Forgive & Forget? Attitudes Towards Forgiveness in the Case of Multiple, Similar Offenses

Abstract

New research has emerged detailing the potential risks of forgiveness for couples as well as its benefits (McNulty, 2008, 2010, & 2011). Given the lack of research conducted on the perspective of the offending partner within the forgiveness process, this mixed method study examines the couple’s experience of the forgiveness and reconciliation process in the face of multiple, similar offenses. Though no support was found for the risks of forgiveness as proposed by McNulty (2011), factors that influenced the satisfaction of couples and the forgiveness process include self esteem, attachment, and spirituality. These factors, as well as the results from the qualitative interviews regarding inter-partner forgiveness, are discussed.