Current positions
- Head of Department, Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
- Adjunct Professor, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, College of Medicine & Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
Education/training
- Post-doctoral Fellowship (2009-2011)
- Medical Psychology, Clinical Health Psychology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN
- Ph.D (2009)
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Health Psychology specialization, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Pre-doctoral Internship/Residency (2008-2009)
- Clinical Psychology, Medical/Health Psychology specialization, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Master of Science (2004)
- Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Bachelor of Arts (2002)
- Psychology / Philosophy. University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Undergraduate level additional (1993-1996)
- Philosophy, Jurisprudence, University of Oslo, Oslo Norway
Research Interests
Dr. Solberg Nes’ research currently focuses on the development and efficacy testing of digital interventions for patients with a variety of medical conditions. For example, two of her largest current projects are focusing on designing, developing and testing the eHealth supported programs StressProffen, a stress-management intervention program for patients with cancer, and EPIO, a self-management intervention program for people living with chronic pain. Another ongoing project, Hjerte-sjekken, examines the potential for an eHealth intervention program to support people after Myocardial Infarction or other coronary artery illnesses. Dr. Solberg Nes' research also includes a number of other projects, including the ZuperSmart project, a digital stress management solution for children ages 6-12, and projects focusing within the area of obesity.
Solberg Nes’ research also examines the psychological and physiological impact of self-regulation, that is, people’s ability to exercise control and guide or alter reactions and behavior. For example, she has been examining the psychological and physiological impact of self-regulatory deficits in cancer and chronic multi-symptom related illnesses. Other research interests include quality of life, coping, adherence, personality and individual differences, as well as health behaviors.
Clinical Interests
A PhD clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Solberg Nes’ interests center around supporting patients faced with a wide variety of acute or chronic medical illnesses. Her clinical services have included direct delivery of psychological assessment, intervention, treatment and consultation/consultation-liaison services. Areas of special interest include adjustment to and coping with chronic illness, including chronic pain, cancer diagnoses/treatment, transplantation (blood/marrow and solid organ) challenges, bariatric and obesity issues (including pre/post-surgery), orofacial pain, spinal cord injuries, women’s health, effect of illness on family members and caregivers, and end of life or palliative care issues. She is also interested in challenges surrounding health behavior change, stress-management, adherence, rehabilitation and sleep.
Licensure
- Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota, USA
- Licensed (autorisert) Psychologist in Norway
- European Certificate in Psychology - EuroPsy Clinical Psychologist Reg.
Funding
Recent Funding/Grants/Projects
2026-2029: The DAM Foundation. Optimalization of a Digital Stress-Management Solution for Cancer Survivors (2026/#SDAM_UTV873138). Project role: Principal Investigator.
2025-2029: The South-Eastern Norway Health Authorities (Helse Sør-Øst). Digital Long-term follow-up of patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized controlled trial. Project role: Collaborating partner and PhD student advisor.
2024-2027: The DAM Foundation. Digital Long-term Follow-Up Following Myocardial Infarction (2024/#SDAM_UTV532286). Project role: Principal Investigator.
2023-2025: Ada og Hagbart Waages stiftelse. Digital Support of Treatment Goals Following Myocardial Infarction (OUS# 334541/63209). Project role: Principal Investigator.
2022-2025: Oslo University Hospital. Digital Stress Management for Health Care Providers. Project role: Principal Investigator.
2022-2026: KLINBEFORSK (National Program for Clinical Treatment Research in Specialist Health Care) 2021. eHealth BehAvioral TreaTment of adolescent Obesity (eBATTLE Obesity). Funding granted to Vestfold Hospital Trust through PI Jøran Hjelmesæth. Project role; Collaborating partner and local Principal Investigator; Habition digital solution.
2021-2024: KWF Kanker Betrijding, The Netherlands. Project # 12181. Patient-centered development and effectiveness of online Acceptance-and-Commitment-Therapy for quality of life in cancer survivors with persistent painful chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (QLIPP-CIPN). Funding granted to Tilburg University through PI Hester Trompetter. Project role; ollaborating partner, work package leader and local Principal Investigator.
