Self-forgiveness within couple transgression

The chapter describes self-forgiveness as a proactive and meaning-focused coping strategy, pointing out the functions of three key factors related to the process: taking responsibility, working through guilt and shame emotions, and the activation of self-compassion. In relation to a couple transgression, self-forgiveness could be depicted as a pro-relationship strategy to cope with the wrongdoing by caring for the couple bond. In particular two self-forgiveness determinants, offenders’ reparative strategies and partner victims’ forgiveness, symbolize the offenders' commitment and trust in the relationship. Finally, the chapther presents a study that investigates the mediational role of self-forgiveness between offending partner self-compassion and offender’s couple well-being.