Predicting Forgiveness in the Context of Divorce Based on Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Among Divorced Women

Abstract

Background: Divorce represents a profound psychosocial crisis, eliciting intense negative emotions that impede forgiveness and emotional recovery. Theoretical frameworks posit that mindfulness and emotion regulation skills may promote post-crisis adjustment by fostering emotional healing. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of mindfulness and emotion regulation in forgiveness among divorced women in the context of marital dissolution. Methods: Employing a correlational descriptive design, this investigation targeted the population of divorced women in Qom County, Iran, during 2024. A convenience sample of 209 participants was recruited. Instruments included the Forgiveness in the Context of Divorce Questionnaire (FCDQ), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Data were analyzed via Pearson correlation coefficients and simultaneous multiple regression. Results: Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations between mindfulness and forgiveness (R = 0.37, P < 0.01), as well as adaptive emotion regulation and forgiveness (R = 0.51, P < 0.01). Maladaptive emotion regulation exhibited a significant negative correlation with forgiveness (R = -0.56, P < 0.01). Multiple regression indicated that the predictors explained 42.3% of the variance in forgiveness (R = 0.65, F = 50.06, P < 0.001). All predictors emerged as significant: Mindfulness (β = 0.22, P < 0.01), adaptive emotion regulation (β = 0.24, P < 0.01), and maladaptive emotion regulation (β = -0.39, P < 0.01). Conclusions: The present findings suggest that higher levels of mindfulness and adaptive emotion regulation are associated with greater forgiveness in the context of divorce, whereas maladaptive emotion regulation is associated with lower forgiveness. Such insights highlight the value of incorporating mindfulness and emotion regulation interventions into therapeutic protocols to enhance forgiveness, mitigate distress, and support psychological resilience in divorced women.