Modeling Couples' Forgiveness, Imagined Interactions, Empathy, and Relational Satisfaction

• In Event: Only Change is Constant: Negotiating Critical Moments in Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract

Although forgiveness has been studied in a variety of interpersonal settings, it has not been studied in relation to the usage of imagined interactions (IIs). Moreover, even though a correlation between empathy and forgiveness exists, the interplay between these two constructs and intrapersonal communication and relational satisfaction has not been explored. This study sampled participants in romantic relationships (n=181). A generalized latent variable model was estimated. The overall fit of the SEM met the recommended criteria (χ2(206) = 345.65, p < .001, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .07). Of primary note was, as predicted, the significant influence of imagined interactions as a whole on forgiveness (β = .60) and relationship satisfaction (β = .64). Moreover, IIs were significantly correlated with empathy, as predicted (r = .22), although the association was short of being moderate in effect.

Authors

• Christopher Mapp, U of Louisiana at Monroe

• Shaughan A. Keaton, Young Harris College

• James M. Honeycutt, Louisiana State University