Nina Sølvberg

Researcher Department of Sports Medicine

Email: ninas@nih.no
Phone: +47 23 26 22 32
Mobile phone: +47 48 04 21 53

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Background and experience

Nina Sølvberg is senter coordinator for Oslo Research Center for Women’s Sport, Physical Activity and Health at the Department of Sports Medicine, and reseracher in Arch Safeguarding in Belgium.

Nina has a bachelor’s degree in “physical activity and health” (NIH, 2015), a master’s degree in sports medicine (NIH, 2018), and a Ph.D. in sport science concerning sexual harassment and abuse among young high school athletes and students in Norway.
She has been an international-level athlete and a coach in wheel gymnastics and is member of the working committee of wheel gymnastics in the Norwegian Gymnastics Federation.

Areas of responsibility

Female Athlete Health and Performance

Research

Sexual harassment and abuse, mental health, young athletes, eating disorders.

Projects

No ongoing projects

Gjesdal, Siv; Sølvberg, Nina & Fasting, Kari (2026). Typologies of co-occurring experiences of interpersonal violence among adults in Norwegian sport. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 85. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103101. Full text in Research Archive
Johansson, Susanne; Sølvberg, Nina; Strandbu, Åse; Broms, Lovisa & Hedenborg, Susanna (2025). Sexual harassment and abuse in the equine sector. International Review for the Sociology of Sport. ISSN 1012-6902. p. 1–21. doi: 10.1177/10126902251384141. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) are recognized problems in sport contexts, yet little is known about their occurrence in the equine sector. This study examined reported experiences of SHA among participants in the Swedish and Norwegian equine sector. An intersectional framework was applied to analyze the interplay of social characteristics and culturally informed inequalities associated with SHA. A retrospective, cross-sectional survey ( N = 653) using the Interpersonal Violence Against Children in Sport Questionnaire (IVACS-Q) measured lifetime self-reported experiences of SHA in a self-selected sample, the majority of whom were women. Over half (54.9%) of respondents reported lifetime experiences of SHA in equine environments, including contact and noncontact forms. The vast majority of those reporting SHA were women, often in subordinate roles such as grooms or stable staff, who spent extensive time in equine environments. Reported perpetrators were most often older men in positions of authority linked to equine-centered power, such as riding instructors, stable owners, and horse owners. The findings highlight structural and organizational vulnerabilities in equine culture, where gender, age, and equine-centered power intersect to shape conditions associated with SHA. Therefore, preventing SHA in the equine sector requires context-sensitive, culturally and intersectionally informed safeguarding efforts.
Sundgot-Borgen, Christine; Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn; Sølvberg, Nina; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Mountjoy, Margo & Mathisen, Therese Fostervold (2025). Factors predicting disordered eating and the prevalence of eating disorders in adolescent elite athletes, trained athletes and a reference group: a prospective controlled two-step study. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. 59(15), p. 1043–1054. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108808. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Abstract Objective To prospectively examine the prevalence of diagnosed eating disorders (ED-diagnosis), ED-symptoms and factors predicting ED-symptoms in three male and female high school student groups: elite athletes, trained athletes and a non-athlete reference group at baseline (T1) and 1-year follow-up (T2). Methods A survey was administered at baseline (T1) (n=1186) and 1-year follow-up (T2) (n=1144) (step-one). Participants classified with ED-symptoms by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ 6.0) at T2 were invited to a diagnostic interview (step-two). Results Prevalence of ED-diagnosis for males and females were 6.9% and 9.3% in elite athletes, 5.9% and 11.2% in trained athletes and 3.0% and 11.9% in references, respectively. No group differences were statistically significant. Male references had more ED-symptoms compared with elite and trained male athletes (EDEQ-global score 0.81 vs <0.55), while elite female athletes had fewer ED-symptoms compared with trained female athletes and female references (EDEQ-global score 1.14 vs >1.59). Trained female athletes increased ED-symptoms over time, whereas elite female athletes consistently had fewer ED-symptoms in comparison. High ED-symptom presentation was predicted by high body mass index and more psychological distress in males, whereas for females, ED-symptoms were predicted by lower resilience, more psychological distress and being a non-athlete reference. Conclusion No statistically significant group differences in the prevalence of ED-diagnosis were observed between elite athletes, trained athletes and a non-athlete reference group. Female elite athletes had fewer ED-symptoms compared with other female groups, and male references had more ED-symptoms compared with male athlete groups. Preventive measures that address psychological resilience and distress should be considered.
