Is mindfulness associated with interpersonal forgiveness?
Johan C Karremans1, Hein T van Schie1, Iris van Dongen1
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|January 18, 2019
Summary
Mindfulness meditation and trait mindfulness are linked to greater interpersonal forgiveness. This research suggests mindfulness enhances forgiveness by promoting perspective-taking, improving relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Interpersonal forgiveness is crucial for healthy relationships.
- Mindfulness, the practice of present-moment awareness, is increasingly studied for its psychological benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mindfulness and interpersonal forgiveness.
- To explore potential psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A multimethod approach was employed across five studies.
- Methods included mindfulness meditation, trait mindfulness assessment, and experimental mindfulness induction.
- Studies assessed dispositional forgiveness, state forgiveness, and partner-rated forgiveness.
Main Results:
- Mindfulness (trait, state, and induced) consistently predicted higher levels of interpersonal forgiveness.
- Perspective-taking emerged as a significant mediator in the mindfulness-forgiveness link.
- Rumination was less consistently associated with forgiveness compared to perspective-taking.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness is positively associated with interpersonal forgiveness.
- Perspective-taking may be a key mechanism through which mindfulness promotes forgiveness.
- Findings highlight mindfulness's potential to enhance interpersonal functioning and relationship quality.
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