معرفی
Pål Kraft is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oslo since 2004, with additional affiliation as Professor II at Oslo Nye University College since 2020. His academic career includes previous positions as Head of Department at UiO's Psychology Department, Director of SIRUS, Professor at the University of Bergen (UiB), Director of Hemil Center at UiB, Research Director at the Institute of Public Health and Research Council of Norway, and Researcher at WHO-Geneva.
- PhD in psychology from UiB
- Master's degrees in psychology (NTNU) and sociology (UiO)
- Cand. odont. (UiO)
- Business economist (BI)
Kraft's research focuses on Health Psychology, Self-regulation, Social inequality in health, Attitudes towards nuclear and wind power, and Health habits. His work bridges psychological theory with practical applications in public health, examining how socioeconomic factors influence health behaviors and outcomes through biopsychosocial pathways. He has made significant contributions to understanding the psychological mechanisms behind health disparities and the role of self-regulation in behavior change.
His recent publications (2021-2023) show a strong emphasis on socioeconomic determinants of health, with particular attention to subjective socioeconomic status and its relationship to physical and mental health outcomes. His research employs diverse methodologies including longitudinal studies, network analysis of attitudes, and experimental approaches to understanding health behaviors. A notable trend is his increasing focus on energy policy attitudes, particularly regarding nuclear and wind power in Norway, reflecting contemporary societal challenges related to climate change.
Kraft currently leads the project 'Attitudes towards wind and nuclear power in Norway' (2024-present), which investigates psychological processes underlying public attitudes toward renewable energy sources using nationally representative surveys and theoretical frameworks including causal attitude networks and attitude ambivalence.
His academic leadership extends to mentoring students and collaborating on interdisciplinary research projects addressing significant public health challenges. While specific grant details aren't provided, his research program appears well-supported through institutional funding and likely external research grants given the scope and continuity of his work.
Kraft maintains active research collaborations, most notably with Brage Kraft (possibly a relative), with whom he has co-authored multiple recent publications on socioeconomic status and wellbeing. His work spans multiple research groups within the Department of Health, Developmental and Personality Psychology at UiO.
