Forgiveness and relationship satisfaction: Mediating mechanisms.

Braithwaite, Scott R.; Selby, Edward A.; Fincham, Frank D.

doi:10.1037/a0024526

Cited by 140Forgiveness and Related BehaviorsAttachment and Relationship DynamicsMindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Forgiveness and relationship satisfaction: Mediating mechanisms.

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Braithwaite, Scott R., Selby, Edward A., Fincham, Frank D.·2011·Journal of Family Psychology

DOI 10.1037/a0024526PMC PMC3156929

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Abstract

Although the ability to forgive transgressions has been linked to overall relationship satisfaction, the mechanisms that mediate this association have not been established. We propose that the tendency to forgive a romantic partner increases relationship satisfaction via increased relational effort and decreased negative conflict. In two studies, we used structural equations modeling to examine these variables as potential mechanisms that drive this association. In Study 1 (N = 523) and Study 2 (N = 446) we found that these variables significantly mediated the association between forgiveness and relationship satisfaction. The findings were robust when examined concurrently and longitudinally, across multiple measures of forgiveness, and when accounting for baseline relationship satisfaction and interpersonal commitment. These two mechanisms parallel theorized positive and negative dimensions of forgiveness and the motivational transformation that is said to underlie forgiveness. Theoretical implications and implications for intervention are discussed.

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The tendency to forgive in dating and married couples: The role of attachment and relationship satisfaction.”Personal Relationships,11(3
Kachadourian, L. K., Fincham, A. F., & Davilab, J. (2016)
The tendency to forgive in dating and married couples: The role of attachment and relationship satisfaction
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Self-citation
The Role of Trait Forgiveness and Relationship Satisfaction in Episodic Forgiveness
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Self-citation
Forgiveness and Relationship SatisfactionAllema d et al. THE ROLE OF TRAIT FORGIVENESS AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION IN EPISODIC FORGIVENESS
Allemand, M., Amberg, I., Zimprich, D., & Fincham, F. D. (2016)
Self-citation
RELATIONSHIP’S SATISFACTION CONNECTION WITH THE MOTIVATION OF FORGIVENESS
Dudkina, A., Krasta, E., & Porozovs, J. (2020) · SOCIETY INTEGRATION EDUCATION Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference · doi:10.17770/sie2020vol7.5109 · Cited by 1 · see citing works

Authors: Braithwaite, S. R., Selby, E. A., & Fincham, F. D.
Affiliations: Brigham Young University (US)
Brown University (US)
Florida State University (US)
ORCID: Braithwaite, Scott R.
Selby, Edward A.
Fincham, Frank D.
Venue: Journal of Family Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2011
Volume: 25
Issue: 4
Pages: 551-559
ISSN: 0893-3200 (ISSN-L)
1939-1293
DOI: 10.1037/a0024526
PMC: PMC3156929
OpenAlex: W2141161143
Cited by: 140
References: 44
Citations by year: 2026: 10 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 2
FWCI: 6.11
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Locations: Journal of Family Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
ScholarsArchive (Brigham Young University) (submittedVersion)
Funders: National Institute of Mental Health (F31MH081396)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Forgiveness and Related Behaviors
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Keywords: forgiveness, relationship satisfaction, romantic relationships, mediation, relationship commitment, transgression
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Conflict, Psychological, Female, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Love, Male, Personal Satisfaction, Psychometrics, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Forgiveness

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Forgiveness and relationship satisfaction: Mediating mechanisms.

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