A study on relationship between forgiveness, resilience and marital satisfaction among married individuals

Abstract

Forgiveness is described as the ability of letting go of transgression leading to positive feelings. Resilience is the ability to successfully adapt and cope through challenging situations. Thereby Forgiveness and Resilience helps in resolving problems successfully in any relationship including marriage. Resolving problems and reconciliation of relationship enhances Marital Satisfaction. Today the divorce rates are increasing. Statistical data about divorce rate in India is alarming. One of the reasons could be lack of the ability to accept and face challenges and couples reluctance in asking and granting forgiveness during the tough courses of their relationship leading to a decline in Marital Satisfaction. Hence the present study intended to find out the influence of Forgiveness and Resilience on Marital Satisfaction. Using purposive sampling method a sample of 233 married individuals was selected. Tools used for data collection include i) Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson, 2003) ii) Heartland Forgiveness Scale (Thompson, Snyder, & Hoffman2005) iii) ABC Scale of Marital Relationship (Swaminathan & Napinai, 2009). Statistical analysis included Karl Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Students 't' test. Statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant correlation between i) Forgiveness and Resilience ii) Forgiveness and Marital Satisfaction iii) Forgiveness and Marital Relationship. It also revealed that there is no significant correlation between Resilience and Marital Relationship. There is no significant difference between Men and Women in i) Resilience ii) Forgiveness iii) Marital Satisfaction iv) Marital Harmony. There is a significant difference among Men and Women in i) Marital Adjustment ii) Marital Relationship. The study emphasized on factors that contribute to a satisfied Marital Relationship aided by factors like Forgiveness and Resilience.