Vertommen, Tine; Sølvberg, Nina; Lang, Melanie & Kampen, Jarl K (2024). Are some sports riskier than others? An investigation into child athlete experiences of interpersonal violence in relation to sport type and gender. International Review for the Sociology of Sport. ISSN 1012-6902. doi: 10.1177/10126902241290576. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Interpersonal violence in sport has serious consequences for athletes, sports organisations and society at large. Despite recent advances in safeguarding sport participants from interpersonal violence, empirical evidence regarding its prevalence and risk factors across different sports remains scarce. In this study, we investigated differences in the prevalence of interpersonal violence among a convenience sample of 9989 adults from six European countries who participated in organised sport before age 18. Utilising binary logistic regression analyses and CHAID regression tree analyses, we examined variations in reported experiences of neglect, psychological, physical, non-contact sexual and contact sexual forms of interpersonal violence based on gender and three sport classifications: type of sport (individual vs. team), sports attire (non-revealing vs. body-fitting/revealing) and weight-sensitivity (less weight-sensitive vs. weight-sensitive sports). Men participating in team sports reported significantly higher levels of victimisation across all types of interpersonal violence. Women in sports with non-revealing attire and men in less weight-sensitive sports also reported higher prevalence rates. The study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of interpersonal violence characteristics and dynamics across different sports. Insights into the factors influencing victimisation enable tailored prevention and response strategies to be developed to better address the needs of athletes and sport organisations.
Sølvberg, Nina; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Solstad, Bård Erlend; Mountjoy, Margo; Rosenvinge, Jan Harald & Pettersen, Gunn [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Risk factors for sexual harassment and abuse victimization among adolescent athletes and non-athletes: A one-year follow-up study. International Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect. ISSN 0145-2134. 147. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106592. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: The association between SHA and negative mental health increases the need to understand risk factors for SHA victimization, which is important for future development of prevention programs. Objective: To examine which combinations of demographic- and mental health factors were associated with subsequent SHA victimization, and the prevalence of elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students who experienced sexual revictimization. Participants and setting: Norwegian elite athletes and recreational athletes attending sport high schools, and reference students attending non-sport high schools (mean age: 17.1 years) were eligible for participation. Methods: The participants answered an online questionnaire at two measurement points one year apart, T1 and T2 (n = 1139, 51.1 % girls). After testing for measurement invariance, data were analyzed with Classification and Regression Tree analysis (CRT) using demographic- and mental health variables from T1 as independent variables, and SHA at T2 as outcome. Results: The combination of being a girl with high level of symptoms of eating disorders and other psychological symptoms was associated with subsequent reporting of SHA. Among the students with lifetime experience of SHA at T1 (n = 533, 58.3 %), 49.5 % reported revictimization at T2 (60.9 % girls, 32.2 % boys, p ≤ .001). The prevalence of SHA revictimization was lower among elite athletes (44.3 %) compared with recreational athletes (49.1 %) and reference students (59.4 %, p = .019). Conclusion: The combination of female gender and mental health symptoms are risk factors for subsequent SHA victimization. These findings, and the high prevalence of SHA revictimization is important knowledge for developing preventive programs targeting elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students.
Sølvberg, Nina; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Mountjoy, Margo; Rosenvinge, Jan H; Pettersen, Gunn & Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn (2023). Sexual harassment and abuse; disclosure and awareness of report- and support resources in Norwegian sport- and non-sport high schools: a prospective exploratory study. Frontiers in Psychology. 14. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1168423. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Purpose: To examine high school students’ disclosure of sexual harassment and abuse (SHA), and awareness of reporting systems and support mechanisms in school among students, leaders, and coaches. Method: Norwegian 17-year-old high school elite athletes (n = 630), recreational athletes (n = 307), and reference students (n = 263) responded to an online questionnaire at two measurement points, 1 year apart (T1 and T2). Leaders and coaches (n = 249) at the participating high schools responded to an adapted version of the questionnaire at T1. Data were analyzed using ANOVA or Welch test, Pearson Chi-Square test, and McNemar test. Results: In total, 11.4 and 34.0% of the adolescents were aware of reporting systems and support mechanisms, respectively, in their schools. Nearly all the leaders, and half of the coaches were aware of these resources. Among the adolescents with lifetime experience of SHA, 20.1% had disclosed their experiences to someone. Girls disclosed more frequently than boys. The eliteand recreational athletes disclosed less often compared with the reference students. A negative change from T1 to T2 was found in disclosure of SHA and awareness of support mechanisms. At T2, 6.5% of the adolescents reported that their school had implemented measures against SHA during the last 12 months. Conclusion: The results emphasize a need for institutional effort to improve information about available report- and support resources and increase the relevance of use of such systems for adolescents.
