Dr. Katz-Wise uses mixed methods to investigate sexual orientation and gender identity development, sexual fluidity, health inequities related to sexual orientation and gender identity in adolescents and young adults, and psychosocial functioning in families with transgender youth. In addition to research, Dr. Katz-Wise is involved with advocacy efforts to improve the workplace climate and patient care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Research Background
Dr. Sabra L. Katz-Wise, PhD (she/her) is an Associate Professor in Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH), in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. She also co-directs the Harvard SOGIE (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression) Health Equity Research Collaborative and she is a Senior Faculty Advisor for the BCH Office of Health Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Katz-Wise is on the Queer Leadership Council for the Boston Children’s Rainbow Alliance and a member of the BCH Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council, and she is also a Faculty Fellow in the HMS Sexual and Gender Minority Health Equity Initiative.
Publications
Perspectives of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth on Anti-Vaping Messages in Social Media. Nicotine Tob Res. 2025 Jan 22; 27(2):291-299. View Abstract
Recruitment of a U.S. Nation-Wide Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth. J Adolesc Health. 2024 Dec; 75(6):969-973. View Abstract
Development of a family-level intervention for families with transgender and/or nonbinary youth: Lessons and recommendations. J Fam Psychol. 2024 Oct; 38(7):995-1006. View Abstract
A Longitudinal Investigation of Trans and Nonbinary Youth Identity: Individual Processes and Family Agreement in the Trans Teen and Family Narratives Project. LGBTQ Fam. 2025; 21(1):20-43. View Abstract
Correction: Longitudinal effects of gender minority stressors on substance use and related risk and protective factors among gender minority adolescents. PLoS One. 2024; 19(5):e0304725. View Abstract
Establishing a Pediatric Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research Review Process. Pediatrics. 2024 May 01; 153(5). View Abstract
Will all youth answer sexual orientation and gender-related survey questions? An analysis of missingness in a large U.S. survey of adolescents and young adults. Psychol Methods. 2024 Apr 04. View Abstract
Development of a mentor training curriculum to support LGBTQIA+ health professionals. J Clin Transl Sci. 2024; 8(1):e44. View Abstract
Psychological Distress and Suicidality Among Transgender Young Adults in the United States. J Adolesc Health. 2024 Jun; 74(6):1095-1105. View Abstract
Experiences of cisgender youth with a transgender and/or nonbinary sibling. Fam Process. 2024 Jun; 63(2):1025-1045. View Abstract
Longitudinal Family Functioning and Mental Health in Transgender and Nonbinary Youth and Their Families. J Child Fam Stud. 2024 Apr; 33(4):1321-1335. View Abstract
Parents of Gender Diverse Youth: Support Sought, Received, and Still Needed. J Adolesc Health. 2024 Jun; 74(6):1078-1087. View Abstract
Fluidity in Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Identity in Transgender and Nonbinary Youth. J Sex Res. 2024 Nov-Dec; 61(9):1367-1376. View Abstract
Transgender/nonbinary young adults' exposure to cissexism-related social stressors: Variation across gender groups. Soc Sci Med. 2023 07; 329:116013. View Abstract
An Examination of Health Care Workers' Education and Training on Their Basic Knowledge, Clinical Preparedness, and Attitudinal Awareness About LGBT Patients. J Homosex. 2024 Jul 28; 71(9):2057-2072. View Abstract
"Difficult to Find, Stressful to Navigate": Parents' Experiences Accessing Affirming Care for Gender-Diverse Youth. LGBT Health. 2023 Oct; 10(7):496-504. View Abstract
Sexual Fluidity in Identity and Behavior Among Cisgender Youth: Findings from the Longitudinal Growing up with Media Study. J Pediatr. 2023 06; 257:113355. View Abstract
Sociodemographic Patterns in Retrospective Sexual Orientation Identity and Attraction Change in the Sexual Orientation Fluidity in Youth Study. J Adolesc Health. 2023 03; 72(3):437-443. View Abstract
The current state of sexual fluidity research. Curr Opin Psychol. 2022 12; 48:101497. View Abstract
Developing Parenting Guidelines to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children's Well-being. Pediatrics. 2022 09 01; 150(3). View Abstract
Harvard Medical School's Sexual and Gender Minority Health Equity Initiative: Curricular and Climate Innovations in Undergraduate Medical Education. Acad Med. 2022 12 01; 97(12):1786-1793. View Abstract
A heavy burden: Associations between sexual minority status, mental health, and BMI in women. J Clin Psychol. 2022 11; 78(11):2180-2196. View Abstract
Integrating LGBTQIA?+?Community Member Perspectives into Medical Education. Teach Learn Med. 2023 Aug-Sep; 35(4):442-456. View Abstract
