Brett Peters

Brett Peters is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he conducts research on stress, psychophysiology, and emotional dynamics in romantic relationships. He teaches courses in human psychophysiology at both undergraduate and graduate levels and is actively involved in mentoring students and leading research projects.

Education:

• Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of Rochester (2017)
• M.A., Social Psychology, University of Rochester (2015)
• B.S., Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2012)

Dr. Peters’ research centers on the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat, examining how emotional regulation, co-rumination, power dynamics, and physiological synchrony affect romantic relationships. His work integrates cardiovascular, hormonal, and behavioral data to understand interpersonal stress processes. He is particularly interested in how emotional suppression, partner support, and self-expansion influence relationship outcomes and individual well-being.

His 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in dyadic psychophysiology, with recurring themes in stress appraisal, emotional regulation, co-rumination, and the impact of external stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate relationships. His studies often employ experimental and longitudinal designs, with a focus on both romantic and close friendships, and frequently involve collaborations across institutions.

Scientific Awards:

• Impact Score of 10 (perfect) on NIH F32 Fellowship
• Winner, Student Expo Psychology Research Award (2nd Place, 2024)
• Finalist, OSCARS Impact Competition (2024)
• Outstanding Reviewer Award, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2023)
• Top 50 Reviewer, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2022)
• Bruning Teaching Academy Fellow, Ohio University (2018–2019)

Dr. Peters has secured substantial research funding as PI, Co-PI, and MPI from NSF, NIH, and other agencies, supporting his work on emotion regulation, intimate partner violence, and stress in relationships. He mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications and presenters at conferences. He serves on editorial boards for top journals including Emotion, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, and Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and is active in professional service through SPSP, IARR, and the Love Consortium.

He is affiliated with the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI) and leads research involving physiological measurement, dyadic data analysis, and experimental paradigms on interpersonal stress. His lab collaborates widely and emphasizes open science practices, including data sharing through the Love Consortium Dataverse.