Forgiveness and well-being in the general population: The mediating role of gratitude

This study aimed to explore the relationships among forgiveness, gratitude, and multidimensional well-being within a general population sample. Specifically, it examined the mediating role of gratitude in the relationship between forgiveness and well-being.

A cross-sectional design was employed in this study METHODS: This study recruited adults (aged 18 and above) using convenience sampling in urban and rural areas of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Forgiveness, gratitude, and well-being were measured using validated Arabic-Language instruments. Data analysis used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess measurement properties and test structural relationships. Multi-group analysis was conducted to examine potential gender differences in the model pathways.

The findings indicated that forgiveness exerted significant direct effects on gratitude and all three dimensions of well-being-namely psychological, social, and subjective-each with a significance level of p < 0.001. Furthermore, gratitude significantly predicted well-being outcomes (β = 0.337-0.352; p < 0.001) and partially mediated the relationship between forgiveness and well-being. A multi-group analysis revealed a significant gender difference in the pathway from forgiveness to gratitude, with a stronger association among males (p = 0.035).

These findings underscore the critical importance of both forgiveness and gratitude in enhancing psychological, social, and subjective well-being within the general population. Gratitude functions as a key mediating mechanism, and gender differences should be considered in the development of future well-being interventions.