Self-processes in interdependent relationships: Partner affirmation and the Michelangelo Phenomenon

This essay reviews theory and research regarding the "Michelangelo phenomenon," which describes the manner in which close partners shape one another's dispositions, values, and behavioral tendencies. Individuals are more likely to exhibit movement toward their ideal selves to the degree that their partners exhibit affirming perception and behavior, exhibiting confidence in the self 's capacity and enacting behaviors that elicit key features of the self 's ideal. In turn, movement towards the ideal self yields enhanced personal well-being and couple well-being. We review empirical evidence regarding this phenomenon and discuss self and partner variables that contribute to the process. © John Benjamins Publishing Company

Fiscal policy and the business cycle: the impact of government expenditures, public debt, and sovereign risk on macroeconomic fluctuations

This thesis studies the role of fiscal policy over the business cycle based on a combination of empirical macroeconometric techniques and macroeconomic theory. The focus of the analysis to be conducted is on the impact of government expenditure policies, public debt, and sovereign default risk on short-run to medium-term macroeconomic dynamics. The aim of this analysis is to contribute to fill some of the gaps in contemporary research on fiscal policy that have become obvious in the context of the turbulent economic events over the past few years