The role of forgiveness as a coping response to intimate partner stress

ABSTRACT This study explores the interrelationship between forgiveness and general, spiritual, and interpersonal coping within the context of intimate partner stress. A total of 116 adults responded to an online survey on measures of forgiveness, general, spiritual and interpersonal coping, and well-being. Individuals who engage in forgiveness are more likely to take the perspective of their partner, positively reframe their stress, and turn to spiritual coping for support. Forgiveness is related to self-esteem, hope, positive affect, couple adjustment, and lower negative affect. Forgiveness mediates the relationship between coping and well-being and so may function as a protective mechanism within the context of couple stress.