-centered communication often followed a consenting pattern, in which other children expressed having similar experiences. The four patterns were all rated low to medium on support by youths and clinicians in Study 2. Youths found the avoiding pattern to be more supportive than clinicians, and girls and older youths differed from boys and younger youths in their evaluation of the consenting pattern. Conclusions: The results of the two studies highlight the importance of training group leaders in child-centered communication and the ability to facilitate communication patterns experienced as supportive by youths. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Orm, Stian; Vatne, Torun Marie; S. Tomeny, Theodore & Fjermestad, Krister (2021). Empathy and Prosocial Behavior in Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. ISSN 2195-7177. doi: 10.1007/s40489-021-00251-0. Show summary
Siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have, as a group, more autistic traits than typically developing individuals. A high prevalence of autistic traits may (or may not) include lower scores on measures of empathy and prosocial behavior, compared to individuals without ASD. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies of empathy and prosocial behavior in siblings of individuals with ASD. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of studies published until March 2020. We identified 16 studies with a total of 1066 siblings that met inclusion criteria. Based on this review, we conclude that the current literature suggests that siblings of individuals with ASD exhibit normative empathic abilities and prosocial behavior.
Orm, Stian; Vatne, Torun Marie; Haukeland, Yngvild; Silverman, Wendy K. & Fjermestad, Krister (2021). The validity of a measure of adjustment in siblings of children with developmental and physical disabilities: a brief report. Developmental Neurorehabilitation. ISSN 1751-8423. 24(5), p. 355–358. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1869338. Show summary
Background: Few questionnaires are tailored for siblings of children with disabilities. The Negative Adjustment Scale (NAS) was developed to measure siblings’ adjustment, but has not yet been validated. Objective: To investigate the factor structure and convergent validity of the NAS. Method: We examined the validity of the NAS in terms of factor structure and convergent validity against a general mental health measure. The sample comprised 107 siblings (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.1, 53.8% boys) of children with disabilities. Results: We confirmed a one-factor structure for the NAS. Convergent validity was demonstrated through significant correlations (r=.29–.44) with sibling externalizing and internalizing mental health difficulties. Conclusion: The NAS holds promise as a measure tailored for the assessment of sibling’s adjustment.
Fjermestad, Krister; Silverman, Wendy K. & Vatne, Torun (2020). Group intervention for siblings and parents of children with chronic disorders (SIBS-RCT): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. . Trials. ISSN 1745-6215. 21(1). doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04781-6. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Kanavin, Øivind J.; Hoxmark, Lise Beate & Nyhus, Livø (2020). Health service experiences among adults with hereditary spastic paraparesis or neurofibromatosis type 1 . Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine. ISSN 2324-9269. 8. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.1399. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Pat, Puthy; Dearozet, Sok; Vatne, Torun; Hafting, Marit & Jegannathan, Bhoomikumar (2020). Manual-based group intervention for siblings and parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Cambodia. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. ISSN 1056-263X. p. 1–18. doi: 10.1007/s10882-020-09777-3. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Lium, Christina; Heiervang, Einar; Havik, Odd E.; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Bjelland, Ingvar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2020). Parental internalizing symptoms as predictors of anxiety symptoms in clinic-referred children. Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology. ISSN 2245-8875. 8, p. 18–24. doi: 10.21307/sjcapp-2020-003. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Anthonisen, Ingvild; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Kodal, Arne; Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger & Wergeland, Gro Janne (2020). Sammenhengen mellom behandlingsfornøydhet og effekt av kognitiv atferdsterapi. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening. ISSN 0332-6470.