Sølvberg, Nina; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Rosenvinge, Jan H; Pettersen, Gunn & Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn (2022). Sexual Harassment and Abuse among Young Elite Athletes, Recreational Athletes, and Reference Students: A Prospective Study. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. 54(11), p. 1869–1878. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002972. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Purpose: To examine the 12-months prevalence and 12-months prospective change in reported sexual harassment and abuse (SHA)-victimization among young elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students in three different social settings and identify the perpetrators. Methods: In total, 919 adolescents responded to an online questionnaire in 12th grade (T1) and 13th grade (T2). The sample consisted of elite athletes (n = 482) and recreational athletes (n = 233) attending Norwegian elite sport high schools (n = 26), and reference students (n = 200) attending ordinary high schools with no sport specialization (n = 6). Data were analyzed using Independent sample t-test, Pearson Chi-Square for independence/Fisher’s Exact test, McNemar test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The total 12-months prevalence of SHA was 38.6% at T1 and 35.1% at T2. Most of the participants (74.6-85.0%) reported no change in SHA from T1 to T2. The prevalence of SHA was higher for girls compared to boys, and elite athletes reported less SHA than recreational athletes and reference students, respectively. SHA occurred most often in a free time setting. Verbal SH, non-verbal SH, and physical SHA were reported by 24.6%, 27.0%, and 14.0%, respectively. Peers were reported as perpetrators by 83.1%, trainer/teacher/health personnel by 20.1%, and “other” perpetrators by 56.4%. Conclusions: As one in three elite athletes and nearly one in two recreational athletes and reference students, respectively, reported SHA-victimization within a 12-months period, well-targeted preventive measures are needed for both young athletes and non-athletes.
Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Sølvberg, Nina; Sundgot-Borgen, Christine & Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn (2021). Sexual Harassment in Fitness Instructors: Prevalence, Perpetrators, and Mental Health Correlates. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735015. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction: This paper explores frequency of experiences of sexual harassment (SH) among fitness instructors, outlines the typical perpetrator, and explores associated mental health symptoms. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 270 Norwegian fitness instructors, recruited in social media, responded to an electronic questionnaire in 2019/2020 on experiences of body appearance pressure, SH, and mental health symptoms. Outcomes included in this publication are experiences of SH, and symptoms of mental health issues based on the Hopkins symptom checklist, SCL-10; Beck Depression Inventory, BDI-1a; and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-q. Results: The frequencies of SH experiences were 30% among 211 women and 22% among 59 men, respectively, with customers being the most frequent source of such approaches and personal trainers (PTs) more often reporting such experiences compared to group instructors (GIs) and to those operating as both PT and GI. Women having experienced SH had significantly higher scores in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders compared to women with no such experience. Conclusion: The high frequency of SH experiences among fitness instructors, with customers emerging as perpetrators and typically in the context of personal training, necessitates increased awareness of SH in the fitness industry. To reduce the occurrence of SH, the fitness centers need to communicate countermeasures with high level of compliance.
Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn; Sundgot-Borgen, Christine; Myklebust, Grethe; Sølvberg, Nina & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2019). Elite athletes get pregnant, have healthy babies and return to sport early postpartum. BMJ Open sport & exercise medicine. 5(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000652. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives: To enhance knowledge on pregnancy and return to sport in the postpartum period in elite female athletes. Methods: 34 Norwegian elite athletes (33.1 years) and 34 active controls (31.5 years) were asked about training and competitive history, pregnancy-related issues, injuries, body dissatisfaction (BD), drive for thinness (DT), eating disorders (ED) and practical experiences, through a questionnaire and interview. Independent samples T-tests or χ² tests for between-group differences and paired-samples T-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance for within group differences were used. Results: No group differences in fertility problems, miscarriage, preterm birth or low birth weight were found. Both groups decreased training volume all trimesters and the first two postpartum periods compared with prepregnancy, and more athletes returned to sport/exercise at week 0–6 postpartum. We found no group differences in complications during pregnancy and delivery, but athletes reported fewer common complaints. Four athletes experienced stress fracture postpartum. Athletes had higher BD and DT postpartum, while controls reduced DT score. Number of athletes with clinical ED was reduced postpartum, while constant in controls. Athletes were not satisfied with advice related to strength training and nutrition during pregnancy. Conclusion: Elite athletes and active controls get pregnant easily, deliver healthy babies and decrease training during pregnancy and the first postpartum periods compared with prepregnancy. Most athletes and every third control returned to sport or exercise at week 0–6 postpartum. Athletes report stress fractures and increased BD and DT, but decreased ED postpartum. However, since relatively few athletes were included these findings need further investigation.

