Diana Meter

Diana Meter serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies within Utah State University's College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. Her research bridges developmental psychology and family studies with a focus on peer victimization dynamics and parent-adolescent relationship impacts on social development.

Her research interests center on two primary domains: (1) Defenders of peer victimization, examining prosocial defense strategies, predictors of defending behavior, and consequences for victims, peer groups, and defenders themselves; and (2) Parent-adolescent relationship effects on peer relations, investigating how parental modeling influences adolescent social behavior. She employs advanced methodologies including longitudinal structural equation modeling, social network analysis, and meta-analysis.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong emphasis on identity-based bullying interventions, digital communication dynamics, and cross-contextual influences on adolescent development. Her work consistently applies ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner) to examine interactions between family, peer, and school environments.

Scientific Recognition:

• Center for Intersectional Gender Studies and Research Fellow (2022)
• Eldon J. Gardner Teacher of the Year department nominee (2021)

Meter actively mentors graduate students in Human Development and Family Studies, including Jesiah Salazar, Megan Gale, and Caleb Price. Her teaching portfolio demonstrates expertise in advanced research methodologies, with courses including Meta-Analysis and Literature Review (HDFS 6100/7100) and Research Methods (HDFS 3130). She has consistently taught graduate-level applied research methods since 2017.

Her laboratory work integrates ambulatory assessment techniques for real-time developmental process analysis, with particular focus on digital communication patterns and peer defense behaviors in school contexts. Current projects examine how school social norms interact with prosocial behaviors to influence adolescent social adjustment.