Personality predictors of levels of forgiveness two and a half years after the transgression

Citation

Maltby J, Wood AM, Day L, Kon TWH, Colley A & Linley PA (2008) Personality predictors of levels of forgiveness two and a half years after the transgression. Journal of Research in Personality, 42 (4), pp. 1088-1094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2007.12.008

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore whether the domains and facets of the five-factor model of personality predicted motivational states for avoidance and revenge following a transgression at a second temporal point distant from the original transgression. A sample of 438 university students, who reported experiencing a serious transgression against them, completed measures of avoidance and revenge motivations around the transgression and five-factor personality domains and facets at time 1, and measures of avoidance and revenge motivations two and a half years later. The findings suggest that neuroticism, and specifically anger hostility, predicts revenge and avoidance motivations two and a half years later. Findings are discussed within McCullough's three systems of interpersonal forgiveness.

Keywords
forgiveness; personality; neuroticism; angry hostility; avoidance; revenge; Philosophy (General);Consciousness; Psychology; Personality and Social Psychology.

Journal
Journal of Research in Personality: Volume 42, Issue 4