2019-2026: Regional resource center related to violence, traumatic stress and suicide prevention (RVTSØst): ZuperSmart – a stress management solution for children. Project role: Principal Investigator.
2019-2026: Norwegian Cancer Society/Norwegian Cancer Registry: «Coping after Breast Cancer - CABC» (Funding awarded to the Norwegian Cancer Registry by Director/PI Giske Ursin). Project role: Collaborating partner and Local Principal Investigator.
2017-2024: Research Council of Norway # 256574/H10. “Living well with chronic pain: using person-centered e-health design to support self-management (ePAIN/EPIO)”. Project role: Principal Investigator.
2017-2026: Oslo University Hospital, Oslo University Hospital Innovation grant: #2602-2018 “eChange: Using eHealth design to facilitate lasting health behavior change”. Project role: Principal Investigator.
2015-2024: Norwegian Cancer Society (Kreftforeningen). # 4602492-2013. "Testing a computerized interactive stress management intervention in early stage cancer: A randomized controlled trial (STRESSPROFFEN)". Project role: Principal Investigator.
Other appointments
2025: Program Committee Leader, Annual Divisional Scientific Research Seminar, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Quality Hotel Expo, Fornebu. April 24th 2025, Norway
2024 - ongoing: Comsultant, Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) Consultation Program, Senior Advisor to Members, Society of Behavioral Medicine, USA
2024 - 2025: Specialist Group Workshops, Quality Assured Digital Solutions Supporting Mental Heath. Norwegian Directorate of Health.
2024 - ongoing: Elected to Fellowship status in the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research (ABMR).
2024 - ongoing: Elected to Fellowship status in the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM).
2023 - ongoing: External Advisory Committee member; Kentucky Idea Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY-INBRE). Funded through a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). Program Director; Martha Bickford, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
2023 - ongoing: International member Behavioral Medicine Program (BMP) Cancer Stress Management Program and Translational Science Lab. Translational science of behavioral interventions to the practice setting. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and Department/Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Program Director; Shawna L. Ehlers.
2023 - ongoing: Board member, DigPsyk; Norwegian Psychological Association’s Digital Health Society.
2023 - ongoing: Steering committee member; eHealth BehAvioral TreaTment of adolescent Obesity (eBATTLE Obesity). Sykehuset i Vestfold, multisenterstudie ledet av PI Jøran Hjelmesæth.
2022 - 2023: South-East Norway Health Authorities (Helse-Sør Øst RHF) Innovation Project Funding 2022. Title: Video health care for everyone (Video for alle – inkluderende videotjenester i helsevesenet). Principal Investigator: Sonja Erlenkamp, Sunnaas Hospital/Sykehus HF. *Project Role: Advisory Board/reference group member.
2021 - 2025: The Norwegian Research Council: Program Helsevel. Title: PATHWAY: A toolkit for managing and communicating patient pathways. Principal Investigator: Ragnhild Halvorsrud, SINTEF Digital, Department of Software and Service Innovation, SINTEF. *Project Role: Advisory Board member.
2021 - ongoing: Steering committee member & Research team member; Communication tool for health care providers and minority speaking patients. Oslo University Hospital/South-Eastern Norway Health Authorities, Oslo Norway.
2020 - ongoing: Board member, dHealth AS; Digital health applications for proactive and better healthcare. Founded by Inven2, the Technology Transfer Office of the South-Eastern Norway Health Authorities, Oslo, Norway. Unpaid position - for conflict of interest regulations.