Fjermestad, Krister; Huster, Rene; Thunberg, Christina; Stokke, Simen; Gravholt, Claus H & Solbakk, Anne-Kristin (2020). Neuropsychological functions, sleep, and mental health in adults with Klinefelter syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part C, Seminars in Medical Genetics (AJMG). ISSN 1552-4868. 184C, p. 482–492. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31797. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
A few studies have examined neuropsychological functions, sleep, and mental health combined in Klinefelter syndrome (KS; 47,XXY). We investigated neuropsychological functions with standard tests, sleep with actigraphy, and self-reported mental health in 30 men with KS (Mean age = 36.7 years) compared to 21 controls (Mean age = 36.8 years). Men with KS scored significantly lower on mental speed, attention span, working memory, inhibition, and set-shifting tests, as well as overall IQ (mean effect size difference Cohen's d = 0.79). Men with KS had significantly longer night wakes, with no differences in other sleep variables (mean d = 0.34). Men with KS reported poorer mental health than controls (mean d = 1.16). Regression analyses showed neuropsychological functions explained variance in some sleep domains for men with KS but not for controls. Neuropsychological functions explained variance in some mental health domains for controls. For men with KS, however, verbal IQ was the only significant predictor of mental health. Altogether, men with KS display problems in neuropsychological functions and mental health but do not appear different from controls on most sleep parameters. Our findings indicate that relations between neuropsychological functions, sleep, and mental health differ between men with KS and controls.
Fjermestad, Krister; Wergeland, Gro Janne; Rogde, Anja Høye; Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Heiervang, Einar & Haugland, Bente Storm (2020). School-based targeted prevention compared to specialist mental health treatment for youth anxiety. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. ISSN 1475-357X. 25(2), p. 102–109. doi: 10.1111/camh.12366. Full text in Research Archive
Haukeland, Yngvild; Czajkowski, Nikolai Olavi; Fjermestad, Krister; Silverman, Wendy K.; Mossige, Svein & Vatne, Torun (2020). Evaluation of “SIBS”, An Intervention for Siblings and Parents of Children with Chronic Disorders. Journal of Child and Family Studies. ISSN 1062-1024. 29. doi: 10.1007/s10826-020-01737-x. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Føreland, Øyvind; Oppedal, Silje; Sørensen, Julie ; Vognild, Ylva & Gjestad, Rolf [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2020). Therapist Alliance-Building Behaviors, Alliance, and Outcomes in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Anxiety Disorders. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. ISSN 1537-4416. p. 1–14. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2019.1683850. Show summary
Objective: The alliance influences outcomes in CBT for youth anxiety disorders. Thus, knowledge about how therapists can enhance the alliance is needed. Method: Seventy-three youth with anxiety diagnoses (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.2; range 8 to 15 years; 47.9% boys; 90.4% white-European) participated in 10-session cognitive behavioral therapy in community clinics. Therapist alliance-building behaviors in session 2 was reliably coded with the observer-rated Adolescent Alliance-Building Behavior Scale (Revised) (AABS(R)). Alliance was measured as youth- and therapist-rated alliance, and youth-therapist alliance discrepancy in session 3. Outcomes were diagnostic recovery and anxiety symptom reduction at post-treatment and one-year follow-up, and treatment dropout. We examined the direct effects of alliance-building on alliance, alliance on outcomes, and alliance-building on outcomes in multilevel mediation models, and between- versus within-therapist variance across these effects. Results: The alliance-building behaviors collaborate, present treatment model, and explore motivation positively predicted alliance, whereas actively structuring the session (i.e., dominating) negatively predicted alliance. The alliance-building behaviors attend to experience, collaborate, explore motivation, praise, and support positively predicted outcomes. The alliance-building behaviors present treatment model, express positive expectations, explore cognitions, and support negatively predicted outcomes. The effect of collaborate on symptom reduction was mediated by youth-therapist alliance discrepancy. There was almost zero between-therapist variance in alliance-building, and considerable within-therapist variance. Conclusion: Therapist alliance-building behaviors were directly (positively and negatively) associated with alliance and/or outcomes, with only one effect mediated by alliance. Alliance-building behaviors varied far more within therapists (i.e., across clients) than between therapists.
