Biography:
Dr. Coats is a developmental psychologist; she studies how individuals change and stay the same from childhood through late adulthood. Dr. Coats investigates emotion regulation strategies that young and older adults use to make themselves feel better when they are upset. In particular, she studies how positive reappraisal of negative situations affects memory and mood over time. She is also interested in friendship formation, the importance of exercise in successful aging, and the discrete emotions of anger and sadness. Dr. Coats enjoys collaborating with students. She has been employed at Westminster College since August 2008 and enjoys teaching a wide variety of courses. When she's not working, she is usually found hanging out with her husband and three kids. They enjoy playing outside, traveling, reading, and exploring.