Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study explored the role of the communication of commitment, commitment level, and relationship uncertainty on perceptions of relationship quality and stability. Data collected from 230 people in romantic relationships indicated people more strongly committed reported less uncertainty, greater use of commitment indicators, and more positive feelings about their relationship. Also, those with greater commitment and less uncertainty sustained their relationship over a period of four months. Implications as well as limitations are discussed.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: A common explanation for the “partial reform syndrome” in Africa over the last two decades is that African governments did not commit to the neoliberal reform process, they did not own it. Although this view is widely accepted among scholars and policymakers, few attempts have been made systematically to understand what commitment is, what it looks like and whether African governments have really failed to own policies. This paper develops a set of criteria to assess commitment efforts in fifteen African nations with regard to privatization and private sector creation. The resulting “commitment index” indicates that African countries are varied reformers, not partial reformers. The index provides a foundation for evaluating institutional and organizational change across a comparative set of cases.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Using the metaphor of the dark side of interpersonal relationships we can expand our understanding of the important cultural and relational dynamic of commitment. A possible dark side of commitment lies in the way that commitment can actually constrain and challenge communication in romantic relationships. Data used to illuminate the possible dark side of commitment was collected in an extensive qualitative research project in Puerto Rico: Forty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with men and women—ranging in age from 18 to 56—regarding communication about sex in relationships. Because the timing of sex and commitment often do not coincide, this disjuncture in the development of relationships can limit future discourse. We contend that commitment is not the panacea for relational happiness (including sexual satisfaction) that it appears.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In the aftermath of conflict, why in some cases do the United Nations and NATO launch large peace building missions in which the interveners exert a high degree of administrative control while in others they choose smaller monitoring missions?

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: A growing body of literature has examined the legal and ethical concerns associated with the civil commitment of sexual offenders. A relatively smaller body of research has focused on the accuracy with which offenders are identified and subsequently civilly committed; however, there is a paucity of research on sexual offenders’ perceptions of civil commitment. The purpose of this study is to ascertain sexual offenders’ attitudes and perceptions of the civil commitment procedure, including the constitutionality of these statutes and practices as well as the implications of indefinite and involuntary commitment. Moreover, this study also seeks to identify the characteristics of civilly committed sexual offenders, the various treatment modalities employed with this population, and offenders' perceptions of treatment.