Self-Control and Forgiveness

Abstract

In the 12 years since scholars first investigated the link between self-control and forgiveness (Finkel & Campbell, 2001), the literature investigating this relation has grown rapidly. The present article reports a meta-analytic review of this link across 40 independent samples and 5,105 independent observations. In addition, it investigates an array of potential moderators. Results revealed that the overall link between self-control and forgiveness is statistically robust and small to moderate in magnitude ( r = .18). Consistent with the prevailing theoretical models, this link is stronger when forgiveness is assessed in terms of low vengeance (resisting retaliation: r = .31) rather than in terms of high benevolence (fostering prosociality: r = .16). Discussion focuses on the potentially crucial role of forgiveness, especially vengeance inhibition, in linking self-control to relationship well-being.

Fit to Forgive: Effect of Mode of Exercise on Capacity to Override Grudges and Forgiveness

“…We propose that the self-control required to override grudges is influenced by cognitive control processes, which are differentially influenced by exercise (Colcombe and Kramer, 2003; Smith et al, 2010; Guiney and Machado, 2013; Barnes, 2015; Chang and Etnier, 2015). We further argue that the self-control needed to override a grudge exerts downstream effects on victims’ capacity to forgive (Burnette et al, 2014). Although research shows that exercise is linked to the ability to regulate negative emotions such as the ones involved in harboring a grudge, little is known about the role that different types of exercise may play in the process of overcoming negative emotions (Antúnez et al, 2013).…”

“…Most germane to the purpose of this research is the empirical literature that has linked forgiveness to physiological functioning such as efficient use of glucose (DeWall et al, 2010), psychological functioning such as greater self-control over grudges (Finkel and Campbell, 2001; Burnette et al, 2014), social functioning such as reduced antisocial interactions (Aquino and Douglas, 2003; Exline et al, 2004) and improvements in prosocial interactions (Karremans and Van Lange, 2004; Karremans et al, 2005), as well as improvements in functioning of relationships (Rye and Pargament, 2002; Fincham et al, 2004; Hoyt et al, 2005; Paleari et al, 2005; Braithwaite et al, 2011; Ysseldyk and Wohl, 2012; Kato, 2016). With few exceptions (e.g., Luchies et al, 2010), this research shows that forgiveness has numerous benefits for relationships.…”

“…Despite the potential benefits of forgiveness in repairing relationships, it is a difficult process to initiate and carry out because victims must first override the inclination to protect themselves from future transgressions by harboring grudges (Heider, 1958; Baumeister et al, 1998; Exline and Baumeister, 2000; McCullough, 2008; McCullough et al, 2013; Burnette et al, 2014). We define a grudge as hanging on to negative sentiment and judgments toward transgressors by ruminating or repetitively thinking about the transgression.…”

“…In the following research, we tested the idea that different types of exercise influence victims’ capacity to override grudges, which then facilitates forgiveness (Burnette et al, 2014). The capacity to override a desired response such as harboring a grudge, is referred to as self-control, and has been shown to be important in the regulation and maintenance of relationships (Tangney et al, 2004; Baumeister et al, 2005).…”

Revisión Sistemática de la Habilidad de Autocontrol del Estudiante y su Rendimiento Académico en la Vida Universitaria

“…Se describe una relación entre los comportamientos deseados (control de peso, bienestar, rendimiento en la escuela o el trabajo) y la inhibición de los comportamientos no deseados, (atracones, consumo de alcohol), pero sus efectos varían claramente en los diferentes dominios de la vida (por ejemplo, el logro, ajuste) (de Ridder, et al, 2012). Otras revisiones sobre el autocontrol describen su importancia teórica, empírica y práctica, mostrando su relación con comportamientos deseados y el efecto de estos en distintas áreas de la vida (Duckworth y Kern, 2011;Burnette et al, 2014;Piquero et al, 2016;Vazsonyi et al, 2017).…”