Pediatric sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in the electronic health record. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2022 06 14; 29(7):1303-1309. View Abstract
Use of an Educational Video to Improve Transgender Health Care Knowledge. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2022 06; 61(5-6):412-417. View Abstract
Sexual Minority Men's Perspectives and Experiences of Adolescent Pregnancy Risk and Pregnancy Prevention Behaviors. J Sex Res. 2022 Sep; 59(7):886-896. View Abstract
Healthcare providers' perspectives on pregnancy experiences among sexual and gender minority youth. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2022 Jun; 32:100702. View Abstract
Associations between school-related factors and mental health among transgender and gender diverse youth. J Sch Psychol. 2022 02; 90:135-149. View Abstract
Social Support as a Mediator of Anti-Bisexual Prejudice and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms. J Trauma Dissociation. 2022 Jan-Feb; 23(1):124-139. View Abstract
Associations between anti-bisexual minority stress and body esteem and emotional eating among bi+ individuals: The protective role of individual- and community-level factors. Eat Behav. 2021 12; 43:101575. View Abstract
Unintended and teen pregnancy experiences of trans masculine people living in the United States. Int J Transgend Health. 2021; 22(1-2):65-76. View Abstract
Why Are You Asking? Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Assessment in Clinical Care. J Adolesc Health. 2021 12; 69(6):891-893. View Abstract
Family Functioning as a Protective Factor for Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Gender Minority Adolescents. Arch Sex Behav. 2021 10; 50(7):3023-3033. View Abstract
"We're Moving in the Right Direction. Still a Long Way to Go": Experiences and Perceptions of the Climate for LGBTQ+ Employees at a Pediatric Hospital. J Homosex. 2022 Nov 10; 69(13):2286-2304. View Abstract
Longitudinal effects of gender minority stressors on substance use and related risk and protective factors among gender minority adolescents. PLoS One. 2021; 16(6):e0250500. View Abstract
Clinical Outcomes Following Acute Residential Psychiatric Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 06 01; 4(6):e2113637. View Abstract
The 2016 United States presidential election's impact on families with transgender adolescents in New England. J Fam Psychol. 2022 Feb; 36(1):23-34. View Abstract
Family building desires among transgender and gender expansive adolescents: A longitudinal family-level analysis. Int J Transgend Health. 2021; 22(4):425-439. View Abstract
Conceptualizing relationships among transgender and gender diverse youth and their caregivers. J Fam Psychol. 2021 Aug; 35(5):595-605. View Abstract
Applying systems thinking and human-centered design to development of intervention implementation strategies: An example from adolescent health research. J Public Health Res. 2020 Oct 14; 9(4):1746. View Abstract
"This Could Mean Death for My Child": Parent Perspectives on Laws Banning Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2021 06; 68(6):1082-1088. View Abstract
Sexual Health Information Sources, Needs, and Preferences of Young Adult Sexual Minority Cisgender Women and Non-Binary Individuals Assigned Female at Birth. Sex Res Social Policy. 2021 Sep; 18(3):775-787. View Abstract
Using Family and Ecological Systems Approaches to Conceptualize Family- and Community-Based Experiences of Transgender and/or Nonbinary Youth From the Trans Teen and Family Narratives Project. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers. 2022 Mar; 9(1):21-36. View Abstract
Healthcare Clinician and Staff Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to Ideal Sexual Health Care to High-Risk Depressed Young Women: A Qualitative Study of Diverse Clinic Systems. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2020 Aug; 33(4):363-371. View Abstract
Transgender Adolescents' Experiences in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Health. 2019 09; 65(3):344-349. View Abstract
Teen Pregnancy Experiences of Sexual Minority Women. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019 Oct; 32(5):499-505. View Abstract
Maternal Factors and Sexual Orientation-Related Disparities in Cervical Cancer Prevention. Womens Health Issues. 2019 May - Jun; 29(3):238-244. View Abstract
Intimate Relationships and Sexual Behavior in Young Women withDepression. J Adolesc Health. 2018 10; 63(4):429-434. View Abstract
Perceived Discrimination, Coping Mechanisms, and Effects on Health in Bisexual and Other Non-Monosexual Adults. Arch Sex Behav. 2019 01; 48(1):159-174. View Abstract
Associations Between the Length of Time from Transgender Identity Recognition to Hormone Initiation and Smoking Among Transgender Youth and Young Adults. Transgend Health. 2018; 3(1):82-87. View Abstract
Teen Pregnancy Risk Factors Among Young Women of Diverse Sexual Orientations. Pediatrics. 2018 04; 141(4). View Abstract
Addressing the dearth of critical gender analysis in public health and medical pedagogy: an interdisciplinary seminar to generate student-created teaching examples. Crit Public Health. 2019; 29(1):18-26. View Abstract
