Sophia Choukas-Bradley, Ph.D.

I am an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), where I'm a core faculty member in the Developmental, Clinical, and Social Psychology programs. 

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I earned an A.B. (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Brown University in 2008 and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016. I completed a pre-doctoral clinical internship and post-doctoral fellowship in the Pitt Department of Psychiatry (Western Psychiatric). My first faculty position was in the Pitt Department of Psychology from 2017-2020, during which time I started the Teen and Young Adult (TAYA) Lab. I moved the lab to the University of Delaware from 2020-2022 for dual career reasons, before returning to Pitt in June 2022. Since 2023, I have also served as the Clinical Psychology Lead at the new Center for Digital Thriving of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

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My program of research focuses on interpersonal and sociocultural influences on the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents and emerging adults (roughly ages 11–29). One major goal of my work is to identify specific social media experiences that predict adaptive and maladaptive body image, mental health, and identity development. I also aim to understand how gender identities, sexual identities, and racial/ethnic identities affect body image, mental health, and relationships. My research has been recognized with multiple early career awards. 

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I am also a licensed clinical psychologist and an award-winning teacher. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses focused on adolescence, social media use, and mental health. I have a longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic psychology. I am passionate about writing for and speaking with parents, teachers, and adolescents.

I live in Pittsburgh with my wife (Anna), our toddler (Jordan or "Jojo"), and our quirky tailless tuxedo cat (Balsam).