Emotional Connection and Forgiveness in Romantic Couples: Testing Relationships with the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model [Conectare emotionala si iertare in cuplurile romantice: testarea relatiilor cu modelul interdependentei actor-partener]

The current study is based on the premise that the level of emotional connection and each partner’s trait forgiveness contribute to the engagement in behaviourss which support the resolution of attachment injuries within a romantic couple. Partners from 85 couples completed a protocol which included four standardised questionnaires. The raw data was analysed using both univariate and multivariate techniques (path analysis). The unit of analysis was the romantic dyad. The multivariate data analysis used the interdependence actor-partner model. For both females and males, emotional connection was associated with the partner’s level of engagement in forgiveness-oriented behaviours. For both females and males, the actor-partner effect was stronger than the actor-actor effect. These findings suggest the importance that the emotional connection of one partner has when it comes to choices and behaviours of the other partner. The results are discussed considering their implications for the emotionally focused couple therapy.