Transgression Severity, Forgiveness, Relationship Satisfaction, and Mental Health in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Based on interdependence theory, forgiveness could be a strategy for dealing with interpersonal transgressions in a romantic relationship. Objective: The present study examines the effects of transgression severity on relationship satisfaction and mental health along two forgiveness dimensions – resentment-avoidance and benevolence. Method: 351 opposite-gender couples (age M = 48.24 years, SD = 12.88; relationship duration M = 22.71 years, SD = 12.96) rated four self-report measures. We analyzed the cross-sectional data using an Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). Results: There was a significant indirect effect of transgression severity through resentment-avoidance for the actor’s and the partner’s relationship satisfaction. The link through benevolence was significant only for the partner’s relationship satisfaction. Regarding mental health, the indirect effects of resentment-avoidance and benevolence were significant for the actor and the partner. Conclusions: The findings support the notion that forgiveness impacts both partners’ relational and individual well-being.