For whom do we forgive? A functional analysis of forgiveness
Date
2013
Authors
Strelan, P.
McKee, I.
Calic, D.
Cook, L.
Shaw, L.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Personal Relationships, 2013; 20(1):124-139
Statement of Responsibility
Peter Strelan, Ian Mckee, Dragana Calic, Lauren Cook and Lisa Shaw
Conference Name
Abstract
We propose that people forgive to serve particular functions, depending on the extent to which forgiveness is intended to benefit the self, the offender, and their relationship. Three studies on personally experienced transgressions in valued relationships (Ns = 233, 239, and 83) indicate that victims are more likely to forgive for the sake of the self and the relationship than for an offender. Relationship focus is associated with increased benevolence and relationship quality and decreased revenge and avoidance. Offender focus is associated with nonvengeful motivations. Self focus is associated with avoidance and lower relationship closeness; in the immediate aftermath of a transgression, it is also related to unforgiving responses and reduced relationship satisfaction. The findings have important implications for forgiveness theorizing and application.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright © 2012 IARR