View all works in NVA

Sølvberg, Nina (2024). Are some sports riskier than others? Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2024). Flirting or Hurting? Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2023). Prestasjonsjag i idretten (panelsamtale). Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2023). Seksuell trakassering og overgrep blant unge idrettsutøvere i Norge. Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2023). Seksuell trakassering blant unge idrettsutøvere. Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2023). Eating disorders in adolescent athletes. Questionnaire vs. clinical interview. Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2023). Sexual Harassment and abuse among adolescent athletes in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn & Sølvberg, Nina (2022). A body to present and to perform with. Challenges with eating disorders in young, athlete populations. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Aim: To present findings on the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs) in different understudied young, athlete population samples, to present activity specific contexts/cultures in order to understand the findings, and to discuss evidence based preventive strategies and treatment approaches. Content: EDs are found to be more prevalent among high level athletes compared to athletes at lower level and the general population. In the sport context, EDs may be understood by other means than the traditional held theories of thinness internalization or inadequate impulse control. Nevertheless, the prevalence in groups of the population practicing sport at different recreational and professional levels or sorted by age and gender, is understudied. Here, we present findings from cross-sectional studies in young recreational, sub-elite and elite populations, compromising students at elite sport high school, university exercise science students, professional dance students, and professionals from the fitness industry (competing fitness athletes and professional instructors in fitness centres). During the presentations, we will introduce the specific context which may facilitate the progress towards developing DE or an ED in each of these groups, suggestions for preventive measures, and necessary considerations for treatment and recovery in athletes. In the second part of this workshop, we will interact with the audience, and experiences from similar populations, will be up for discussion. Contribution of each speaker: PhD student Nina Sølvberg (15 min) will present findings from her research in elite sport high school athletes, recreational athletes and ordinary high school students aged 16-17 years of age, including a presentation of the context in which the young student athletes study and practice. (15 min). Professor Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen (15 min) will present findings from a survey compromising almost the full sample of professional dance students in Norway, and from a survey among students in exercise physiology from six different Norwegian Sport Universities. Both samples compromise students in the age span of 18 to 50, who are studying to become professionals within their specific area of expertise. The respective, specific conditions under which they practice will be described to understand the theoretical expectations of an increased risk for EDs. PhD Therese Fostervold Mathisen (15 min) will present findings from young adults in the fitness industry aged 18-40 years, either competing as female fitness athletes, or working as professional instructors. In the fitness industry, profiles profit on services argued to improve health, and often fitness athletes and fitness instructors act as role models for healthy lifestyles, contrasting the lifestyle and somatic health issues typically seen in the modern societies. The three presentations aim to increase the awareness of context-specific ED risk factors, and thereby increase the understanding for causes to DEs and EDs in different sporting populations samples. The audience is invited to share experiences from similar population samples, and suggestions for preventive measures. Time for discussion: 45 minutes
Sølvberg, Nina (2022). Is Disordered Eating related to Sexual Harassment and Abuse? A Cross-sectional Study of 1182 Young Athletes and Non-athletes. Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2022). Sexual Harassment and Abuse among Young Elite Athletes, Recreational Athletes, and Reference Students. Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2022). Seksuell trakassering og overgrep i idretten. Full text in Research Archive
Fasting, Kari; Sølvberg, Nina & Gjesdal, Siv (2024). Krenkende opplevelser i idretten. Unge voksnes erfaringer med psykiske krenkelser, fysiske krenkelser og seksuell trakassering. Akilles forlag. Full text in Research Archive
Sogn, Hanne Elisabeth; Strandbu, Åse; Aune, Lotte Stang & Sølvberg, Nina (2024). Trygg på trening med Redd Barna: Sluttrapport fra et følgeforskningsprosjekt. Norges idrettshøgskole. Full text in Research Archive
