Trait forgiveness as a predictor of state forgiveness and positive work outcomes after victimization

Publication date: 15 October 2019Source: Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 149Author(s): Madelynn R.D. StackhouseAbstractPrior research shows that trait forgiveness impacts interpersonal outcomes, but its impact on state forgiveness and broader work outcomes is less clear. This paper investigated whether trait forgiveness predicts state forgiveness and three work outcomes (job satisfaction, affective commitment, and leave intentions). In studying these relationships, three potential mediators were tested as part of a perceptual model of trait forgiveness. Two hundred and fifty participants described a situation in which they were offended by another person in the workplace. Findings generally supported the perceptual model of trait forgiveness expected in that trait forgiveness predicted state forgiveness and the work outcomes tested. Perceived expectancy violation and offender reconstrual but not perceived transgression severity served as consistent mediators for these relationships. These findings highlight that trait forgiveness shapes people's reactions to victimization and that victim perceptions of the offense and offender at least partly explain why this occurs. These results inform our understanding trait forgiveness and the processes that contribute to its consequences.

Source: Personality and Individual Differences - June 11, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research