Forgiveness interventions for optimal close relationships: Problems and prospects

After proving a historical context for understanding the three core constructs explored in this chapter, forgiveness, optimal functioning and close relationships, the chapter provides a conceptual analysis of each construct. A review follows of basic research on forgiveness in close relationships and of efficacy research on forgiveness interventions. Existing research is briefly critiqued before addressing how relationships can be improved through forgiveness. A number of issues are identified that need to be addressed in this task, including context, how forgiveness occurs, type of forgiveness offered, relationship history, the focus and beneficiary of forgiveness, and self-forgiveness. This lays the groundwork for working towards forgiveness interventions that change the way people think, feel and behave in daily life to promote optimal functioning. These ‘wise” interventions target underlying psychological processes that amplify effects and change downstream consequences. Finally, prayer is considered as a way in which forgiveness might be related to optimal functioning that goes beyond the identification of dynamic psychological processes for wise interventions. The chapter concludes by noting that there is evidence to support the value placed on forgiveness in close relationships but that it is not yet clear how best to facilitate forgiveness in such a way that it optimizes relationship development.