FOR THE DEGREE OF

This dissertation would not have been completed if not for the advice, the support, the cheerleading, the consoling, the distracting and the hectoring of the many significant people in my life. First, I would like to thank my advisors, Mark Snyder and Eugene Borgida, for their support, their wisdom and their patience through the years and especially on this dissertation. I also thank the rest of my committee, Marti Hope-Gonzales and Joanne Miller, for their insightful feedback and discussion. Finally, I thank Ben Babcock for his consultation on statistical issues (and his support of Liverpool F.C.). The data collection would not have been possible without John Easton and Pernu Menheer from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Lab, and the many undergraduate research assistants who worked with me. Completing a dissertation can take a toll on one’s well-being. Fortunately, I had some wonderful friends who could be counted upon to offer engaging distraction. Thanks to Corey, Rachel, Paul, Julia, Michael, other Michael, and Laura for all the shenanigans. Emily, without a doubt, deserves unending praise for her support. I never would hav