Fjermestad, Krister (2019). Health complaints and work experiences among adults with neurofibromatosis 1. Occupational Medicine. ISSN 0962-7480. 69(7), p. 504–510. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqz134.
Vatne, Torun Marie; Haukeland, Yngvild; Mossige, Svein & Fjermestad, Krister (2019). The development of a joint parent-child intervention for siblings of children with chronic disorders . Fokus på familien. ISSN 0332-5415. 47(1), p. 20–35. doi: 10.18261/issn.0807-7487-2019-01-03.
Fjermestad, Krister; Haukeland, Yngvild; Mossige, Svein & Vatne, Torun (2019). Children’s Perspectives on the Experiences of Their Siblings with Chronic Disorders. Clinical social work journal. ISSN 0091-1674. p. 1–10. doi: 10.1007/s10615-019-00705-3.
Fjermestad, Krister; Rø, Annika Elisabet; Espeland, Karen Elise; Halvorsen, Margrethe S. & Halvorsen, Inger (2019). “Do I exist in this world, really, or is it just her?” Youths’ perspectives of living with a sibling with anorexia nervosa. Eating Disorders. ISSN 1064-0266. 28(1), p. 80–95. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2019.1573046. Full text in Research Archive
Kodal, Arne; Fjermestad, Krister; Bjelland, Ingvar; Gjestad, Rolf; Øst, Lars Gøran & Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Predictors of long-term outcome of CBT for youth with anxiety disorders treated in community clinics. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. ISSN 0887-6185. 59, p. 53–63. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.08.008.
McKinnon, Anna; Keers, Robert; Coleman, Jonathan R.I.; Lester, Kathryn J.; Roberts, Susanna & Arendt, Kristian [Show all 26 contributors for this article] (2018). The impact of treatment delivery format on response to cognitive behaviour therapy for preadolescent children with anxiety disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. ISSN 0021-9630. 59(7), p. 763–772. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12872.
Kanavin, Øivind J. & Fjermestad, Krister (2018). Gastrointestinal and urinary complaints in adults with hereditary spastic paraparesis. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. ISSN 1750-1172. 13(58). doi: 10.1186/s13023-018-0804-8.
Jensen, Tine Kristin; Holt, Tonje; Ormhaug, Silje Mørup; Fjermestad, Krister & Wentzel-Larsen, Tore (2018). Change in post-traumatic cognitions mediates treatment effects for traumatized youth — A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Counseling Psychology. ISSN 0022-0167. 65(2), p. 166–177. doi: 10.1037/cou0000258. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Nyhus, Livø; Kanavin, Øivind J.; Heiberg, Arvid & Hoxmark, Lise Beate (2018). Health Survey of Adults with Neurofibromatosis 1 Compared to Population Study Controls. Journal of Genetic Counseling. ISSN 1059-7700. p. 1102–1110. doi: 10.1007/s10897-018-0229-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic, autosomal dominant multi-organ disease characterized by susceptibility to tumor formation, changes in skin pigmentation, skeletal abnormalities, and neuropsychological deficits. Clinical studies have shown impaired health-related quality of life (HQoL) in adults with NF1. However, little is known about HQoL in non-clinical NF1 samples. We conducted a cross-sectional self-report survey of 142 persons with NF1 (M age = 50.3 years, SD = 12.0, range 32 to 80; 62.0% females) recruited from non-clinical settings. Several HQoL domains, including life satisfaction, mental health, sleep, pain, gastrointestinal problems, oral health, and social support, were compared between the NF1 sample and 46,293 controls from the HUNT3 population study. We also examined gender differences within the NF1 sample and predictors of HQoL. Compared to controls, the NF1 sample reported significantly poorer life satisfaction, mental health, sleep, and oral health, and more pain, gastrointestinal problems, comorbid diseases, and memory problems. Several HQoL domains were significantly correlated. Mental health was the only unique significant predictor of overall life satisfaction. Women with NF1 reported significantly more mental health, sleep, and pain problems than men with NF1. Mental health assessment and management should be integrated into clinical care of persons with NF1 to potentially improve their HQoL.
