The Mediating Role of Rumination in the Relationship Between Interpersonal Mindfulness or Differentiation of Self and Forgiveness in Romantic Relationships

The present study explores the possible mediating role of rumination in the relationship between forgiveness and interpersonal mindfulness or differentiation of self in romantic relationships. A total of 662 young adults participated in the study. The mediating role of rumination was tested using both Structural Equation Modeling and the Sobel Test. Results revealed that forgiveness showed a significant positive correlation with both differentiation of self and interpersonal mindfulness, whereas it correlated negatively with rumination. It was found that differentiation of self, interpersonal mindfulness, and rumination significantly predicted forgiveness. Differentiation of self and interpersonal mindfulness were also significant predictors of rumination. Moreover, results yielded partial mediation of rumination regarding the relationships between differentiation of self-forgiveness and interpersonal mindfulness-forgiveness. The results of the present study were discussed in the light of the literature, and suggestions were made for future studies. It was considered that the findings of the present study would be beneficial for the experts of both individual psychotherapy and family-couple therapy to determine the dynamics that they need to focus on/prioritize in the process of case assessment, formulation, and psychotherapy while working on interpersonal relationships, specifically romantic relationships. Regarding preventive mental health services, practices that increase interpersonal mindfulness and support the differentiation of self would promote individual well-being and strengthen interpersonal relationships.