The Interplay between Forgiveness, Interpersonal relationship Quality and Psychological Well-being among Adults

Abstract

Forgiveness is an essential subjective emotional process that plays a crucial role in interpersonal relationship dynamics and mental health. This study examines the relationship between forgiveness, interpersonal relationship quality, and psychological well-being. A cross-sectional research design was used. A sample of 108 participants was recruited from the universities of Islamabad. Participants were within age range of 18 to 25 (M=22.17, SD=1.92) predominantly consisting of females (73.1%). The study employed the Forgiveness Scale, Quality of Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaire and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale to measure the construct of forgiveness, interpersonal relationship quality and psychological wellbeing. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between forgiveness and interpersonal relationship quality (r = 0.81), a moderate correlation between forgiveness and psychological well-being (r = 0.35), and a moderate correlation between interpersonal relationship quality and psychological well-being (r = 0.43). Stepwise regression analysis showed that forgiveness and interpersonal relationship quality together accounted for 38% of the variance in psychological well-being (R² = 0.38, F (2, 105) = 25.56, p < .001), with interpersonal relationship quality emerging as the stronger predictor (β = 0.41, p < .001). The findings underscore the critical role of healthy interpersonal relationships in promoting psychological well-being, while also suggesting that forgiveness contributes meaningfully. Future research should examine potential mediating or moderating factors in these relationships and explore cultural or contextual influences that may shape these dynamics.