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Research Overview

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

  1. Transforming Mental Health for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Young Adults Using Interventions to Drive Equity (TransHealthGUIDE): Protocol for a Digital Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Nov 11; 14:e78619. View Abstract
  2. Narratives as Mirrors and Doors: A Multiple-Method Pilot Evaluation of an Online, Family-Level Intervention for Families With Transgender and/or Nonbinary Youth. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers. 2025 Nov 06. View Abstract
  3. Sexual orientation identity and attraction changes among youth: prospective versus retrospective measurement. Ann Epidemiol. 2025 Dec; 112:8-14. View Abstract
  4. Parenting a Gender Diverse Child: Parent Experiences of a Child Coming Out. J Adolesc Health. 2025 Oct; 77(4):628-635. View Abstract
  5. Discrete choice experiment to evaluate preferences for tailored social media messages for vaping initiation prevention among sexual and gender minority youth. Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 02; 15(1):23216. View Abstract
  6. Substance Use Prevalence Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Young Adults Across Identity and Life Experiences. Ann LGBTQ Public Popul Health. 2025 Jul; 6(2):200-214. View Abstract
  7. Prevalence and Correlates of Clinically Elevated Depressive Symptoms in a Nationwide Sample of Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Young Adults in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Interact J Med Res. 2025 Mar 24; 14:e66630. View Abstract
  8. "I have been thinking about this for a long time": Navigating gender affirming medical care decisions for trans and nonbinary youth and their families in six countries. Int J Transgend Health. 2026; 27(1):408-422. View Abstract
  9. 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
  10. Barriers, facilitators, and best practices for successful vaping prevention campaigns for sexual and gender minority youth. Ann Behav Med. 2025 01 04; 59(1). View Abstract
  11. One-in-ten adolescents and young adults report changes in their sexual orientation identity over 2-month follow-up: Results from a longitudinal cohort study. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers. 2025 Jan 02. View Abstract
  12. Healthcare Mistreatment is Associated With Psychological Distress, Suicidality, and Substance Use Among Transgender and Nonbinary Emerging Adults. Emerg Adulthood. 2025 Apr; 13(2):468-484. View Abstract
  13. 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
  14. "You Always Worry About What Other People Think": Experiences of Antitrans Stigma Among Trans Youth and Their Siblings in the Northeastern United States. Stigma Health. 2024 Nov; 9(4):492-504. View Abstract
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Establishing a Pediatric Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research Review Process. Pediatrics. 2024 May 01; 153(5). View Abstract
  19. 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
  20. Development of a mentor training curriculum to support LGBTQIA+ health professionals. J Clin Transl Sci. 2024; 8(1):e44. View Abstract
  21. Psychological Distress and Suicidality Among Transgender Young Adults in the United States. J Adolesc Health. 2024 Jun; 74(6):1095-1105. View Abstract
  22. Experiences of cisgender youth with a transgender and/or nonbinary sibling. Fam Process. 2024 06; 63(2):1025-1045. View Abstract
  23. 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
  24. Parents of Gender Diverse Youth: Support Sought, Received, and Still Needed. J Adolesc Health. 2024 Jun; 74(6):1078-1087. View Abstract
  25. 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
  26. Transgender/nonbinary young adults' exposure to cissexism-related social stressors: Variation across gender groups. Soc Sci Med. 2023 07; 329:116013. View Abstract
  27. 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
  28. "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
  29. 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
  30. Advancing Health Equity and Inclusion in an Academic Pediatric Medical Center: Priorities Addressed and Lessons Learned. J Pediatr Soc North Am. 2023 Feb 15; 5(Suppl 1):618. View Abstract
  31. 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
  32. The current state of sexual fluidity research. Curr Opin Psychol. 2022 12; 48:101497. View Abstract
  33. Developing Parenting Guidelines to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children's Well-being. Pediatrics. 2022 09 01; 150(3). View Abstract
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. Integrating LGBTQIA?+?Community Member Perspectives into Medical Education. Teach Learn Med. 2023 Aug-Sep; 35(4):442-456. View Abstract
  37. 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
  38. Use of an Educational Video to Improve Transgender Health Care Knowledge. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2022 06; 61(5-6):412-417. View Abstract
  39. 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
  40. Healthcare providers' perspectives on pregnancy experiences among sexual and gender minority youth. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2022 Jun; 32:100702. View Abstract
  41. Associations between school-related factors and mental health among transgender and gender diverse youth. J Sch Psychol. 2022 02; 90:135-149. View Abstract
