Grief consolation in eulogy rhetoric: An integrative framework

Abstract OnlyIn an ever more deadly and uncertain world, rhetoric honoring the deceased is still examined as though that was its primary, if not only, function. Some critics of eulogia also identify the consolation of survivors but rarely define it precisely or analyze its rhetorical execution. This article introduces a framework for the critical analysis and production of eulogia that draws from comforting mechanisms recognized in the interpersonal communication, social psychology, and grief therapy literatures. Self-disclosure, problem-focused coping, positive reappraisal, and the affirmation and continuation of relationships with the deceased are shown to inform criticism of five contemporary eulogies. Challenges inherent in the invention and appreciation of eulogy rhetoric are thus illuminated and addressed

Fallen heroes, lifted hearts: Consolation in contemporary presidential eulogia

Abstract OnlyA. D. Kunkel and M. R. Dennis (2003) demonstrated that examining texts for identified components of eulogia, as drawn from the comforting and social support paradigms found in psychology and communication literatures (i.e., credibility establishment, praise for the deceased, self-disclosure of emotion, prescriptions for problem-focused coping, promotion of positive reappraisal for emotion-focused coping, and the affirmation and continuation of relationships), is critical to understanding eulogistic phenomena. Analysis of three Presidential eulogies, as informed by the components, reveals calls for unity in President Ronald Wilson Reagan's 1986 eulogy for the Challenger space shuttle crew, suggestions for action in President William Jefferson Clinton's 1995 eulogy for USS Cole sailors, and positive reappraisal within astronauts’ quotes offered by President George Walker Bush during his 2003 eulogy for the Columbia space shuttle crew

Pink Ribbons, Blue Moons, and Silver Linings: Communicating, Coping, and Caring

DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2010.49682

Grief, Glory, and Political Capital in the Capitol: Presidents Eulogizing Presidents

Abstract OnlyKunkel and Dennis (2003) established a framework for the examination of contemporary eulogia drawn from the comforting and social support paradigms found in psychology and communication literatures. Dennis and Kunkel (2004) applied the framework to eulogies for fallen national heroes (e.g., victims of terrorism and space shuttle astronauts) delivered by American presidents, and both illustrated its utility and noted several minor variations (e.g., presidents did not establish credibility early in speeches or portray emotion as individual experiences). The current study illuminates the nature of eulogies for past presidents by sitting presidents, and examines the eulogies of Presidents John Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan by Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Nixon, William Clinton, and George W. Bush, respectively. As highlighted by Kunkel and Dennis' framework, these eulogists accomplish many of the recognized comforting and consolation responsibilities. The presidents sometimes further their own causes and agendas when considered in hindsight, in ironic and prophetic fashion; thus, also meeting Jamieson and Campbell' (1982) definition of the rhetorical hybrid. Finally, the destiny and glory of the eulogized are often noted by eulogists, continuing the legacy that started with the death of George Washington, America' first president (Berens, 1977)

“Let’s (Not) Talk About That”: Bridging the Past Sexual Experiences Taboo to Build Healthy Romantic Relationships

Research has shown that individuals in romantic relationships often avoid discussing past sexual experiences. In order to ascertain whether past relationships and/or past sexual experiences were considered to be “taboo,” 102 individuals involved in romantic relationships were asked to list the topics that they were reluctant to discuss with their partners. As past relationships and past sexual experiences were reported as topics often avoided, responses to an open-ended questionnaire were coded to determine: (1) the reasons individuals give for avoiding talk about past sexual experiences, and (2) whether there are sex differences in how often those reasons appeared in responses. In descending order of prevalence, respondents reported that they tend to avoid discussing past sexual experiences due to four main concerns: (1) belief that the past should be kept in the past, (2) identity issues, (3) perceived threats to their relationships, and (4) emotionally-upsetting feelings. Men and women displayed extreme similarity in the frequency with which they indicated particular reasons for avoidance. Data-inspired suggestions for individuals hoping to elicit discussion of past sexual experiences with partners are offered

Enhancing the SCSEP Network: Collaborations, Innovations, and Promising Practices

Using a mixed methods approach, this study sought to identify innovative and promising practices in providing employment and training services to older workers. Given current economic and demographic realities, understanding the effectiveness of employment training programs for older workers is crucial

Contemporary university students’ ratings of the characteristics of men, women, and CEOs

Abstract OnlyVery few women have reached the highest echelons of corporate America, perhaps because gender stereotypes, including perceptions of women that vary from those of successful executives, block their promotion and advancement. In the current study, differences in how participants perceive similarities in characteristics of successful executives and those of both men and women were studied. The scope of the extant program of research is also extended upward in the organizational hierarchy with the operationalization of executive as "CEO" (Chief Executive Officer) rather than as "manager" or "middle-manager." While men in general continue to be likened more to successful executives than do women in general, the gaps between male and female CEOs' similarities and between successful male and female CEOs' similarities to prototypically successful executives were smaller than reported in the 1970s. Noteworthy trends regarding 92 characteristics from Schein's Descriptive Index are also discussed

Model Driven Logistics Integration Engineering

Der Logistikdienstleistungssektor ist durch arbeitsteilige sowie kurz-, mittel und langfristige Zusammenarbeit gekennzeichnet. Insbesondere Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) stehen permanent vor der Aufgabe unterschiedliche Logistikdienstleister und damit auch deren Informationssysteme ad-hoc und medienbruchfrei in unternehmensübergreifende Informationsflüsse zu integrieren. Dieser Beitrag stellt verschiedene logistikspezifische Integrationsvarianten, einen modellgetriebenen Integrationsansatz sowie ein Lösungskonzept auf Basis der Logistik Service Engineering & Management (LSEM)-Plattform vor

Investigation of Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymer for Potential Applications in Brain Aneurysm Treatment

Intracranial aneurysms (ICAs) are abnormal deformations in the walls of cranial arteries that can rupture, resulting in hemorrhage and stroke. Modern ICA treatments minimize the risk of rupture by limiting blood flow into the aneurysm body, but current treatments are limited in their ability to provide long-term solutions for large and/or complex aneurysm geometries. Self-deploying devices made from porous shape memory polymer (SMP) materials could improve ICA treatment by allowing for a more stable and uniform occlusion of the aneurysm sac. This thesis discusses investigations into the chemical composition, physical structure, and manufacture of a polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) with potential applications in the design of an alternative ICA treatment device. The investigation demonstrates 1) composition dependent activation temperature and mechanical properties that can be tuned for medical applications, 2) a particle leaching synthesis procedure for the production of uniform open-cell SMP foam structures with high compressibility, and 3) a novel direct ink writing 3D printer prototype compatible with the thermoset polyurethane SMP material