Communicating Forgiveness

Communicating Forgiveness provides a synthesis of the literature on forgiveness in relationships, with special emphasis on the central but understudied role of interpersonal communication. Authors Vincent Waldron and Douglas Kelley define forgiveness as a communication process which allows partners to confront relational wrong doing, manage intense emotional responses, forgo legitimate claims to revenge, and potentially repair the relationship. They see forgiveness as a positive, hopeful alternative to estrangement, bitterness and retribution. By focusing on communication behaviors and offering research-based guidance on effective forgiveness practices, the authors present an alternative to the prevailing psychological frameworks. Communicating Forgiveness offers new insights to anyone interested in the dynamics of personal and work relationships, conflict management, relational justice, family functioning, and related topics.