Self-Control and Forgiveness: A Meta-Analytic Review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2014
Publication Source
Social Psychological And Personality Science
Volume Number
5
Issue Number
4
First Page
443
Last Page
450
Publisher
Sage Publications Inc.
ISSN
1948-5506
Abstract
In the 12 years since scholars first investigated the link between self-control and forgiveness (Finkel & Campbell, 2001), the literature investigating this relation has grown rapidly. The present article reports a meta-analytic review of this link across 40 independent samples and 5,105 independent observations. In addition, it investigates an array of potential moderators. Results revealed that the overall link between self-control and forgiveness is statistically robust and small to moderate in magnitude (r = .18). Consistent with the prevailing theoretical models, this link is stronger when forgiveness is assessed in terms of low vengeance (resisting retaliation: r = .31) rather than in terms of high benevolence (fostering prosociality: r = .16). Discussion focuses on the potentially crucial role of forgiveness, especially vengeance inhibition, in linking self-control to relationship well-being.
Keywords
Self-control, Forgiveness, Vengeance, Benevolence, Meta-analysis, Close Relationships, College-students, Accommodation, Intervention, Aggression, Promotes, Violence
Recommended Citation
Burnette, Jeni L., Erin K. Davisson, Eli J. Finkel, Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Chin Ming Hui, and Rick H. Hoyle. “Self-Control and Forgiveness A Meta-Analytic Review.” Social Psychological and Personality Science 5, no. 4 (May 1, 2014): 443–50. doi:10.1177/1948550613502991.
