Reparative Behaviors and Self-forgiveness: Effects of a Laboratory-based Exercise

Abstract

Two studies evaluated a laboratory-based exercise designed to facilitate reparative behaviors (e.g., apology, amends) and self-forgiveness. In Study 1, all participants (undergraduates; 50 men, 37 women) did the exercise. Participants reported self-forgiveness increases that were partly maintained over two weeks. In Study 2, undergraduates (75 men, 92 women) were randomly assigned to conditions: responsibility/repair (yes/no) × self-forgiveness (yes/no). The responsibility/repair-alone condition (without self-forgiveness) increased the odds that women would offer reparative behaviors. The self-forgiveness component predicted greater self-forgiveness increases at follow-up, but only among those who actively tried to forgive themselves during the two weeks. In both studies, reparative behaviors predicted self-forgiveness increases and were more likely when offenses were recent, relationships were close, and relational repair had already begun.

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