# The Moderating Effect of Self-Construal on the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Forgiveness

## TL;DR

This study shows that how people view themselves influences how mindfulness affects their ability to forgive others.

## Contribution

The study reveals that self-construal moderates the relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness.

## Key findings

- Mindfulness is positively correlated with both state and trait forgiveness.
- Interdependent self-construal strengthens the link between mindfulness and forgiveness.
- Independent self-construal weakens or eliminates the relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness.

## Abstract

The extant literature has established an association between mindfulness, forgiveness, and self-construal; however, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are not yet clear. The present study aims to explore the potential moderating role of self-construal between mindfulness and forgiveness. Four hundred and nineteen participants were recruited and asked to complete measures of mindfulness, self-construal, state, and trait forgiveness. The results showed that mindfulness was positively correlated with state and trait forgiveness. The present study investigated the association between mindfulness and state forgiveness, as well as trait forgiveness, and how this was moderated by self-construal. The findings indicated that for participants who identified with interdependent self-construal, both associations increased, while for those who identified with independent self-construal, the relationship decreased or became non-significant. These results align with previous research and suggest that the mechanisms identified may be applicable to psychological education. The results of this study suggest the presence of a potential underlying mechanism between mindfulness and forgiveness through self-construal. The findings of the research have guiding significance for the design and implementation of psychological interventions, providing evidence that mindfulness training may promote forgiveness by affecting self-construal. These findings have the potential to enhance interpersonal relationships, promote cross-cultural communication and international cooperation, and cultivate students’ mindfulness, empathy, and forgiveness, thereby supporting the creation of a more harmonious and supportive learning environment.