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. Why Are You Asking? Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Assessment in Clinical Care. J Adolesc Health. 2021 12; 69(6):891-893. View Abstract
  46. 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
  47. "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
  48. 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
  49. Clinical Outcomes Following Acute Residential Psychiatric Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 06 01; 4(6):e2113637. View Abstract
  50. 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
  51. 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
  52. Conceptualizing relationships among transgender and gender diverse youth and their caregivers. J Fam Psychol. 2021 Aug; 35(5):595-605. View Abstract
  53. 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
  54. "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
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. 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
  58. Transgender Adolescents' Experiences in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Health. 2019 09; 65(3):344-349. View Abstract
  59. Teen Pregnancy Experiences of Sexual Minority Women. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019 Oct; 32(5):499-505. View Abstract
  60. Maternal Factors and Sexual Orientation-Related Disparities in Cervical Cancer Prevention. Womens Health Issues. 2019 May - Jun; 29(3):238-244. View Abstract
  61. Lessons from a Community-Based Participatory Research Study with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth and their Families. Action Res (Lond). 2019 Jun; 17(2):186-207. View Abstract
  62. Intimate Relationships and Sexual Behavior in Young Women withDepression. J Adolesc Health. 2018 10; 63(4):429-434. View Abstract
  63. 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
  64. 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
  65. Teen Pregnancy Risk Factors Among Young Women of Diverse Sexual Orientations. Pediatrics. 2018 04; 141(4). View Abstract
  66. 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
  67. 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
  68. The Authors reply. J Adolesc Health. 2017 11; 61(5):663-664. View Abstract
  69. 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
  70. 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
  71. Stigma and Health-Related Quality of Life in Sexual Minorities. Am J Prev Med. 2017 Oct; 53(4):559-566. View Abstract
  72. 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
  73. 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
  74. 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
  75. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth and Family Acceptance. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2016 12; 63(6):1011-1025. View Abstract
  76. 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
  77. Disordered Weight Management Behaviors, Nonprescription Steroid Use, and Weight Perception in Transgender Youth. J Adolesc Health. 2017 01; 60(1):17-22. View Abstract
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. Social Epidemiology of Depression and Anxiety by Gender Identity. J Adolesc Health. 2016 08; 59(2):203-8. View Abstract
  81. 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
  82. Sexual Minority Stressors, Internalizing Symptoms, and Unhealthy Eating Behaviors in Sexual Minority Youth. Ann Behav Med. 2015 Dec; 49(6):839-52. View Abstract
  83. Transgender and gender nonconforming adolescent care: psychosocial and medical considerations. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2015 Aug; 27(4):421-6. View Abstract
  84. Childhood abuse victimization, stress-related eating, and weight status in young women. Ann Epidemiol. 2015 Oct; 25(10):760-6.e2. View Abstract
  85. 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
  86. 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
  87. 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
  88. 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
  89. Child maltreatment and blood pressure in young adulthood. Child Abuse Negl. 2014 Nov; 38(11):1747-54. View Abstract
  90. 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
  91. Sexual orientation disparities in BMI among U.S. adolescents and young adults in three race/ethnicity groups. J Obes. 2014; 2014:537242. View Abstract
  92. Sexual fluidity in young adult women and men: Associations with sexual orientation and sexual identity development. Psychology and Sexuality. 2014. View Abstract
  93. 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
  94. 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
  95. Individuation or Identification? Self-Objectification and the Mother-Adolescent Relationship. Psychol Women Q. 2013 Sep 01; 37(3). View Abstract
  96. Transgender emotional and coping processes: Facilitative and avoidant coping throughout gender transitioning. The Counseling Psychologist. 2013; (41):601-647. View Abstract
  97. Victimization experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals: a meta-analysis. J Sex Res. 2012; 49(2-3):142-67. View Abstract
  98. Gender-role attitudes and behavior across the transition to parenthood. Dev Psychol. 2010 Jan; 46(1):18-28. View Abstract

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