Forgivingness and subjective well-being in adulthood: The moderating role of future time perspective

Abstract

Abstract:This cross-sectional study tested the hypothesis that future time perspective moderates the association between forgivingness and subjective well-being. Results from a sample of adults (N = 962, 19-84 years) indicate that time perspective and forgivingness were strongly associated with positive affect, life satisfaction and optimism. In support of the hypothesis, forgivingness was more strongly associated with positive well-being for those who perceived their future time as limited as compared to those with an open-ended time perspective. The moderating effect of future time perspective holds over and above the effect of chronological age. Moderating effects were not found for negative affect and pessimism. The results underscore the importance of perceived time horizons for the interplay between forgivingness and well-being.

Future Time Perspective: Opportunities and Limitations Are Differentially Associated with Subjective Well-Being and Hair Cortisol Concentration

“…As a whole, our results align with the stream of studies documenting the benefits of an open-ended future time perspective [2,17,18]. However, we believe that further studies may consider the goals an individual sets as a potential underlying mechanism [4,5].…”

“…Both an open-ended future time perspective and a limited future time perspective have been associated with high well-being [2,4,14,17]. In an attempt to answer why a limited future time perspective can be associated with both high and low well-being, we first replicated the results of Cate and John [7] and demonstrated that the Future Time Perspective Scale [3] is composed of at least two different dimensions, a focus on opportunities and a focus on limitations.…”

“…In contrast, a more recent line of studies has demonstrated that an open future time perspective rather than a limited one is associated with high well-being [2,6,17]. For instance, Hicks and colleagues [2] found that individuals with an open-ended future time perspective reported higher positive affect and meaning in life compared to those with a limited future time perspective.…”

“…For instance, Hicks and colleagues [2] found that individuals with an open-ended future time perspective reported higher positive affect and meaning in life compared to those with a limited future time perspective. Furthermore, Allemand and colleagues [17] found that participants with an open-ended future time perspective reported more positive affect, life satisfaction and optimism, while also reporting less negative affect and pessimism. Finally, some studies have reported that a limited future time perspective is associated with certain maladaptive outcomes, including loss of hope, higher depression, and overall lower well-being [6,18].…”

Forgiveness and Subjective Happiness of University Students

“…For example, Tse and Yip (2009) indicated that forgiveness of others is positively related to interpersonal adjustment and psychological well-being. Similarly, numerous studies have shown that individuals who forgive transgressions tend to experience greater subjective well-being and psychological well-being (Allemand, Hill, Ghaemmaghami & Martin, 2012;Bono, McCullough & Root, 2008;Chan, 2013;Lawler-Row & Piferi, 2006;McCullough, 2000;Toussaint & Webb, 2005). In addition forgiveness was found related with happiness and more happy individuals tend to forgive more than less happy individuals (Emmons & McCullough, 2003;Friedman, 1992;Maltby, Day & Barber, 2005;Toussaint & Friedman, 2009;Worthington, Berry and Parrott, 2001).…”