Fjermestad, Krister; Runsjø, Fredrik & Stokke, Simen (2018). Self-reported health in parents of boys with sex chromosome aneuploidies. Children's health care. ISSN 0273-9615. 47(2), p. 150–164. doi: 10.1080/02739615.2017.1318388.
Fjermestad, Krister & Stokke, Simen (2018). Sleep Problems and Life Satisfaction as Predictors of Health in Men with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies. Behavioral Medicine. ISSN 0896-4289. 44(2), p. 116–122. doi: 10.1080/08964289.2017.1282852.
Rusten, Birgitte Kristin; Midtstigen, Ingri; Gjems, Solveig & Fjermestad, Krister (2017). Behandling av barn og unge med konversjonslidelser : en litteraturgjennomgang. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening. ISSN 0332-6470. 54(8), p. 723–731.
Kodal, Arne; Fjermestad, Krister; Bjelland, Ingvar; Gjestad, Rolf; Øst, Lars Gøran & Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2017). Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for youth with anxiety disorders. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. ISSN 0887-6185. 53, p. 58–67. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.11.003. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Lerner, Matthew D.; McLeod, Bryce D.; Wergeland, Gro Janne; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Havik, Odd E. [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). Motivation and treatment credibility predict alliance in cognitive behavioral treatment for youth with anxiety disorders in community clinics. Journal of Clinical Psychology. ISSN 0021-9762. 74(6), p. 793–805. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22551.
Fjermestad, Krister; Nilsen, Wendy; Johannessen, Tina D. & Karevold, Evalill Bølstad (2017). Mothers' and fathers' internalizing symptoms influence parental ratings of adolescent anxiety symptoms. Journal of Family Psychology. ISSN 0893-3200. 31(7), p. 939–944. doi: 10.1037/fam0000322.
Kodal, Arne; Bjelland, Ingvar; Gjestad, Rolf; Wergeland, Gro Janne; Havik, Odd E. & Heiervang, Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Subtyping social anxiety in youth. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. ISSN 0887-6185. 49, p. 40–47. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.03.009. Full text in Research Archive
Fjermestad, Krister; Wahlborg, Marte Strandheim; Stokke, Simen; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Havik, Odd E. & Wergeland, Gro Janne (2017). Behavioral Inhibition in Boys with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies Compared to a Clinical Sample. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ISSN 2366-7532. 1(2), p. 89–94. doi: 10.1007/s41252-017-0016-6.
Fjermestad, Krister; McLeod, Bryce D; Tully, Carrie B. & Liber, Juliette (2016). Therapist characteristics and strategies for enhancing the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes with adults. In Maltzman, Sara (Eds.), Oxford handbook of treatment processes and outcomes in counseling psychology. A Multidisciplinary, Biopsychosocial Approach. Oxford University Press. ISSN 9780199739134.
Fjermestad, Krister; Kanavin, Øivind J.; Næss, Eva Elisabeth; Hoxmark, Lise Beate & Hummelvoll, Grete (2016). Health survey of adults with Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis compared to population study controls . Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. ISSN 1750-1172. 11:98, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s13023-016-0469-0.
Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Wergeland, Gro Janne; Fjermestad, Krister; Kodal, Arne; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Bjelland, Ingvar [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2016). Long-term outcome and predictors of outcome in CBT for youth anxiety. In Menzies, Ross G.; Kyrios, Michael & Kazantzis, Nikolaos (Ed.), Innovations and future directions in the behavioural and cognitive therapies. Australian Academic Press. ISSN 9781922117700. p. 13–17. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.08.008.
Fjermestad, Krister; Næss, Eva Elisabeth; Bahr, David & Gravholt, Claus H (2016). A 6-year Follow-up survey of health status in middle-aged women with Turner syndrome. Clinical Endocrinology. ISSN 0300-0664. 85(3), p. 423–429. doi: 10.1111/cen.13068.
