The Worst Gift I Ever Got Was a Grave

Pages 11-1

How personality moderates stress in needs thwarting environments

Individual stress responses have been addressed by multiple theorists; yet there remains uncertainty concerning how contextual and individual factors interact during the process. In this thesis, I formulate and test a transtheoretical model integrating basic psychological needs (Deci & Ryan, 2002) theory and challenge and threat states (Blascovich, 2008) to better understand when and why environments might differentially affect appraisals. In contrast to previous work theorising a deterministic relationship between thwarting environments and threat appraisals, I hypothesized that in presence of needs thwarting, specified personality factors exacerbate or attenuate sensitivity to stress, and subsequent formation of challenge and threat-based appraisals. The model was tested across two experimental studies where needs thwarting was elicited: in Experiment 1 students (n=54) led an academic presentation. Psychometric and cardiovascular data confirmed some support for the moderating influence of personality: only extraversion significantly moderated the stress reaction, though perceived relatedness frustration was poorly affected by manipulation. Experiment 2 therefore replicated this protocol on athletes (n=18), separating the effects of competence and relatedness thwarting. Relatedness manipulation was enhanced using real friendship groups and providing fake feedback regarding group rejection. However, perceived relatedness frustration remained low, and the study was suspended due to manipulation failure. In response, I conducted a scoping review to critically assess protocols for acute manipulation of relatedness. This identified critical gaps regarding explicit testing of relatedness thwarting and concerns about protocol effectiveness. More promisingly, imagery/recall and ostracism-based protocols were effective and highlighted the utility of drawing from non-SDT based research. The review informed the generation of a set of recommendations for researchers seeking to manipulate relatedness in future work. This doctoral thesis contributes to the understanding of the interplay between environment and individual differences in stressful environments and offers methodological evidence to improve the study of these dynamics, with a specific focus on relatedness-thwarting settings. I argue that these ideas and methods will enhance understanding of individual reactions to socially-challenging environments, and identify protective factors associated with resilience and growth

Empowerment: An Implementation formula for service quality

The thrust of this study was to determine a plan for the implementation of an empowerment strategy, for resort hotels. The review of the literature failed to reveal a recipe for implementation of an empowerment plan the is comprehensive or designed for long term benefits. However, there are numerous articles and books which discuss components which, may in fact, be critical aspects to an overall strategy - The study analyzed successful empowerment strategies from a corporate department of quality, and three resort hotels regarded as leaders in total quality management. The study used the Delphi Method to obtain consensus of opinion with regard to the necessary ingredients to implement a successful empowerment strategy

Electronic Signatures And The Statute Of Frauds

The Statute of Frauds requires that certain contracts be signed. In this age of e-commerce exactly how does one “sign” a fax or an e-mail

Tax Changes Enacted By The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act Of 2010 And The American Taxpayer Relief Act Of 2012

Close to three years ago, Congress enacted legislation that overhauls the U.S. health care system and at the same times affects nearly all taxpayers, many employers, and many elements of the health care industry. The sweeping new health reform law embodied in this legislation pays for its cost through tax increases in a number of ways The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 similarly affects many taxpayers with numerous changes in the tax law which either increase or decrease a taxpayer’s burden depending on income levels

The Commerce Clause From Expansion To Extortion

The Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution gave the federal government power over foreign trade, trade with the Indian tribes and trade “among several states.”  By lack of further enumeration and the passage of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, it would be reasonable to conclude that commerce that is truly intrastate would, therefore, be within the regulatory province of the states.  In fact, that was the interpretation initially reached and subsequently followed by the United States Supreme Court.  But in 1942, that changed and, over the course of the following 60+ years, to date the Court has concluded, by an expansive interpretation of that federal power granted, that Congress and the federal government have virtually unbridled power to regulate not only those areas that would traditionally be considered “commerce” or “interstate commerce”, but, moreover, in areas that seemingly have nothing to do with commerce, interstate, or otherwise.  This paper will trace the journey that the justices have taken down this judicial interstate highway and the methods that the federal government has employed to achieve its objectives.  Hence, the subtitle of this paper:  From Expansion to Extortion

Tax Deductions For Education Expenses

Trade or business expenses are deductible if they are ordinary and necessary with respect to the trade or business in which they were incurred. Treasury Regulations bring education expenses into this purview but only if they maintain or improve skills already acquired or allow a taxpayer to maintain his current position. Expenses which qualify a taxpayer for a new trade or business or which enable one to meet the minimum standards of a trade or business are considered personal and thus not deductible. Where educational conferences are held out of town there are additional considerations which might limit the allowable deduction for related education expenses

Leases As Security Devices

Leases have priority over mortgages and other security devices if they were entered into prior to the security devices and if the leases were duly recorded, or in the alternative, the lessee can prove that the holder of the security device had actual notice of the lease’s existence. Which means, that should the creditor seek to foreclose on the premises, the lessee has a protected right to remain on the premises pursuant to the terms of the lease. This holds true for a subsequent purchaser of the property either at the foreclosure sale or thereafter

Travel Expenses In Connection With Tax-Deductible Education Expenses

Trade or business expenses are deductible if they are ordinary and necessary with respect to the trade or business in which they were incurred. Treasury Regulations bring education expenses into this purview but only if they maintain or improve skills already acquired or allow a taxpayer to maintain his current position. Related travel expenses in connection with educational activities may come into play in (i) travel to an out of town location to attend an educational function, (ii) travel while engaging in educational activities or (iii) travel which is itself a form of education.  Current regulations may limit the allowable deduction for these education-related travel expenses

Foreclosures: A Non-Traditional Approach

Foreclosures are at a record high, causing families to be displaced, blighted neighborhoods and the reduction of home values. This paper examines a few unusual cases recently determined, whereby the Court exercises its equity powers to find a just result