Reidar Schei Jessen

Reidar Schei Jessen is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oslo. He holds a PhD from the University of Oslo (2021) and has conducted postdoctoral research there (2022–2024). His work focuses on clinical psychology, developmental psychology, queer theory, and the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. His doctoral thesis explored gender dysphoria in transgender and gender non-conforming youth, leading to interdisciplinary collaborations within the Nordic Model research network. He has also held visiting scholar positions at the London School of Economics (2023) and Columbia University (2023).

Education includes a Cand.psychol. in clinical psychology (University of Oslo, 2016), followed by roles as a Doctoral Research Fellow at Oslo University Hospital (2018–2021) and a clinical psychologist at Østfold Hospital (2016–2018). His teaching includes courses on qualitative research methods (PSY2013, PSYC3100) and professional preparation (PSYC2302).

Jessen’s research prioritizes qualitative methodologies to investigate gender identity development, youth mental health, and intersectional experiences. Notable projects include studying transgender youth’s experiences post-medical treatment and exploring LGBTQ+ individuals’ navigation of stigma in Nairobi. He contributes to the Quali-LAB research group and has authored/co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.