Linguistic analysis of interpersonal forgiveness: Process trajectories

Expressive writing benefits with clinical treatment protocols have been shown in a variety of mental health and medical settings, though the unfolding processes involved in interpersonal forgiveness is undetermined. Using linguistic analysis methodology, this study determined the trajectories of positive and negative emotions and time orientation associated with forgiveness. Over five weeks, 123 participants showed quadratic effects for positive emotional responses, linear decreases of negative emotional responses, and expected changes in time orientation. Additional analyses revealed forgiveness change differences based on contact status, including more positive and negative emotional content, and anger. Linguistic analysis in forgiveness research has significant potential to determine interpersonal forgiveness change processes.