The effects of intrapersonal-interpersonal forgiveness on negative affect, perceived control, and intention to terminate the relationship in victims of dating violence

Abstract

This article identifies the role of forgiveness in psychological adaptation among victims of dating violence. The roles of intra- and interpersonal forgiveness in predicting changes in negative affect, perceived control, and the intention to remain in the relationship are examined. For this study, 43 women involved in a relationship characterized by dating violence were recruited. Participants were assigned to one of the following groups: intrapersonal forgiveness, interpersonal forgiveness, or waiting-list control. After participants recalled recent victimizing experiences, their initial levels of negative affect and forgiveness were measured. Then, participants listened to the instructions for either the intra- or interpersonal forgiveness condition. Finally, participants completed self-report measures assessing negative affect (PANAS), perceived control (AAQ), forgiveness (VAS), and intent to leave the abusive relationship. The analyses revealed that intra- and interpersonal forgiveness had differential effects on negative affect. Specifically, intrapersonal forgiveness was more effective at reducing negative affect than was interpersonal forgiveness. Additionally, both intra- and interpersonal forgiveness influenced current levels of perceived control; however, neither affected perceptions of past control or the participant’s intention to leave the relationship.