An Empirical Investigation Into Justice, Grace, and Forgiveness

Abstract

This study measured components of the relationship conflict and restoration model developed by Sells, Beckenbach, and Patrick. Data were gathered from 242 participants who completed a series of instruments used to measure constructs of relationship restoration. The authors proposed that the demonstration of grace, justice, empathy, trust, and forgiveness lead to relationship satisfaction. The path analysis confirmed the relationships between most variables. However, the path also indicated that trust was not an antecedent to forgiveness but instead emerged as an outcome variable, along with relational satisfaction, subsequent to forgiveness. Implications and suggestions for future research are made.

The Couples Enhancement Workshop: A Brief Approach for Group Work With Couples

“…Given the findings of Patrick et al (2013), a central purpose of the CEW is to promote understanding of relational grace, making it easier to identify and offer as conflict arises in the couples' relationship. Gracious actions likely occur on a regular basis in relationships where couples report feeling happy or satisfied with the relationship.…”

“…The RCRM has its roots in contextual family therapy and emphasizes constructs such as,justice, trust, empathetic understanding in the relational restoration process (Beckenbach et al, 2010;BoszormeniNagy, 1987;Patrick et al, 2013;Sells et al, 2009) The model maintains that there are actually three entities that play a role in a relationship: the individual needs of each partner and the influence of the relationship itself. These three entities come together to create an "Us."…”

“…Relational grace is defined as the quality which enables one person to extend kindness, mercy, or goodness to the other without the expectation of reciprocal compensation (Sells et al, 2009). While many individuals have an intuitive understanding of relational grace, they often struggle to articulate or identify it (Beckenbach et al, 2010;Patrick et al, 2013;Sells et al, 2009). Patrick et al (2013) conducted a study to explore the relationships between the pain-conflict cycle and the reconciliation process as conceptualized in the RCRM.…”

“…While many individuals have an intuitive understanding of relational grace, they often struggle to articulate or identify it (Beckenbach et al, 2010;Patrick et al, 2013;Sells et al, 2009). Patrick et al (2013) conducted a study to explore the relationships between the pain-conflict cycle and the reconciliation process as conceptualized in the RCRM. Several important findings resulted from this study, but most notable was that the RCRM appeared to conceptualize the reconciliation process effectively and that relational grace was a pivotal feature in assisting couples away from the pain conflict cycle and toward the restoration process.…”

“…The CEW promotes strength building in couples as well as the development of a preferred couples identity. The CEW is based on the Relationship Conflict and Restoration Model (RCRM) and the concept of relational grace (Beckenbach, Patrick, & Sells, 2010;Patrick, Beckenbach, Sells, & Reardon, 2013;Sells et al, 2009) while incorporating narrative therapeutic principles. A review of the theoretical considerations influencing the CEW follows.…”