Forgiveness, spiritual instability, mental health symptoms, and well-being: Mediator effects of differentiation of self

摘要

The present study tested the theoretical formulation based on Bowenian theory and Volfian theology that differentiation of self (DoS) serves as a mediator variable by which dispositional forgiveness is associated with indices of spiritual and mental health. Data were collected in a sample (N = 213) of graduate students (mean age = 34.46 years) at a Protestant-affiliated university. Results supported the hypotheses with DoS mediating the relationship between dispositional forgiveness and (a) spiritual instability, (b) mental health symptoms, and (c) psychological well-being. Implications are considered for future research on forgiveness, DoS, and spirituality, as well as clinical interventions related to self-regulation and trauma symptoms.