Thomas Gitz-Johansen

Thomas Gitz-Johansen is an Associate Professor at the Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Denmark. His research focuses on childhood, developmental psychology, and the emotional dynamics in daycare institutions for children aged 0-6. He employs psychodynamic methodologies, particularly infant observation, to explore caregiving practices and children’s psychological needs. Key areas include intersubjectivity in child-adult interactions, the role of fairy tales in emotional development, and Steiner Waldorf educational approaches.

Research Interests: His work bridges developmental psychology with aesthetic and cultural experiences. Recent projects examine how storytelling (e.g., fairy tales) shapes children’s emotional growth and how nursery staff’s implicit care knowledge contributes to nurturing environments. He also explores Jungian psychology’s empirical applications, analyzing symbolic archetypes in literature and childhood narratives.

Projects & Activities: Current initiatives include studying cultural experiences in early childhood and the value of art/music in daycare. He has led projects like ‘Styrkelse af pædagogisk omsorg i dagtilbud’ (2024–2027) to enhance caregiver competencies. Active in academic discourse, he presents lectures on topics like ‘Symbolisering af det efterladte begær’ (2024) and collaborates internationally on childcare frameworks.

Media & Outreach: Engages public dialogue on early childhood education through media contributions, emphasizing the importance of enchantment, sensory experiences, and caregiver empathy in daycare settings.