A "Perfect" Storm: Perfectionism, Forgiveness, and Marital Satisfaction
Author(s): Lucy M. Kim, Judith L. Johnson, Jennifer Ripley
Abstract: Although perfectionism and forgiveness are associated with marital satisfaction, little is known regarding the relation between perfectionism and forgiveness, and their relative contributions to marital satisfaction (goal of the study). The purposes of this study were twofold. First, the extent to which perfectionism predicts forgiveness of self and others was examined. Second, the relative contribution of forgiveness and perfectionism to marital satisfaction was examined. Participants (N = 223), were recruited through internet blogs and websites. To eliminate the effects of neuroticism and length of marriage on forgiveness and marital satisfaction, these two variables were controlled. According to the results, Socially Prescribed Perfectionism emerged as the only significant inverse predictor of self-forgiveness. Further, Socially Prescribed Perfectionism was predictive of other-forgiveness. Lastly, Self-Oriented Perfectionism emerged as significant predictor of marital satisfaction, while Other-Oriented and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism, self-forgiveness and other-forgiveness were not predictive. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Pages: 199-209
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