Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 9, Issue 1 (2011) > 12-21

The Role of Impulsivity in Forgiveness

Judith L. Johnson, Lucy M. Kim

Abstract

Forgiveness has been examined through the perspectives of factor models of personality. However, the role of impulsivity in forgiveness has not yet been studied. The role of the impulsivity factors of Urgency, lack of Premeditation, Sensation-seeking and lack of Perseverance in forgiveness was examined (N = 107). Urgency emerged as the strongest predictor of lower self, other, and situational forgiveness. Sensation-seeking was also significantly predictive of self and situational forgiveness. Lack of Premeditation was significantly predictive of both other and situational forgiveness while lack of Perseverance did not emerge as a predictor of forgiveness. The important contribution of impulsivity to forgiveness is discussed and implications for theory building around personality and forgiveness are addressed.