ABSTRACT
Objective
This study investigated the moderating role of relational self-construal (RSC) in the connection between relationship mindfulness and two relational outcomes, namely gratitude and emotional forgiveness.
Background
Although relationship mindfulness is often associated with positive relationship functioning, the ways in which its benefits are shaped by dispositional factors, such as RSC, remain unclear, particularly within collectivist cultural contexts.
Method
Cross-sectional data from 595 married individuals (Mage = 32.19 years; 56.1% female; 43.9% male) in a collectivist setting were analyzed using a moderation analysis using 5000 bootstrap samples.
Results
Relationship mindfulness positively predicted both gratitude and emotional forgiveness. A significant moderation effect emerged for emotional forgiveness [B(SE) = −0.08 (0.03), t = −3.44, p < 0.001], indicating that the positive link between relationship mindfulness and emotional forgiveness was stronger among individuals with lower, rather than higher, RSC. However, no significant interaction was found for gratitude.
Conclusion
The benefits of relationship mindfulness for emotional forgiveness depend on an individual’s RSC levels, functioning as a compensatory resource when relational motivations are less intrinsic.
Implications
The present research findings underscore the importance of person-centered implementation of relationship-focused mindfulness-based interventions, taking into account individuals’ pre-existing RSC dispositions to optimize their effectiveness in relational dynamics.