Relationship among dispositional forgiveness of others, interpersonal adjustment and psychological well-being: Implication for interpersonal theory of depression

Abstract

Interpersonal conflicts are unavoidable. Dispositional forgiveness of others may help people deal with the negative consequences that arise from conflicts and facilitate meaningful social relationships and psychological well-being. The present study examined the view that forgiveness of others effects psychological well-being through interpersonal adjustment. One hundred and thirty nine volunteers (80 females) provided measures of dispositional forgiveness, interpersonal adjustment and psychological well-being. Forgiveness of others was associated with interpersonal adjustment ( r = .28, p < .001) and psychological well-being ( r = .17, p = .04). Structural equation modeling revealed that interpersonal adjustment acts as a mediator between the disposition of forgiveness of others and psychological well-being. Dispositional forgiveness of others improves interpersonal adjustment and psychological well-being and may protect against negative interpersonal experiences and perceptions relating to depression.