Self-Forgiveness in Romantic Relationships: The Impact on the Perpetrator and the Relationship

Forgiveness typically improves romantic relationship quality, but self-forgiveness has been less studied and may act differently perpetrators and victims. Eighty-three couples considered a recent transgression and reported perceived guilt, shame, self-forgiveness, and relationship satisfaction and commitment. Results revealed self-forgiveness primarily has intrapersonal, but not interpersonal, effects on relationship outcomes.