2016 - ongoing: OUS Hospital Innovation Committee Member, representing Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Oslo, Norway
2015 - ongoing: Leaderteam Member, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
2015 - ongoing: Divisional Research Committee Member, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Oslo, Norway
Collaborations
International
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
University of Florida, Gainesville, MN, USA
University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
University of Tilburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands
Publications
Publications 2026
Embrace Pain-A Randomized Controlled Trial of Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Painful Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors
Psychooncology, 35 (9), e70608
DOI 10.1002/pon.70608, PubMed 42760866
Delivery Model Matters for Digital Interventions in Pain Self-Management: Mixed Methods Study
J Med Internet Res, 28, e89780
DOI 10.2196/89780, PubMed 42475133
Potential mechanisms within the digital stress-management intervention StressProffen for cancer survivors: a qualitative study post randomized controlled trial
Front Psychol, 16, 1703540
DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1703540, PubMed 41602683
Publications 2025
Testing two digital stress-management interventions in a randomized controlled trial of breast cancer patients
Sci Rep, 15 (1), 38966
DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-22889-0, PubMed 41198868
Effects of The Caregiver Pathway intervention on symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome among family caregivers to critically ill patients: long-term results from a randomized controlled trial
Intensive Care Med, 51 (11), 2042-2053
DOI 10.1007/s00134-025-08139-x, PubMed 41051554
Changes in cognition, coping, pain and emotions after 12-months access to the digital self-management program EPIO
Front Psychol, 16, 1540852
DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1540852, PubMed 40070899
Publications 2024
The Caregiver Pathway Intervention Can Contribute to Reduced Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Among Family Caregivers of ICU Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Crit Care Med, 53 (3), e555-e566
DOI 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006546, PubMed 39718436
Health-related quality of life among women diagnosed with in situ or invasive breast cancer and age-matched controls: a population-based study
J Patient Rep Outcomes, 8 (1), 105
DOI 10.1186/s41687-024-00781-1, PubMed 39298004
Digital behaviour change intervention for weight loss maintenance in adults with obesity: A feasibility pilot study of eCHANGE
Behaviour & Information Technology, 0, 1-19
DOI 10.1080/0144929x.2024.2399299, PublikaID 500
Implementation of a digital behavior change intervention (eCHANGE) for weight loss maintenance support: a service design and technology transfer approach
Front Digit Health, 6, 1394599
DOI 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1394599, PubMed 39015479
Living well with chronic pain: a 12-month randomized controlled trial revealing impact from the digital pain self-management program EPIO
Pain Rep, 9 (4), e1174
DOI 10.1097/PR9.0000000000001174, PubMed 38962688
Psychometric Properties of the REMAP Resilience Scale in a Norwegian Sample of ME/CFS Patients and Healthy Controls
Psychological Test Adaptation and Development, 5 (1), 163–174
DOI 10.1027/2698-1866/a000076, PublikaID 499
How Did Breast Cancer Patients Fare during Different Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Norway Compared to Age-Matched Controls?
Cancers (Basel), 16 (3)
DOI 10.3390/cancers16030602, PubMed 38339359
Publications 2023
Digital Cognitive Behavioral- and Mindfulness-Based Stress-Management Interventions for Survivors of Breast Cancer: Development Study
JMIR Form Res, 7, e48719
DOI 10.2196/48719, PubMed 37725424
Short-Term Findings From Testing EPIO, a Digital Self-Management Program for People Living With Chronic Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial
J Med Internet Res, 25, e47284
DOI 10.2196/47284, PubMed 37624622
Coping After Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Stress Management eHealth Interventions
JMIR Res Protoc, 12, e47195
DOI 10.2196/47195, PubMed 37103493
