Social Contexts and Behavioral Health Research Program

Guided by sociological and public health frameworks, and under the leadership of Kathryn Sabella, PhD, the Social Contexts and Behavioral Health research program investigates the social causes and consequences of behavioral health across the life span. Powered by community-engaged research approaches, our research seeks to identify social mechanisms that influence behavioral health risk, disparities, and long-term trajectories in young adulthood and beyond. Resulting knowledge can inform behavioral health policy and practice to more effectively promote behavioral health and well-being, especially among young adults and women of all ages.

Dr. Sabella is recognized as a leading expert in young adult mental health both nationally and internationally. Between 2023-2026, Dr. Sabella was the Director of the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research. As Dr. Sabella’s research expanded to the study of modifiable social mechanisms (e.g., social causes, consequences) that influence behavioral health disparities and long-term trajectories beyond young adulthood, she founded the Social Contexts and Behavioral Research program. Dr. Sabella’s community-engaged research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods informed by individuals with relevant lived experiences to improve research relevance and garner the greatest societal impact. Her research has already leveraged change within behavioral health policy and practice to reduce behavioral health disparities.