The Emotional Side of Forgiveness: A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Role of Anger and Compassion and Face Threat in Interpersonal Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Abstract

This study examined the dynamic interplays between emotions (i.e., anger and compassion), face threat, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relational transgressions in U.S. and Chinese cultures. Results indicated that Chinese participants reported more relationship-oriented forgiveness than U.S. participants, but no distinction was uncovered in self-oriented forgiveness. Results also showed that, relative to preforgiveness, there was less postforgiveness anger but more postforgiveness compassion in both cultures. Anger had a negative association, but compassion had a positive association, with forgiveness and reconciliation in both cultures. Perceived face threat first evoked initial emotions, which influenced forgiveness and counterinfluenced reactive emotions, which then affected reconciliation.

Keywords:

• Forgiveness
• Face Threat
• Anger
• Compassion
• Reconciliation