Lea Loncar
About
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lealoncar/
Research
My research is grounded in health psychology, organizational psychology, social and cultural psychology and developmental psychology, with a particular focus on health promotion across diverse contexts, including the workplace, vulnerable populations, and psychosocial rehabilitation. I explore how individuals develop psychological resources throughout the lifespan, and how cultural, embodied, and relational practices shape identity, coping, and emotional regulation.
I have worked extensively with qualitative methods, applying thematic analysis, content analysis, Grounded Theory, and mixed-method designs. I use digital tools such as NVivo to support methodological transparency and deepen insights into complex data. Phenomenological thinking has been a continuous source of inspiration, especially in exploring lived experience and meaning-making processes in contexts of personal challenge and transformation.
A key area of focus has been emotional strain and professional development in high-risk professions, particularly in police work involving child abuse cases. In the STRESOB project, I have investigated secondary traumatic stress, organizational support, and the formation of professional identity among police personnel. This work contributes to our understanding of how psychological resilience is cultivated in emotionally demanding occupations.
I am also engaged in research on embodied regulation and neuroaffective development, examining how yoga-based practices—such as breath techniques, guided imagery, and deep relaxation—can support neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and recovery from trauma, addiction, and chronic stress. This interdisciplinary work integrates neuroscience, developmental psychology, and experiential practice-based knowledge, grounded in both clinical and cultural-psychological perspectives.
A newly initiated and clinically oriented research project, developed in collaboration with St. Olavs Hospital, is currently under review with the Central Norway Regional Health Authority (Samarbeidsorganet). This project focuses on somatic regulation and health-promoting interventions in trauma care, bridging research, treatment, and applied clinical practice.
In addition, I explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in qualitative research and design. I am particularly interested in how AI can support pattern recognition, reflexive analysis, and data triangulation—while preserving the interpretive depth and ethical responsibility of the human researcher.
Key Areas of Interest
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Secondary traumatic stress and organizational support in helping professions
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Emotional regulation and psychological development across the lifespan
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Embodied neuroaffective development and yoga-based interventions
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Qualitative methodology (including phenomenology), mixed-method approaches, digital analysis tools
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Artificial intelligence (AI) in qualitative research
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Interdisciplinary health promotion for vulnerable populations and clinical contexts
Teaching and Methodological Work
I teach and supervise at the bachelor and master's level in qualitative research methods, health and cultural psychology, and previously media/communication psychology at NTNU. My teaching emphasizes methodological awareness, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary integration, enabling students to develop critical analytical skills and research sensibility.
Other Projects and Research-Based Consultancy
Alongside academic research, I have contributed to and led a range of practice-relevant, research-based projects:
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Internal communication survey at NTNU: Organizational culture and communication analysis among staff and students.
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Yoga-Rehab project (NTNU & St. Olavs Hospital): Clinically grounded research project on embodied regulation in trauma recovery (currently under funding review).
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Yoga-based interventions for reducing sick leave in collaboration with Trondheim Municipality.
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“Back in the Ring”: Yoga rehabilitation program for individuals recovering from substance use.
- Industry reports for national companies
- Peer reviewer
These initiatives combine research-based insight, clinical relevance, and societal impact, reflecting a long-term commitment to human development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative approaches to health and well-being.
Publications
Loncar, L. (2025). Organisational support and mental health resources in policing: Exploring psychological demands and support among investigators, emergency dispatchers, and police students. Doktorgradsavhandling, NTNU.
