Individual and Relational Outcomes Associated with Dispositional Forgiveness: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Trust, Affectionate Communication, and Verbal Aggression

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dispositional forgiveness is defined as the ability to reframe a perceived transgression from negative to neutral or positive, such that the outcome of the transgression is no longer perceived as adverse. The utility of dispositional forgiveness for individuals and relationships is clear; however, the specific factors that encourage favorable outcomes associated with dispositional forgiveness remain unclear. In two studies I assessed individuals’ self, other, and situational forgiveness; faith in, dependability on, and predictability with same-sex best friends; cognitive and emotional well-being; sent affectionate communication and verbal aggression to same-sex best friends; and relationship satisfaction with same-sex best friends. Results indicated that faith in and dependability on same-sex best friends mediated the association between other forgiveness and cognitive and emotional well-being. In addition, affectionate communication mediated the association between other forgiveness and relationship satisfaction.