The Caregiver Pathway, a Model for the Systematic and Individualized Follow-up of Family Caregivers at Intensive Care Units: Development Study
JMIR Form Res, 7, e46299
DOI 10.2196/46299, PubMed 37097744
Patient-centered development of Embrace Pain: an online acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for cancer survivors with chronic painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Acta Oncol, 62 (7), 676-688
DOI 10.1080/0284186X.2023.2187260, PubMed 36939672
Publications 2022
Effectiveness of the online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention "Embrace Pain" for cancer survivors with chronic painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Trials, 23 (1), 642
DOI 10.1186/s13063-022-06592-3, PubMed 35945582
Combining Persuasive System Design Principles and Behavior Change Techniques in Digital Interventions Supporting Long-term Weight Loss Maintenance: Design and Development of eCHANGE
JMIR Hum Factors, 9 (2), e37372
DOI 10.2196/37372, PubMed 35622394
Engaging with EPIO, a digital pain self-management program: a qualitative study
BMC Health Serv Res, 22 (1), 577
DOI 10.1186/s12913-022-07963-x, PubMed 35488295
Feasibility of a Digital Patient-Provider Communication Intervention to Support Shared Decision-Making in Chronic Health Care, InvolveMe: Pilot Study
JMIR Form Res, 6 (4), e34738
DOI 10.2196/34738, PubMed 35389356
Patients' Experiences of Using an eHealth Pain Management Intervention Combined With Psychomotor Physiotherapy: Qualitative Study
JMIR Form Res, 6 (3), e34458
DOI 10.2196/34458, PubMed 35293866
Publications 2021
Digital stress management in cancer: Testing StressProffen in a 12-month randomized controlled trial
Cancer, 128 (7), 1503-1512
DOI 10.1002/cncr.34046, PubMed 34855212
Evaluating a Strengths-Based mHealth Tool (MyStrengths): Explorative Feasibility Trial
JMIR Form Res, 5 (11), e30572
DOI 10.2196/30572, PubMed 34787580
A Digital Patient-Provider Communication Intervention (InvolveMe): Qualitative Study on the Implementation Preparation Based on Identified Facilitators and Barriers
J Med Internet Res, 23 (4), e22399
DOI 10.2196/22399, PubMed 33830063
Health care providers' experiences of pain management and attitudes towards digitally supported self-management interventions for chronic pain: a qualitative study
BMC Health Serv Res, 21 (1), 275
DOI 10.1186/s12913-021-06278-7, PubMed 33766028
Video as an alternative to in-person consultations in outpatient renal transplant recipient follow-up: a qualitative study
BMC Nephrol, 22 (1), 105
DOI 10.1186/s12882-021-02284-3, PubMed 33752608
Publications 2020
Identifying Persuasive Design Principles and Behavior Change Techniques Supporting End User Values and Needs in eHealth Interventions for Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance: Qualitative Study
J Med Internet Res, 22 (11), e22598
DOI 10.2196/22598, PubMed 33252347
Digital Self-Management in Support of Patients Living With Chronic Pain: Feasibility Pilot Study
JMIR Form Res, 4 (10), e23893
DOI 10.2196/23893, PubMed 33094734
Pilot testing an app-based stress management intervention for cancer survivors
Transl Behav Med, 10 (3), 770-780
DOI 10.1093/tbm/ibz062, PubMed 31330023
MyStrengths, a Strengths-Focused Mobile Health Tool: Participatory Design and Development
JMIR Form Res, 4 (7), e18049
DOI 10.2196/18049, PubMed 32706651
Results from a randomized controlled trial testing StressProffen; an application-based stress-management intervention for cancer survivors
Cancer Med, 9 (11), 3775-3785
DOI 10.1002/cam4.3000, PubMed 32243717
Content and system development of a digital patient-provider communication tool to support shared decision making in chronic health care: InvolveMe
BMC Med Inform Decis Mak, 20 (1), 46
DOI 10.1186/s12911-020-1065-8, PubMed 32131808
A User-Centered Approach to an Evidence-Based Electronic Health Pain Management Intervention for People With Chronic Pain: Design and Development of EPIO
J Med Internet Res, 22 (1), e15889
DOI 10.2196/15889, PubMed 31961331
Publications 2019
Digital Health in Cardiology: Time for Action
Cardiology, 145 (2), 106-109
DOI 10.1159/000504797, PubMed 31825946
Implementation Strategies to Enhance the Implementation of eHealth Programs for Patients With Chronic Illnesses: Realist Systematic Review
J Med Internet Res, 21 (9), e14255
