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Published on: September 19, 2019
Longitudinal relations between forgiveness and conflict resolution in marriage
Frank D Fincham1, Steven R H Beach, Joanne Davila
1Family Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1490, USA. ffincham@fsu.edu
Summary
Wives' forgiveness positively predicts their husbands' conflict resolution skills over time. However, husbands' initial conflict resolution was the only predictor of wives' later conflict resolution abilities.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Marital conflict resolution is crucial for relationship stability.
- The role of forgiveness in predicting long-term conflict resolution outcomes remains an area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine whether forgiveness predicts later conflict resolution in married couples.
- To investigate the directionality of the relationship between forgiveness and conflict resolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 12-month follow-up data on conflict resolution from previously studied married couples.
- Employed statistical controls for initial conflict resolution levels and marital satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Wives' benevolence (positive dimension of forgiveness) predicted husbands' improved conflict resolution over 12 months.
- Husbands' initial conflict resolution level was the sole predictor of wives' later conflict resolution.
- These effects were independent of marital satisfaction and transgression severity.
Conclusions:
- Wives' forgiveness may foster better conflict resolution in their husbands.
- The predictive relationship between forgiveness and conflict resolution appears to be asymmetrical.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking forgiveness and conflict resolution in marriage.
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