Forgive, Let Go, and Stay Well! The Relationship between Forgiveness and Physical and Mental Health in Women and Men: The Mediating Role of Self-Consciousness

Abstract

Background: The current study assessed forgiveness (positive forgiveness and reduced unforgiveness), self-consciousness (rumination and reflection), and physical and mental health. The aim of the study was to check if self-consciousness mediates the relationship between dispositional forgiveness and health. Methods: To address this link, we conducted 2 studies (N = 484 in Study 1 and N = 249 in Study 2). Data were collected separately for Study 1, as well as Study 2. We used in both studies the Heartland Forgiveness Scale and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire, and additionally, the General Health Questionnaire-28 in Study 1 and the Scales of Psychological Well-Being in Study 2. Results: The results indicated that rumination was an effective mediator between positive forgiveness and mental health (B = 0.14, CI95% = [0.064, 0.234]), reduced unforgiveness and physical health (B = −0.13, CI95% = [−0.182, −0.088], and both rumination and reflection between reduced unforgiveness and mental health (B = 0.13 CI95% = [0.051, 0.226]), positive forgiveness (B = −0.09 CI95% = [−0.135, −0.052]), and physical health. Conclusion: The mediating role of ruminations was more frequently observed in females. The study highlighted the indirect effect between forgiveness and health. Rumination and reflection are mediators between forgiveness and health.

Predictive Model of the Relationship between Positive and Negative Affect, Self-Consciousness of Appearance, and Positive Body Image in Physical Exercise Practice

“…The relationship between physical exercise and self-consciousness of appearance is complex and varies from person to person. However, it may require a holistic approach that includes psychological and emotional well-being to resolve the issues underlying self-consciousness of appearance [34].…”