Acknowledgements
I would first like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Corliss Bean. Professor Bean has always been available in person, by e-mail, and/or by phone whenever I have run into a trouble spot or have had a question about my research or writing. She has consistently allowed this paper to be my own work, but steered me in the right direction whenever she thought I needed it. She has had the utmost patience in supporting me through my research and writing. Most importantly, I would like to recognize the passion she holds for her work, which has encouraged me that my research was worth pursuing. Her patience, support, encouragement, and belief that I could complete this was instrumental in my success in this project. Thank you, Corliss.
I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Gary Challis, Dean of Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School, as the second reader of this thesis. I am gratefully indebted to him for his very valuable comments on this thesis, and his editorial eye.
Finally, I must express my very profound gratitude to both my mom and my fiance. To my mom for her never-ending love, support, and encouragement. Thank you for always believing in me. To my fiance, Zachary, for providing me with unfailing love, support, and continuous encouragement throughout my years of study and through the process of researching and writing this thesis. Thank you for always believing in me. Your patience, support, kindness, Microsoft skills and humor got me here. Thank you.