Unaccepted Restitution Following Forgiveness Engenders Feelings of Indebtedness

Participants in a vignette experimental study whose restitution was not accepted following forgiveness demonstrated higher levels of indebtedness toward the forgiver and stronger prosocial responsibility, compared to those who received forgiveness following restitution. The state of the relationship (thriving vs souring) did not significantly affect reported prosocial obligations to others.