Fragility and forgiveness: Masculinity concerns affect men's willingness to forgive

Abstract

Research has identified forgiveness as one of the most productive forms of resolution following an interpersonal transgression. Despite the benefits of forgiveness, some individuals are more forgiving than are others. Although past work has examined gender differences in forgiveness, less is known about how within-sex individual differences may affect the willingness to forgive. In this paper, we study how masculinity concerns relate to forgiveness in men. We assert that forgiveness is associated with a perceived lack of masculinity and predict that, because of this relationship, men who are more concerned about maintaining their sense of masculinity will be less forgiving following a transgression. Across four studies, we find support for our predictions. In addition, we show how a small intervention in which participants reassert their sense of manhood reduces this effect, making men more willing to forgive.