Understanding the Process of Forgiveness After a Relational Hurt in Christian Marriages

ABSTRACT

This grounded theory study explored how Christian married couples forgive significant relational hurts. Literature on forgiveness had limitations: majority were quantitative deductive studies and participants were mainly the offended individual versus the dyad. Five couples who had successfully navigated the process of forgiveness were interviewed individually and conjointly. The unique findings included (a) forgiveness happens in the context of community, (b) the crucial role of religion, (c) sequencing and timing of the phases of the process, and (d) the distinction between acceptance and forgiveness. The findings led to the development of a theory on the process of forgiveness that could be useful as a guide for couples therapists.

KEYWORDS:

• process of forgiveness
• spirituality
• marriage
• qualitative
• grounded theory