Fjermestad, Krister; Lerner, Matthew D.; McLeod, Bryce D; Wergeland, Gro Janne; Heiervang, Einar & Silverman, Wendy K. [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2016). Therapist-youth agreement on alliance change predicts long-term outcome in CBT for anxiety disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. ISSN 0021-9630. 57(5), p. 625–632. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12485.
Wergeland, Gro Janne; Fjermestad, Krister; Marin, Carla E.; Bjelland, Ingvar; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Silverman, Wendy K. [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2016). Predictors of treatment outcome in an effectiveness trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for children with anxiety disorders. Behaviour Research and Therapy. ISSN 0005-7967. 76, p. 1–12. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.11.001.
Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Fjermestad, Krister; Torsheim, Torbjørn; Havik, Odd E. & Heiervang, Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Competence and adherence scale for cognitive behavioral therapy (CAS-CBT) for anxiety disorders in youth: Psychometric properties. Psychological Assessment. ISSN 1040-3590. 28(8), p. 908–916. doi: 10.1037/pas0000230.
Roberts, Susanna; Keers, Robert; Lester, Kathryn J.; Coleman, Jonathan R.I.; Breen, Gerome & Arendt, Kristian [Show all 28 contributors for this article] (2015). HPA axis related genes and response to psychological therapies: genetics and epigenetics. Depression and Anxiety. ISSN 1091-4269. 32(12), p. 861–870. doi: 10.1002/da.22430.
Haukeland, Yngvild; Fjermestad, Krister; Mossige, Svein & Vatne, Torun Marie (2015). Emotional experiences among siblings of children with rare disorders. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. ISSN 0146-8693. 40(7), p. 712–720. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsv022.
Fjermestad, Krister; Vatne, Torun Marie & Gjone, Inger Helene (2015). Cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. ISSN 2044-1282. 9(1), p. 30–39. doi: 10.1108/AMHID-05-2014-0017.
Stokke, Simen; Fjermestad, Krister & Bahr, David (2015). Utdanning, arbeid og helse blant menn med Klinefelters syndrom og andre mannlige kjønnskromosomavvik. Spesialpedagogikk. ISSN 0332-8457. 80(2), p. 39–47.
Wergeland, Gro Janne; Fjermestad, Krister; Marin, Carla E.; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Silverman, Wendy K. & Øst, Lars Gøran [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2015). Predictors of dropout from community clinic child CBT for anxiety disorders. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. ISSN 0887-6185. 31, p. 1–10. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2015.01.004.
Fjermestad, Krister; Stokke, Simen; Wergeland, Gro Janne; Anticich, Sarah; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Havik, Odd E. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Socio-emotional problems in boys with sex chromosome aneuploidies compared to a clinical sample. Children's health care. ISSN 0273-9615. 44(1), p. 40–53. doi: 10.1080/02739615.2013.876538.
Haukeland, Yngvild; Fjermestad, Krister; Mossige, Svein & Vatne, Torun Marie (2014). Emotional Experiences among Siblings of Children with Rare Disorders. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. ISSN 0146-8693. 40(7), p. 712–720. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsv022.
Jensen, Tine Kristin; Skårdalsmo, Envor M. Bjørgo & Fjermestad, Krister (2014). Development of mental health problems – a follow-up study of unaccompanied refugee minors. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (CAPMH). ISSN 1753-2000. doi: 10.1186/1753-2000-8-29. Full text in Research Archive
Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen; Fjermestad, Krister; Marin, Carla E.; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger & Oeding, Kristin [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2014). An effectiveness study of individual vs. group cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in youth. Behaviour Research and Therapy. ISSN 0005-7967. 57(1), p. 1–12. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2014.03.007.