Family Functioning and Mental Health of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Youth in the Trans Teen and Family Narratives Project. J Sex Res. 2018 May -Jun; 55(4-5):582-590. View Abstract
Longitudinal Associations of Sexual Fluidity and Health in Transgender Men and Cisgender Women and Men. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers. 2017; 4(4):460-471. View Abstract
Bisexual-Specific Minority Stressors, Psychological Distress, and Suicidality in Bisexual Individuals: the Mediating Role of Loneliness. Prev Sci. 2017 08; 18(6):716-725. View Abstract
Stigma and Health-Related Quality of Life in Sexual Minorities. Am J Prev Med. 2017 Oct; 53(4):559-566. View Abstract
Transactional Pathways of Transgender Identity Development in Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth and Caregivers from the Trans Youth Family Study. Int J Transgend. 2017; 18(3):243-263. View Abstract
Associations of Timing of Sexual Orientation Developmental Milestones and Other Sexual Minority Stressors with Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Young Adults. Arch Sex Behav. 2017 Jul; 46(5):1441-1452. View Abstract
Imagining the future: Perspectives among youth and caregivers in the trans youth family study. J Couns Psychol. 2017 Jan; 64(1):26-40. View Abstract
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth and Family Acceptance. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2016 12; 63(6):1011-1025. View Abstract
Associations of Bisexual-Specific Minority Stress and Health Among Cisgender and Transgender Adults with Bisexual Orientation. J Sex Res. 2017 09; 54(7):899-910. View Abstract
We're Here and We're Queer: Sexual Orientation and Sexual Fluidity Differences Between Bisexual and Queer Women. J Bisex. 2017; 17(1):125-139. View Abstract
Self-Reported Changes in Attractions and Social Determinants of Mental Health in Transgender Adults. Arch Sex Behav. 2017 Jul; 46(5):1425-1439. View Abstract
Social Epidemiology of Depression and Anxiety by Gender Identity. J Adolesc Health. 2016 08; 59(2):203-8. View Abstract
Endorsement and Timing of Sexual Orientation Developmental Milestones Among Sexual Minority Young Adults in the Growing Up Today Study. J Sex Res. 2017 02; 54(2):172-185. View Abstract
Sexual Minority Stressors, Internalizing Symptoms, and Unhealthy Eating Behaviors in Sexual Minority Youth. Ann Behav Med. 2015 Dec; 49(6):839-52. View Abstract
Transgender and gender nonconforming adolescent care: psychosocial and medical considerations. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2015 Aug; 27(4):421-6. View Abstract
Childhood abuse victimization, stress-related eating, and weight status in young women. Ann Epidemiol. 2015 Oct; 25(10):760-6.e2. View Abstract
Differences in Sexual Orientation Diversity and Sexual Fluidity in Attractions Among Gender Minority Adults in Massachusetts. J Sex Res. 2016; 53(1):74-84. View Abstract
Same data, different perspectives: what is at stake? Response to Savin-Williams and Joyner (2014a). Arch Sex Behav. 2015 Jan; 44(1):15-9. View Abstract
Factors Associated with Sexual Orientation and Gender Disparities in Chronic Pain Among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults. Prev Med Rep. 2015; 2:765-772. View Abstract
Sexual Fluidity and Related Attitudes and Beliefs Among Young Adults with a Same-Gender Orientation. Arch Sex Behav. 2015 Jul; 44(5):1459-70. View Abstract
Child maltreatment and blood pressure in young adulthood. Child Abuse Negl. 2014 Nov; 38(11):1747-54. View Abstract
The unjustified doubt of add health studies on the health disparities of non-heterosexual adolescents: comment on Savin-Williams and Joyner (2014). Arch Sex Behav. 2014 Aug; 43(6):1023-6. View Abstract
Sexual orientation disparities in BMI among U.S. adolescents and young adults in three race/ethnicity groups. J Obes. 2014; 2014:537242. View Abstract
Sexual fluidity in young adult women and men: Associations with sexual orientation and sexual identity development. Psychology and Sexuality. 2014. View Abstract
Sexuality and gender: The interplay. In Tolman D, Diamond L, editors. APA handbook of sexuality and psychology, Vol 1: Person-based approaches. 2014; 29-62. View Abstract
Child abuse as a predictor of gendered sexual orientation disparities in body mass index trajectories among U.S. youth from the Growing Up Today Study. J Adolesc Health. 2014 Jun; 54(6):730-8. View Abstract
Individuation or Identification? Self-Objectification and the Mother-Adolescent Relationship. Psychol Women Q. 2013 Sep 01; 37(3). View Abstract
Transgender emotional and coping processes: Facilitative and avoidant coping throughout gender transitioning. The Counseling Psychologist. 2013; (41):601-647. View Abstract
Victimization experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals: a meta-analysis. J Sex Res. 2012; 49(2-3):142-67. View Abstract
Gender-role attitudes and behavior across the transition to parenthood. Dev Psychol. 2010 Jan; 46(1):18-28. View Abstract