The present study tested the associations between relational spirituality and dispositional forgiveness in an adult sample of Christian graduate students (N = 203). A relational model of spiritual dwelling and seeking (Wuthnow, 1998; Shults & Sandage, 2006) drawing on theology and social science was used to conceptualize this study of spiritual factors hypothesized to be positively and negatively associated with dispositional forgiveness. Results using structural equations modeling supported the hypothesized model with (a) gratitude mediating the positive association between securely attached forms of prayer and dispositional forgiveness and (b) spiritual disappointment mediating the negative association between quest religiosity and dispositional forgiveness. Two alternative models were unsatisfactory, however the reverse model also fit the data. Integrative implications are considered for future research and practice in the areas of relational spirituality and forgiveness.
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