My research interests include transgender mental health, transgender identity development, and intersections between trauma psychology and transgender psychology. I am also interested in methodological issues surrounding how to most accurately measure gender, sex, and sexuality. I have experience in multiple quantitative research methodologies and have been trained in the qualitative research methodology of grounded theory. Read below for more information on specific projects, publications, and awards.

Current PROJECTS

Completed Projects

LABS & RESEARCH TEAMS

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

PUBLICATIONS

Puckett, J. A., Barr, S. M., Wadsworth, L. P., & Thai, J. L. (2018). Considerations for clinical work and research with transgender and gender diverse individuals. The Behavior Therapist.

Barr, S.M., Budge, S.L., & Adelson, J. L. (2016). Transgender belongingness as a mediator between strength of transgender identity and well-being. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63, 87-97.  doi: 10.1037/cou0000127 [Free PDF available from ResearchGate.]

Bryan, J., Barr, S.M., Overtree, C., & Mangine, J. (2015). Letting go of the binary: Comparing categorical and continuous measures of sex, gender, and sexuality [White paper].

PRESENTATIONS

Barr, S.M. (2018, November). Anti-transgender bias and non-affirmation predict PTSD symptom severity in transgender adults: Evaluation of a model with partial mediation by internalized transphobia. In J. Shipherd (Discussant), Understanding the experience of trauma and minority stress in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations: Implications for conceptualization, practice, and policy. Symposium presented at the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.

Barr, S.M. (2018, February). Considerations for clinical work with transgender and gender diverse populations. Grand Rounds presented at Cambridge Health Alliance / Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

Hayes-Skelton, S., Barr, S.M., Montoya, H., Puckett, J.A., & Wadsworth, L.P. (2018, January). Enhancing the cultural sensitivity of psychosocial interventions for anxiety and depression when working with LGBTQ+ clients. Roundtable presented at the ADAA Anxiety and Depression Conference, Washington, D.C.

Barr, S.M., Budge, S.L., & Snyder, K. (2017, February). Understanding transgender men’s experiences of bias through a framework of trauma and internalized transphobia: Results of an SEM mediation analysis. In S. Budge (Discussant), Recent research on transgender men's psychological distress: Focusing on risk factors, protective factors, and impact of gender transition. Symposium presented at United States Professional Association of Transgender Health (USPATH) Scientific Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Barr, S.M., Thai, J.L., & Keo-Meier, C. (2017, February). Examining White and POC transgender men’s non-linear decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms across the first year of testosterone treatment. In S. Budge (Discussant), Recent research on transgender men's psychological distress: Focusing on risk factors, protective factors, and impact of gender transition. Symposium presented at USPATH Scientific Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Barr, S.M., & Budge, S.L. (2016, August). Experiences of self-esteem and well-being for individuals with non-binary gender identities. In S. Chang (Discussant), Identity processes, well-being, and emotional processes for individuals with non-binary identities. Symposium to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Denver, CO. 

Rosenkrantz, D.E., & Barr, S.M. (2016, August). Validating the subscales of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale in a population of trans women. In Ruth E. Fassinger (Discussant), Emerging areas of science, practice, and education with LGBTQ women. Symposium to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Denver, CO.

Barr, S.M. & Roane, S.J. (2016, June). Effectively addressing comorbid issues in affirmative therapy with trans clients. Workshop to be presented as part of the professional training track at the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference. Philadelphia, PA.

Barr, S.M. (2015, June). A review of trans psychology and mental health. Invited presentation at transgender community needs assessment meeting, Charlotte, NC.

Barr, S.M. (2015, April). Risk and resilience: The mental health of trans and gender non-conforming individuals. Invited presentation at University of Louisville Psi Chi chapter meeting, Louisville, KY

Barr, S.M., & Budge, S.L. (2014, August). Predictors and outcomes of community belongingness in a trans* population. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

Keller, B.L., Barr, S.M., & Budge, S.L. (2014, August). “For every bad, there’s 40 good things that happen”: A qualitative approach to understanding the positive emotional experiences of trans* women. In l. dickey (Discussant), The other side of the story: Trans* individuals’ experiences of positivity and resilience. Symposium presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

Russ, E., & Barr, S.M. (2014, April). Current perspectives on trauma and PTSD: DSM-5, personality, and implications for psychotherapy. Invited presentation at Operation Headed Home, Somerset, KY.

Barr, S.M., Eleazer, J., Nguyen, Y., & Budge, S.L. (2014, January). “I just want to deal with it on my own”: Learning helpful coping strategies related to trans* stressors. Workshop presented at a confidential conference for transgender service members.

Barr, S.M., & Budge, S.L. (2013, June). The role of identity integration in the emotional well-being of post-transition individuals. In WPATH graduate research symposium. Symposium presented at the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Budge, S.L., Barr, S.M., Katz-Wise, S.L., Keller, B.L., & Manthos, M. (2013, June). Incorporating positivity into psychotherapy with trans clients. Workshop presented at the Annual Philadelphia Transgender Health Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Barr, S. M., Stahl, A., Manthos, M., & Budge, S.L. (2012, November). “It means there aren’t any rules and you don’t have to ascribe to a specific binary”: A qualitative examination of genderqueer identity. Paper presented at the Chicago LGBTQ Health & Wellness Conference, Chicago, IL.

Budge, S.L., Barr, S.M., Orovecz, J., & Rossman, H.K. (2012, November). Clinical work with LGBT youth. Workshop presented at the Annual Kentucky Psychological Association Conference, Louisville, KY.

Bryan, J., & Barr, S.M. (2011). From the dress-up corner to the senior prom: Navigating gender and sexuality diversity in PreK-12 schools. Workshop presented at New York State Association of Independent Schools Diversity Conference, New York, NY.

HONORS & AWARDS