The effect of subjective partner forgiveness on relationship maintenance in romantic couples

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between subjective partner forgiveness and relationship maintenance variables (relationship satisfaction, quality of alternatives, relationship investment) in the dyadic context. Purposeful sampling method was used to determine the sample group of the study. In this context, data were collected from 116 couples (n = 232) in the 18-30 age group who had at least six months of a romantic relationship. Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used in order to examine the predictive effect of independent variables of the couples on their dependent variables (actor) and their partners' dependent variables (partner). Subjective Partner Forgiveness Scale and The Investment Model Scale were used as data collection tools. As a result, when the relations between relationship satisfaction and subjective partner forgiveness are examined; as the level of forgiveness that experienced by men and women increase, their own relationship satisfaction also increases. APIM results of quality of the options and subjective partner forgiveness indicate that the partners' assessment of the quality of alternative decrease as the feeling of being forgiven in women and men increases. APIM results of relationship investment level and subjective partner forgiveness indicate that the partners' assessment of relationship investment increased as the feeling of being forgiven in women and men increases as well. The results are discussed in the context of the relevant literature. In light of the findings, suggestions were made to practitioners and future research directions.