Sølvberg, Nina (2023). Sexual Harassment and Abuse among Adolescent Elite athletes, Recreational athletes, and Reference students: A prospective cohort study among high school students in Norway. Norges idrettshøgskole. ISSN 9788250206151. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: All athletes have the right to participate in “safe sport”. Although sports participation is associated with many health benefits, the sport context also suffers from negative experiences like sexual harassment and abuse (SHA). Adolescence is considered a vulnerable period for experiencing SHA and elite athletes have been highlighted as a risk group. Different definitions and operationalizations of SHA, in addition to methodological shortcomings, have challenged interpretation and comparison of results between studies. Well-targeted preventive measures are needed, hence increased knowledge about prevalence, risk factors, and consequences has been requested. Knowledge about the prevalence of SHA victimization and SHA revictimization in settings where the adolescents are currently active is important for highlighting the magnitude of the problem for policymakers and researchers, underlining the need for more research and interventions to prevent SHA. In addition, knowledge about factors that may increase the risk of SHA victimization, and awareness about report- and support resources in school is necessary for future development of well-targeted prevention programs. Objectives: The main aim of the Ph.D.-study was to examine the prevalence and magnitude of SHA among adolescent elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students in different social settings in Norway. The specific aims for paper I were to examine the 12-month prevalence and 12-month prospective change in SHA victimization, and identify the perpetrators of SHA. In paper II, the aims were to examine the prevalence of SHA revictimization and risk factors for SHA victimization. The aims for paper III were to examine awareness about report- and support mechanisms in school, and disclosure of SHA experiences. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Norway, including adolescent elite athletes and recreational athletes attending sport high schools (n = 26), and reference students attending non-sport high schools (n = 6). The sample sizes were n = 919 in paper I, n = 1139 in paper II and n = 1200 in paper III. The gender distribution was 49.9% boys, 49.8% girls, and four participants reported non-binary gender. The participants responded to an online questionnaire in 12th grade (T1, mean age: 17.1 years) and one year later in 13th grade (T2). Experiences of verbal, non-verbal, and physical SHA were measured by 13 items. Leaders and coaches (n = 249) at the participating schools responded to a different version of the questionnaire. Results: Paper I: The total 12-months prevalence of reported SHA was 38.6% at T1 and 35.1% at T2, with a significant decrease in the school and sport setting from T1 to T2. Girls reported more SHA than boys. The prevalence of SHA was lower among elite athletes compared with recreational athletes and reference students. Verbal- and non-verbal SH was more frequently reported than physical SHA, and SHA occurred more often in free time settings compared to sport and school settings. Peers were most frequently reported as perpetrators, followed by “others”, and trainers/teachers/health personnel. Paper II: Half of the adolescents who reported lifetime experience of SHA at T1 also reported revictimization at T2. The prevalence of SHA revictimization was higher among girls than boys, and lower among elite athletes compared with recreational athletes and reference students. The combination of being a girl with high level of symptoms of eating disorders and other psychological health problems (measured at T1) was associated with reporting subsequent SHA victimization at T2. Paper III: One in ten adolescents in total were aware of reporting systems in their school and one in three were aware of support mechanisms. Half of the coaches and nearly all the leaders reported to know these resources. One in five of the adolescents who reported lifetime experience of SHA had disclosed to someone, mostly to peers and family members. The rate of disclosure was lower in boys compared with girls, and lower among the elite- and recreational athletes compared with the reference students. There was negative change in awareness of support mechanisms and rate of disclosure from T1 to T2. Conclusions: A high prevalence of SHA victimization and revictimization among adolescent elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students, combined with a low rate of disclosure, calls for well-targeted preventive measures. Attention should be directed towards handling symptoms of eating disorders and other psychological health problems in prevention of SHA for girls. Further examination of mental health factors for boys, alongside a history of SHA, should be examined as possible risk factors for subsequent SHA victimization. To lower barriers for help-seeking, increased institutional effort is needed to increase information about available report- and support resources, and advance the relevance of use for adolescents.