2011

This study investigated the relationship between forgiveness, stress, and social support to further examine the correlation between emotional well-being constructs. For the purpose of this study, we assessed forgiveness by measuring revenge motivations and avoidance motivations. Revenge and avoidance motivations have been recognized as two established indicators for forgiveness (Orth, Berking, Walker, Meier, & Znoj, 2008) following an interpersonal transgression; namely, an offense committed against someone where forgiveness may be required. Interpersonal transgressions generally result in negative feelings that precipitate emotional distress (Orcutt, 2006). The researchers in the present study theorized that the decision to forgive would reduce the amount of negative feelings and, thereby, reduce the stress response.