Jensen, Tine Kristin; Fjermestad, Krister; Granly, Lene & Wilhelmsen, Nicolai (2013). Stressful Life Experiences and Mental Health Problems among Unaccompanied Asylumseeking Children. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. ISSN 1359-1045. doi: 10.1177/1359104513499356.
Fjermestad, Krister; McLeod, Bryce D; Heiervang, Einar; Havik, Odd E.; Øst, Lars Gøran & Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt (2012). Factor structure and validity of the therapy process observational coding system for child psychotherapy-alliance scale. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. ISSN 1537-4416. 41(2), p. 246–254. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2012.651999.

View all works in Cristin

Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Öst, Lars Gøran; Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Kommedal, Christian & Bouchard, S. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Feasability of Virtual Reality in CBT for Anxiety Disorders in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) : symposium The future is Now: Paediatric Mental Health Service Innovations.
Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Gjestad, Rolf; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Öst, Lars Gøran; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Kodal, Arne [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Does adherence, competence and alliance predict long-term outcome in CBT for anxiety disorders in youth.
Orm, Stian; Øie, Merete Glenne; Fossum, Ingrid Nesdal; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Andersen, Per Normann & Skogli, Erik Winther (2023). Executive Functioning and Anxiety/Depressive Symptoms as Mediators Between ADHD and Quality of Life: A 10-year Longitudinal Study. Show summary
Objective: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with impaired executive functioning and anxiety/depressive symptoms, which may contribute to reduced quality of life. We tested the hypotheses that (1) a childhood diagnosis of ADHD is related to reduced quality of life in emerging adulthood and that (2) this relationship is mediated by impaired executive functioning and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Participants and Methods: We assessed 85 children and adolescents with ADHD and 50 typically developing peers at baseline (Mean age = 11.6 years, 58% males), two-year follow-up, and 10-year follow-up with neuropsychological tests of executive functioning, the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), and the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale, second edition (RCMAS-2), as well as the Perceived Quality of Life scale (PQoL) at the 10-year follow-up. Four neuropsychological tests of executive functioning, the Letter-Number Sequencing test (working memory), the Color-Word Interference test condition 3 (response inhibition), the Color-Word Interference test condition 4 (shifting), and the trail making test condition 4 (cognitive flexibility) were combined into a neuropsychological executive functioning composite score based on high factor loadings (≥ .73). the parent-reported BRIEF indexes, the behavioral regulation index, and the metacognition index were used as measures of everyday executive functioning. We conducted independent samples t-tests to compare the groups and simple and parallel mediation analyses with full information maximum likelihood estimation to examine whether the different executive functioning measures and anxiety/depressive symptoms at two-year follow-up mediated the relationship between baseline ADHD and self-reported quality of life at 10-year follow-up. Results: Baseline ADHD was associated with more difficulties with executive functioning on a composite measure of neuropsychological tests (p < .001, Hedges g = .79) and parent-reported everyday metacognitive (p < .001, Hedges g = 2.37) and behavioral regulation executive functioning (p < .001, Hedges g = 1.55), as well as self-reported anxiety (p < .001, Hedges g = 1.05) and depressive symptoms (p < .001, Hedges g = 1.00) at two-year follow-up. Baseline ADHD was associated with lower self-reported quality of life (p = .001, Hedges g = -.67) at 10-year follow-up. The mediation analysis showed that everyday metacognitive executive functioning (p = .011, β = -.497) and an anxiety/depressive symptoms composite (p < .001, β = -.404) parallelly mediated the relationship between ADHD and quality of life. Conclusions: Impaired everyday executive functioning and anxiety/depressive symptoms may represent two distinct pathways to reduced quality of life in emerging adults with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD. These findings stress the importance of targeting both cognitive and emotional aspects in interventions for children and adolescents with ADHD to improve later quality of life.
Orm, Stian; Haukeland, Yngvild; Vatne, Torun Marie & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2022). Parent-Sibling Communication and Mental Health in Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared with Physical Disabilities.