Loncar, L., Rostad, I. S., Saksvik-Lehouillier, I., & Langvik, E. (2025). Resources to mitigate health impairment among police employees investigating child abuse: A qualitative study exploring the availability of organisational support. Cogent Psychology, 12(1), 2449733. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2025.2449733
Langvik, E., Loncar, L., Rostad, I. S., Eraker, Y., & Saksvik-Lehouillier, I. (2022). Hoping for the best but unprepared for the worst? Explorative analysis of police students’ encounter with child abuse investigation. Cogent Social Sciences, 8(1), 2127210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2022.2127210
Loncar, L., Rostad, I. S., Saksvik-Lehouillier, I., & Langvik, E. (2025). Organisational support for police employees investigating child abuse in Norway. Nordic Journal of Studies in Policing, 12(1), 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.18261/njsp.12.1.1
Loncar L, Langvik E, Rostad IS, Saksvik-Lehouillier I, Bjørkelo B. (2025): Work Stressors and Resources Among Police Emergency Dispatchers. Exploring Opportunities for Improving Working Conditions for Employees Critical for Public Safety. Scand J Psychol. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1111/sjop.70001
Langvik, E., Rostad, I. S., Loncar, L., Lervåg, I., Nordnes, A. M., & Saksvik-Lehouillier, I. (2025). Investigative interviews with children. A Qualitative Study of Moral Stress Among Police Employees Working in the Special Victim Unit in Norway. SAGE Open, 15(1), 21582440251324762. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/21582440251324762
Fiskum, C., Fadaei, Z., Loncar, L., Skalica, V., Asgarabad, M.H. (2025): Nonpharmacological treatment and self-regulation strategies for adult attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: A qualitative registered report protocol for the ADAPT-ADHD Project.Frontiers in Psychiatry - ADHD.Manuscript ID: 1700429 (in Review)
Industry research
2011-2016: Produksjon av HR og internkommunikasjon rapporter for norske og internasjonale selskaper
Yoga research
Loncar, L., Fiskum, C. (2025): Detached Self-Observation as a Developmental Catalyst: Theoretical Insights from Dynamical Systems Thinking, CulturalMediation, and Contemplative Practice. Front. Psychol. 16:1659774. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1659774
Loncar, L., Fiskum, C. (2025). Liberation or Dissociation? Reinterpreting Jivanmukti through Cultural Psychology and Embodied Development. Culture & Psychology. ID: CAP-25-0150. (in review).
Loncar, L. (2002): Is the system of yoga relevant knowledge for modern psychology? Some challenges and implications regarding relation between psychology science and the Indian system of yoga. Scandinavian journal of cross-cultural ethics and value studies, SJOCCEVS Issue1, November 2002
Loncar, L. (1999): Spiritualitet og psykologi. Psykologisk tidskrift 2
Loncar Morseth , L. (1998): Yoga- An ancient tool for human development: A qualitative field research in India on experiences of yoga among yoga practitioners. Master´s thesis, Trondheim, NTNU, November
Author and Co-author: Yoga for Pregnancy (2007); Yoga for kids (2008); Yoga for travelers (2008). Nederlands, Karakter Uitgevers B.V.Uithoorn 2007.
2025
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Loncar, Lea;
Fiskum, Charlotte.
(2025)
Detached self-observation as a developmental catalyst: theoretical insights from dynamical systems thinking, cultural mediation, and contemplative practice.
Frontiers in Psychology
Academic article
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Loncar, Lea;
Langvik, Eva;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild;
Bjørkelo, Brita.
(2025)
Work Stressors and Resources Among Police Emergency Dispatchers. Exploring Opportunities for Improving Working Conditions for Employees Critical for Public Safety.
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
Academic article
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Loncar, Lea;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild;
Langvik, Eva.
(2025)
Organisational Support for Police Employees Investigating Child Abuse in Norway.
Nordic Journal of Studies in Policing (NJSP)
Academic article
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Loncar, Lea;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild;
Langvik, Eva Oddrun.
(2025)
Resources to mitigate health impairment among police employees investigating child abuse: a qualitative study exploring the availability of organisational support.
Cogent Psychology
Academic article
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Langvik, Eva;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Loncar, Lea;
Lervåg, Ingvild;
Nordnes, Anne Martha Holmvåg;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild.
(2025)
Investigative interviews with children A Qualitative Study of Moral Stress Among Police Employees Working in the Special Victim Unit in Norway.
Sage Open
Academic article
2022
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Langvik, Eva;
Loncar, Lea;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Eraker, Agnes Ylva Hildesdatter;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild.
(2022)
Hoping for the best but unprepared for the worst? Explorative analysis of police students’ encounter with child abuse investigation.
