Department(s)

Social Science

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

Adults (N = 89; 59% female) recruited from divorce records reported levels of turning to God to forgive (TGF) themselves, their ex-spouse, and God for their divorce when it occurred (Time 1, Tl) and one year later (Time 2, T2). Seventy-five percent of participants reported TGF. T1 TGF predicted higher levels of T2 positive spiritual emotions, T2 verbal aggression by the participant and ex-spouse, and T2 demonization of ex-spouse. Participants were grouped according to pattern of TGF over time (Resolved, Chronic, Delayed, and Low). Repeated measures ANOVAs showed that the Resolved group reported greater declines in demonizing the divorce relative to other groups. Multiple main effects for TGF pattern also emerged. This highlights the need to consider the potentially desirable and undesirable psychosocial and spiritual factors associated with TGF.

Publication Title

Journal of Psychology and Christianity: Empirical Studies of Psychology

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