DOI 10.2196/14255, PubMed 31573934
Persuasive System Design Principles and Behavior Change Techniques to Stimulate Motivation and Adherence in Electronic Health Interventions to Support Weight Loss Maintenance: Scoping Review
J Med Internet Res, 21 (6), e14265
DOI 10.2196/14265, PubMed 31228174
Spirituality and Emotional Distress Among Lung Cancer Survivors
Clin Lung Cancer, 20 (6), e661-e666
DOI 10.1016/j.cllc.2019.06.015, PubMed 31378618
Patients' Needs and Requirements for eHealth Pain Management Interventions: Qualitative Study
J Med Internet Res, 21 (4), e13205
DOI 10.2196/13205, PubMed 30877780
Pain is associated with reduced quality of life and functional status in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Scand J Pain, 19 (1), 61-72
DOI 10.1515/sjpain-2018-0095, PubMed 30325738
Publications 2018
A Stress Management App Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Design, Development, and Usability Testing
JMIR Form Res, 2 (2), e19
DOI 10.2196/formative.9954, PubMed 30684438
Publications 2016
Self-Regulatory Fatigue: A Missing Link in Understanding Fibromyalgia and Other Chronic MultiSymptom Illnesses
Pain Pract, 17 (4), 460-469
DOI 10.1111/papr.12480, PubMed 27589266
Peer Mentorship Programs for Breast Cancer Patients
J Pain Symptom Manage, 51 (5), e5-7
DOI 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.03.001, PubMed 27033161
Publications 2015
Improving Spiritual Well-Being in Patients with Lung Cancers
J Pastoral Care Counsel, 69 (3), 156-62
DOI 10.1177/1542305015602711, PubMed 26463853
Publications 2014
Self-regulatory fatigue, quality of life, health behaviors, and coping in patients with hematologic malignancies
Ann Behav Med, 48 (3), 411-23
DOI 10.1007/s12160-014-9621-z, PubMed 24802991
Publications 2013
Breast cancer survivors' self-reported needs and preferences of survivorship care
Breast J, 20 (1), 107-9
DOI 10.1111/tbj.12221, PubMed 24262015
Self-regulatory fatigue in hematologic malignancies: impact on quality of life, coping, and adherence to medical recommendations
Int J Behav Med, 20 (1), 13-21
DOI 10.1007/s12529-011-9194-1, PubMed 21928059
Self-regulatory fatigue in chronic multisymptom illnesses: scale development, fatigue, and self-control
J Pain Res, 6, 181-8
DOI 10.2147/JPR.S40014, PubMed 23526193
Publications 2012
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Impact of Yoga Practice on Quality of Life, Mood, and Perceived Stress in Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Glob Adv Health Med, 1 (5), 30-5
DOI 10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.010, PubMed 27257529
Patient understanding of the revised USPSTF screening mammogram guidelines: need for development of patient decision aids
BMC Womens Health, 12, 36
DOI 10.1186/1472-6874-12-36, PubMed 23051022
Physical activity level and quality of life in long term lung cancer survivors
Lung Cancer, 77 (3), 611-6
DOI 10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.05.096, PubMed 22681871
Output order reflects the cognitive accessibility of goals
J Soc Psychol, 152 (1), 5-16
DOI 10.1080/00224545.2010.538761, PubMed 22308758
Publications 2011
Individual differences and self-regulatory fatigue: optimism, conscientiousness, and self-consciousness
Pers Individ Dif, 50 (4)
DOI 10.1016/j.paid.2010.11.011, PubMed 24409005
Publications 2010
Self-regulatory deficits in fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorders
Pain, 151 (1), 37-44
DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2010.05.009, PubMed 20561749
Publications 2009
Executive functions, self-regulation, and chronic pain: a review
Ann Behav Med, 37 (2), 173-83
DOI 10.1007/s12160-009-9096-5, PubMed 19357933
Publications 2007
Heart rate variability reflects self-regulatory strength, effort, and fatigue
Psychol Sci, 18 (3), 275-81
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01888.x, PubMed 17444926
Publications 2006
When Goals Conflict But People Prosper: The Case of Dispositional Optimism
J Res Pers, 40 (5), 675-693
DOI 10.1016/j.jrp.2005.08.001, PubMed 17016545
Dispositional optimism and coping: a meta-analytic review
Pers Soc Psychol Rev, 10 (3), 235-51
DOI 10.1207/s15327957pspr1003_3, PubMed 16859439
Publications 2005
Engagement and arousal: optimism's effects during a brief stressor
Pers Soc Psychol Bull, 31 (1), 111-20
DOI 10.1177/0146167204271319, PubMed 15574666