The relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and forgiveness in married individuals: The mediating role of interpersonal emotion regulation

Abstract

It is argued that forgiveness is important in maintaining relationships, as individuals can some-times encounter hurtful behaviors in close relationship experiences (McCullough, 2001). Hence, considering the importance of forgiveness in relationships, it is worthwile to investigate the factors that facilitate forgiveness and the mechanisms underlying these relationships. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and forgiveness, and to explore the mediating roles of co-brooding and co-reappraisal, which are interpersonal emotion regulation strategies, on this relationship among married individuals. The sample of the study consisted of 187 married individuals ranging from 24 to 65 years in age. In the study, the online questionnaire battery was used to measure perceived partner responsiveness, interpersonal emotion regulation strategies, and forgiveness. The statistical analyses showed that there was a positive relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and forgiveness. In addition, there was a partial mediating role of co-reappraisal on this relationship. In line with these results, it is believed that focusing on perceived partner support and responsiveness, and on the development of emotion regulation skills in relationship contexts may be beneficial in forgiveness programs conducted with couples.

Keywords

• forgiveness
• interpersonal emotion regulation
• perceived partner responsiveness
• co-reappraisal
• co-brooding