Kirchhofer, Solveig Melanie; Orm, Stian; Haukeland, Yngvild Bjartveit; Fredriksen, Trude; Wakefield, Claire E. & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2022). A systematic review of social support of siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Fredriksen, Trude & Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2021). Gjeommføring av SIBS RCT i spesialisthelsetjenesten - utfordringer og muligheter.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2021). Søskenprosjektet SIBS.
Fjermestad, Krister Westlye (2021). Å være foreldre til barn med funksjonsnedsettelse.
Orm, Stian; Krogh Parken, Andrine; Haukeland, Yngvild; Mossige, Svein; Fjermestad, Krister & Vatne, Torun (2020). Siblings' Experience of Violence from Their Brother or Sister with a Neurodevelopmental Disorder.
Fjermestad, Krister; Vatne, Torun & Orm, Stian (2020). Hva med søsken? SIBS - et prosjekt for søsken og foreldre til barn med autisme. Autisme i dag. ISSN 0803-530X. 2020(1), p. 20–23.
Fjermestad, Krister (2017). Reduksjonistiske syn på klinisk forskning. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening. ISSN 0332-6470. 54(6).
Wergeland, Gro Janne; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Fjermestad, Krister & Rogde, Anja Høye (2017). FRIENDS programmet - for forebygging og behandling av angst hos barn og ungdom. In Kjøbli, John; Eng, Helene; Ertesvåg, Sigrun K. & Frønes, Ivar (Ed.), Å mestre det vanskelige. Individrettede intervensjoner for barn og unge. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205500891. p. 43–66.
Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen; Fjermestad, Krister Westlye; Marin, C. E.; Bjelland, Ingvar; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt & Silverman, W. [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2014). Predictors of treatment outcome.
Skårdalsmo, Envor M. Bjørgo; Fjermestad, Krister & Jensen, Tine Kristin (2014). Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children - Development of Mental Health and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms after Settlement. Show summary
In this presentation results from a longitudinal study examining mental health problems of unaccompanied asylum seeking children arriving in Norway before the age of 16 will be presented. Seventy-five minors aged 10-17 years (83 % boys) were first assessed 6 months, and later 2 years after arrival. Participants originated from 12 different countries; most from Afghanistan (51 %). The youth were assessed for severe life events, symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSD), depression, anxiety and internalizing/ externalizing symptoms. At the initial assessment 54% scored above clinical cutoff on PTSD, 30% on anxiety, and 20% on depressive symptoms. Results indicate also that many unaccompanied asylum-seeking children have experienced not only war-related traumas but several other severe life adversities as well. Two years later there is very little change in the mean scores, but there were considerable individual differences. This shows that unaccompanied minors continue to be an extremely vulnerable group and many of them are at risk of developing long-lasting psychological problems. However many youth do seem to be resilient and possible pathways to recovery will be discussed.
Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Fjermestad, Krister; Torsheim, Torbjørn; Havik, Odd E. & Heiervang, Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2014). Psychometric evaluation of a measure for adherence/competence for CBT with child anxiety disorders.
Bjåstad, Jon Fauskanger; Haugland, Bente Storm Mowatt; Fjermestad, Krister; Torsheim, Torbjørn; Havik, Odd E. & Heiervang, Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2014). Psychometric evaluation of a measure for adherence/competence for CBT with child anxiety disorders.
Orm, Stian & Fjermestad, Krister (2020). Prosocial Behavior in Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study. Universitetet i Oslo.
Kodal, Arne; Bjelland, Ingvar; Wergeland, Gro Janne & Fjermestad, Krister (2018). Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for youth with anxiety disorders: Outcome, predictors and social anxiety. Universitetet i Bergen. ISSN 978-82-308-3753-5.

View all works in Cristin

Published Feb. 23, 2016 1:45 PM - Last modified Mar. 14, 2023 12:56 PM

Projects

Research groups

DRIVE Work Package 5: Developmental Pathways to Depression