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Forgiveness and happiness. the differing contexts of forgiveness using the distinction between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness

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  • John Maltby
  • Liza Day
  • Louise Barber

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between forgiveness and happiness using a two-dimensional model of happiness (hedonic and eudaimonic happiness). 224 United Kingdom students were administered the Enright Forgiveness Inventory, The Depression–Happiness Scale and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire – Short-form. The present findings suggest that forgiveness accounts for statistically significant variance, albeit quite low, in both hedonic and eudaimonic happiness and the relationships may vary depending on which aspect of happiness is being considered. In terms of shorter-term hedonic happiness, the present findings suggest it is important not to engage in negative cognitions about the transgression. In terms of maintaining eudaimonic happiness, engaging in positive behaviours and feelings may lead to, be the result of, or be very much part of longer-term happiness. Copyright Springer 2005

Suggested Citation

  • John Maltby & Liza Day & Louise Barber, 2005. "Forgiveness and happiness. the differing contexts of forgiveness using the distinction between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:6:y:2005:i:1:p:1-13
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-004-0924-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ruut Veenhoven, 1991. "Is happiness relative?," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 1-34, February.
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    1. Sagrario Yárnoz-Yaben & Alaitz Garmendia & Priscila Comino, 2016. "Looking at the Bright Side: Forgiveness and Subjective Well-Being in Divorced Spanish Parents," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(5), pages 1905-1919, October.
    2. Erik Carlquist & Pål Ulleberg & Antonella Delle Fave & Hilde E. Nafstad & Rolv M. Blakar, 2017. "Everyday Understandings of Happiness, Good Life, and Satisfaction: Three Different Facets of Well-being," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 12(2), pages 481-505, June.
    3. Andrés Salas-Vallina, 2020. "Towards a Sustainable Leader-Follower Relationship: Constructive Dissensus, Organizational Virtuousness and Happiness at Work (HAW)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Saeid Abbasian, 2022. "Disparate Emotions as Expressions of Well-Being: Impact of Festival Participation from the Participants’ Subjective View," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-12, December.
    5. Katsunori Sumi, 2014. "Reliability and Validity of Japanese Versions of the Flourishing Scale and the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 118(2), pages 601-615, September.
    6. Papadopoulou, Christina & Vardarsuyu, Merve & Oghazi, Pejvak, 2023. "Examining the relationships between brand authenticity, perceived value, and brand forgiveness: The role of cross-cultural happiness," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    7. Elena Gismero-González & Rafael Jódar & María Pilar Martínez & María José Carrasco & Virginia Cagigal & María Prieto-Ursúa, 2020. "Interpersonal Offenses and Psychological Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Forgiveness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 75-94, January.
    8. Dr. Umbreen Khizar & Dr. Dawood Nawaz & Mehak Haroon & Husni Mubarak, 2021. "Moderating Role of Social Connectedness on Forgiveness and Subjective Happiness Among Adults," iRASD Journal of Economics, International Research Alliance for Sustainable Development (iRASD), vol. 3(3), pages 240-250, December.
    9. Loren Toussaint & Philip Friedman, 2009. "Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Affect and Beliefs," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(6), pages 635-654, December.

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