Alan Meca

Alan Meca, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology within the College for Health, Community and Policy (HCAP) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where his research focuses on identity development across ethnic/racial, parental, and military contexts with emphasis on minority and immigrant populations.

Dr. Meca completed his academic training at Florida International University:

• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
• M.S. in Developmental Psychology
• B.A. in Psychology

His research program investigates how identity processes intersect with cultural stressors, acculturation, and mental health outcomes, particularly among Hispanic/Latinx emerging adults. Key areas include ethnic identity measurement, identity synthesis/confusion dynamics, and the protective role of identity during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. His work frequently bridges theoretical identity models with practical interventions for student well-being and physical activity promotion.

Analysis of Dr. Meca's 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent methodological innovation through longitudinal designs and daily diary approaches across diverse populations. The research demonstrates strong thematic cohesion around identity measurement validation (e.g., Ethnic Identity Scale, Psychopathology Identity Centrality Scale) and examines identity's role in mental health, academic adaptation, and physical activity behavior, with significant focus on Hispanic/Latinx communities.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Reuben Hill Award (2020) from National Council on Family Relations

Dr. Meca leads multiple funded research initiatives:

• Project BEAMS: Behavioral Emotional and Mental Support for Schools ($3,742,202; 2023-2027)
• Understanding Identity in Adolescent Physical Activity Behavior ($5,000; 2022)
• Compass: Guiding Undergraduate Psychology Students at HSIs (2022-2024)

These projects support intervention development for school mental health, physical activity promotion, and undergraduate retention in Hispanic Serving Institutions.

While specific laboratory structures aren't detailed, Dr. Meca's extensive grant portfolio and symposium presentations indicate leadership in collaborative research teams addressing identity development and cultural psychology within UTSA's Hispanic Serving Institution context.