Deanne Zotter

Deanne Zotter, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at West Chester University (WCU). She serves as the founder and director of the Sister to Sister (S2S) Peer Mentor Program, aimed at preventing eating disorders and promoting body positivity among sorority women. Her work emphasizes improving body image attitudes, self-esteem, and empowering women to address societal pressures.

Education:

• Ph.D., Kent State University

Research Interests:

• Eating disorders prevention
• Body image dissatisfaction
• Self-esteem enhancement
• Gender and societal influences on body image

Her program targets body image, self-esteem, and empowerment, with goals to reduce appearance-based self-worth and promote healthy attitudes. Data shows the S2S program has improved body image and eating behaviors among sorority women at WCU since its launch in 2000.

Awards: None explicitly listed.

Advising & Grants: Zotter oversees clinical practicum courses and mentors peer mentors in the S2S program. The program represents a significant focus of her grant-seeking and advocacy efforts to expand to other universities.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Sister to Sister Peer Mentor Program, a team-based initiative within WCU’s Psychology department.