Dealing with betrayal in close relationships: does commitment promote forgiveness?

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2002 Jun;82(6):956-74. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.82.6.956.

Abstract

This work complements existing research regarding the forgiveness process by highlighting the role of commitment in motivating forgiveness. On the basis of an interdependence-theoretic analysis, the authors suggest that (a) victims' self-oriented reactions to betrayal are antithetical to forgiveness, favoring impulses such as grudge and vengeance, and (b) forgiveness rests on prorelationship motivation, one cause of which is strong commitment. A priming experiment, a cross-sectional survey study, and an interaction record study revealed evidence of associations (or causal effects) of commitment with forgiveness. The commitment-forgiveness association appeared to rest on intent to persist rather than long-term orientation or psychological attachment. In addition, the commitment-forgiveness association was mediated by cognitive interpretations of betrayal incidents; evidence for mediation by emotional reactions was inconsistent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hostility*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Trust / psychology*