Josefin Westerberg Jacobson
Senior lecturer, Head of department
About the researcher
Josefin Westerberg Jacobson is an associate professor of nursing science at the University of Gävle, where she has served as department chair of the Department of Social Work, Criminology, and Public Health Sciences since 2016. Her research has long focused on the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults, with early work addressing quality of life among young people with cerebral palsy and dietary habits in early childhood.
Her doctoral dissertation addressed eating disorders, psychological and family-related risk factors, and protective factors for adolescent health. Since joining the University of Gävle, her work has expanded to include studies on work engagement, health-promoting conditions in educational and work environments, and healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward mental health issues. Her current research is part of a regional collaboration evaluating group-based mental health interventions for adults over the age of 65.
Josefin’s current research focuses on eating disorders, work engagement, and health-promoting aspects related to studies and work for people with eating disorders. It also examines healthcare professionals’ attitudes and approaches toward patients in psychiatry and those with mental health issues.
Evaluation of support groups aimed at promoting mental health for people aged 65 and older in Gävleborg County
A collaboration between Region Gävleborg, HiG, and Dalarna University.
More information about the research project External link.
Health-Promoting Work Environment
Healthcare staff’s attitudes toward and conditions for working with people with mental health issues.
Living with Long-Term Illness
A 20-year follow-up of the Swedish longitudinal cohort study on risk and protective factors for the development of eating-related health problems among young girls.
This page was last updated 2026-08-24