Alternative Title

Can Trait Self-control Promote Forgiveness in the Absence of Concern for Others?

Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

11-2011

Abstract

The present research tested 2 competing models specifying how 2 traits (concern with the well-being of others and self-control) interact to predict forgiveness. According to the compensatory model, forgiveness requires being high on either trait; according to the synergistic model, forgiveness requires being high on both traits. Two preliminary studies demonstrated the main effect of trait (Study 1a) and primed (Study 1b) self-control on forgiveness. Three primary studies consistently supported the compensatory model in predicting willingness to forgive a partner who behaves noncooperatively in a 2-alternative prisoner’s dilemma (Study 2), a continuous give-some dilemma (Study 3), and a 2-alternative maximizing difference game (Study 4). Among proselfs or those low in trait forgiveness, trait self-control positively related to forgiveness, suggesting that self-control can compensate for a lack of concern with others’ well-being. Implications for theory and research on forgiveness are discussed.

Keywords

forgiveness, social dilemmas, social value orientation, trait self-control

Discipline

Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Volume

101

Issue

5

First Page

1090

Last Page

1105

ISSN

0022-3514

Identifier

10.1037/a0024967

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024967

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