The Multidimensional Forgiveness Inventory: A Model for the Assessment of Incongruent and Incomplete Forgiveness

James G. Hillman and Tara K. MacDonald

SAGE Open, 2025, vol. 15, issue 3, 21582440251358572

Abstract: Building on existing models, we theorized a dimensional model which quantifies forgiveness in terms of incongruence among forgiveness aspects. In the present research we aimed to draw on attitudinal theory to validate a measure of forgiveness which assessed cognition, behavior, and affect. Our goal was to develop a measure of forgiveness which captures incongruence between domains. To do this, we examined the validity and reliability of the Multi-dimensional Forgiveness Inventory (MDFI), which assess forgiveness-relevant behavior, cognition, and affect. In Study 1 we assessed convergent/divergent validity and assessed predictive associations among dimensions and theoretically relevant constructs. In Study 2 we assigned participants to rate their forgiveness for transgressions (small or large), at two different time points. This allowed us to assess temporal stability of dimensions across similar and dissimilar transgressions. In Study 3 we replicated research on embodied remorse using the MDFI to assess forgiveness. We found that for transgressors demonstrating embodied remorse (i.e., kneeling), participants were more willing to communicate forgiveness, but we found no difference in cognitive or affective forgiveness (in line with past research). The present research provides a novel model and measure to assess incongruent forgiveness.

Keywords: forgiveness; conflict; relationships; psychometric (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:sagope:v:15:y:2025:i:3:p:21582440251358572

DOI: 10.1177/21582440251358572

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