Psychology

DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my family without whom I could not have achieved the successes of my life thus far and to my friends without whom I could not have enjoyed them so thoroughly. Especially, this is for my mother and father. Their love and support are my rock and foundation, their belief in me is my inspiration. iii iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Jane Ellen Smith, my advisor and thesis chair for her dedication hard work on my behalf. Her ardor for her work is an inspiration, and her constant assistance and encouragement has been essential during this project and during my academic career thus far. I also thank my committee members, Dr. Theresa Moyers and Dr. Timothy Goldsmith for their guidance and assistance on this project, and for their insightful advice