Cogent Social Sciences
Academic article
Journal publications
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Loncar, Lea;
Fiskum, Charlotte.
(2025)
Detached self-observation as a developmental catalyst: theoretical insights from dynamical systems thinking, cultural mediation, and contemplative practice.
Frontiers in Psychology
Academic article
-
Loncar, Lea;
Langvik, Eva;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild;
Bjørkelo, Brita.
(2025)
Work Stressors and Resources Among Police Emergency Dispatchers. Exploring Opportunities for Improving Working Conditions for Employees Critical for Public Safety.
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
Academic article
-
Loncar, Lea;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild;
Langvik, Eva.
(2025)
Organisational Support for Police Employees Investigating Child Abuse in Norway.
Nordic Journal of Studies in Policing (NJSP)
Academic article
-
Loncar, Lea;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild;
Langvik, Eva Oddrun.
(2025)
Resources to mitigate health impairment among police employees investigating child abuse: a qualitative study exploring the availability of organisational support.
Cogent Psychology
Academic article
-
Langvik, Eva;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Loncar, Lea;
Lervåg, Ingvild;
Nordnes, Anne Martha Holmvåg;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild.
(2025)
Investigative interviews with children A Qualitative Study of Moral Stress Among Police Employees Working in the Special Victim Unit in Norway.
Sage Open
Academic article
-
Langvik, Eva;
Loncar, Lea;
Rostad, Ingrid Steen;
Eraker, Agnes Ylva Hildesdatter;
Saksvik-Lehouillier, Ingvild.
(2022)
Hoping for the best but unprepared for the worst? Explorative analysis of police students’ encounter with child abuse investigation.
Cogent Social Sciences
Academic article
Teaching
University Lecturer (2025-)
Teaching, workshops, exam coordination, and grading
- PSY2910 Bachelor´s Thesis in Psychology
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PSY2118 / PSYK4318 – Qualitative Methodology II
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PSY2122 – Research Design: From Idea to Psychological Knowledge
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PSYK4701 – Thesis Seminar
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PSYK4417 – Social, Community and Cultural Psychology
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PSYK4521 – Prevention and Health Promotion: System and Governance I
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PSYK4522 – Prevention and Health Promotion: System and Governance II
- PSY3205 - Master Health Psychology
Responsibilities across courses
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Curriculum development, preparation, and quality assurance
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Lectures and workshops in qualitative methods (Grounded Theory, Thematic Analysis, Phenomenology, Hermeneutics)
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Data collection, analysis, and NVivo
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Integration of AI in psychology teaching
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Assessment of mandatory coursework in qualitative methods
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Exam coordination and grading
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Contribution to AI project at bachelor’s level
PhD Research Fellow – Teaching Duties (2020–2023)
Course responsibility, teaching, exam coordination, and grading
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PSY3134 – Communication in Organizations and Media Psychology
Teaching, workshops, exam coordination, and grading
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PSY2018 – Qualitative Research Methods I
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PSY3101 – Qualitative Research Methods II
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PSY2121 – Media Audiences
Exam coordination and grading
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PSY1010 – History of Psychology
Supervision (Co-supervisor)
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Supervision of 7 Master’s students
Previous Roles: Lecturer and Guest Lecturer (2001–2018)
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PSY2018 – Qualitative Research Methods: Lecturer and examiner (2017–2018)
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PSY1005 – Developmental Psychology: Lecturer and examiner (2004–2006)
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General Psychology: Lecturer and examiner (2001–2004)
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Social Psychology: Lecturer and examiner (2001–2004)
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Qualitative Methods (Intermediate Level): Lecturer and examiner (2001–2004)
Other Educational Activities
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Courses for Communication Leaders, Oslo Communication Association (2012–2016)
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Yoga Teacher Training: Foundational and advanced courses (since 2014)
- Course: Complementary Methods in Addiction Treatment. St. Olav’s Hospital, Addiction Clinic, 2025
- Course: Complementary Methods in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry Østmarka, St. Olav’s Hospital (October 2025)
- Course: Breath, relaxation and embodied practices for Health personell 2026
Supervision
Supervision at bachelor's and master's level since 2001