Forgiveness and the Mediating Effect of Rumination on Psychological Wellbeing: Does Perceived Intent Matter?

Abstract

Although the benefits of forgiveness are well-established, the process by which forgiving can contribute to positive outcomes is far less understood. Rumination has been shown to relate to forgiveness, as well a number of psychological outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. On this basis, theoretical models have proposed that rumination may explain the relation between forgiveness and wellbeing (Worthington, Berry, & Parrott, 2001). However, empirical evidence in this area is sparse. As such, the present study aimed to systematically test the proposed mediation model. In addition, it is suggested that a number of factors are likely to influence the mediation relationship, and one which is relevant in this context is perceived transgressor intent, as it has one of the strongest associations with forgiveness. Therefore, a further aim of the study was to explore the extent to which intent moderated the relationship between forgiveness and psychological outcomes through rumination. A cross-sectional design was employed. Participants (N = 171) completed an online survey responding to measures of forgiveness, rumination, intent and the outcome variables of depression, anxiety, stress, state anger and self-esteem. The results indicated that forgiveness was related to positive psychological outcomes because it reduced rumination. These findings provide empirical support for the theoretical mediation model. Further, the study found that forgiving was related to positive outcomes at both low and high intent. Therefore, forgiving appeared to be beneficial for victims irrespective of perceived transgressor intent. Such findings have important implications for understanding the boundaries of when forgiveness may be beneficial.