Barbara Meyer, Ph.D. 

Chair, Professor 

Interests and Expertise
Dr. Meyer's work in applied sport psychology is informed by social psychology theory, intelligence theory, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Current research is focused on: (1) the assessment of emotional intelligence in physically active populations; (2) the description of emotional intelligence in athletes and coaches; (3) the relationship between emotional intelligence, sport participation, sport performance, and satisfaction with the sport experience; and (4) the design and delivery of interventions to enhance emotional intelligence among athlete and coach populations. Her previous research has examined the effect of physical activity participation on the psychosocial development and function of individuals and groups in a variety of populations (i.e., elite athletes and teams, urban youth, corporate groups, individuals with mental and physical illnesses, older adults), with particular attention devoted to the use of adventure-based interventions. Dr. Meyer's research and knowledge of theory serve as a foundation for her ongoing work as a performance enhancement consultant to world class athletes, performing artists, and corporate groups. Professor Meyer maintains a strong commitment to the use of these applied experiences for educational purposes. Specifically, she involves qualified graduate students in the design and delivery of performance enhancement services when possible, incorporates into the classroom experience guest lectures delivered by individuals who have achieved personal and performance excellence, and integrates theory and practice through the use of consulting-based case studies.

Recent Publications
Meyer, B.B., & Fletcher, T.B. (2007). Emotional intelligence: A theoretical overview and implications for research and professional practice. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 19, 1-15.

Meyer, B.B., & Zizzi, S. (2007). Emotional intelligence in sport: Conceptual, methodological, and applied issues. In A.M. Lane (Ed.), Mood and human performance: Conceptual, measurement, and applied issues (pp. 131-154). London: Nova Science Publishers.

Meyer, B.B., & Ebersole, K.T. (in press). The role of intra-individual responses to injury rehabilitation: The case of a repeat ACL injury. In D. Pargman (Ed.), Psychological bases of sport injuries (3rd edition). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology, Inc.

Fletcher, T., Cole, M.E., Meyer, B.B. (in press). Disordered Eating. In Mensch, J. & Miller, G.M. (Eds.),The athletic trainer's guide to psychosocial intervention and referral. Thorofare, NJ:Slack.

Meyer, B.B., Fletcher, T.B., & Parker, S.J. (2004). Emotional intelligence in the small business environment: The efficacy of an adventure-based intervention. The Health Care Manager, 23, 225-234.

Janski, R., & Meyer, B.B. (2004). Perceptions of equipment on on-ice attitudes and performance of ice hockey players. In A.B. Ashare, & D.J. Pearsall (Eds.), Safety in ice hockey: Fourth volume. West Conshohocken: American Society for Testing & Materials.

Meyer, B.B. & Lemley, K.J. (2003). Fibromyalgia. In G. Moore (Ed.). ACSM's exercise management for persons with chronic diseases and disabilities. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Meyer, B.B. & Lemley, K.J. (2001). The role of exercise in the treatment of fibromyalgiaL A case study examination of the effects of a 24-week walking program. International Sport Med Journal, 2(4), 1-9.

Meyer, B.B. (2001). Academic achievement. In K. Christene, A. Guttman, & G. Pfister (Eds.) International encyclopedia of women and sport. Great Barrington, MA: Berkshire Reference Works.

Meyer, B.B. & Lemley, K.J. (2000). Utilizing high and low intensity exercise to affect the symptomology of fibromyalgia: A pilot study. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise., 32(10), 1691-1697.

Meyer, B.B. (2000). The ropes and challenge course: A quasi-experimental examination. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 90, 1249-1257.

Meyer, B.B. (1999). A reconceptualization of student-athlete education: Utilizing critical theory to eliminate perceived conflict. Academic Athletic Journal, 13(2), 35-57.

Meyer, B.B. & Wenger, M.S. (1998). Athletes and adventure education: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 29, 243-266.

Meyer, B.B., & Grochowski, D.O. (1998). The ropes course experience: A quasi-experimental examination. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 10, S82.

Meyer, B.B. (1998). The long-term effects of ropes course participation on a high school tennis team. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20, S63.

Litherland, M., Lyman, L., & Meyer, B.B. (1997). Qualitative research in sport psychology. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 9, S55.

Meyer, B.B. (1997). The use of participant observation in research and practice. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 8, S56.

Meyer, B.B. (1997). Adventure education revisited: The short-term effects of ropes course participation on a girls high school tennis team. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 9, S131.

Meyer, B.B. (1996). Adventure education: A tool for improving psychosocial function in athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 8, S104.

Speaker Topics 
Performance Enhancement in Individuals and Groups
Psychology of Injury
Sport Psychology

Education
Ph.D., Michigan State University, Health Education, Counseling Psychology, and Human Performance, 1991
M.A., Michigan State University, Health Education, Counseling Psychology and Human Performance, 1988
B.S., University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Psychology, 1986