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When does priming justice promote forgiveness? On the importance of distributive and procedural justice for self and others

Lucas, Todd, Strelan, Peter, Karremans, Johan C., Sutton, Robbie M., Najmi, Erfan, Malik, Zaki (2018) When does priming justice promote forgiveness? On the importance of distributive and procedural justice for self and others. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13 (5). pp. 471-484. ISSN 1743-9760. E-ISSN 1743-9779. (doi:10.1080/17439760.2017.1303533) (KAR id:61378)

Abstract

Two studies show that thinking about justice can both enhance and impede forgiveness, depending on whether thoughts about distributive and procedural justice for self and others are activated. In Study 1 (n = 197), participants expressed more forgiveness towards a prior transgressor when primed to think about justice for self or procedural justice for others, and less forgiveness when primed to think about distributive justice for others. Study 2 (n = 231) used an alternate priming method and replicated these effects by inducing an interpersonal transgression and measuring forgiveness intentions, emotions and behavior. Study 2 also showed that priming justice influences forgiveness especially when the perceived severity of an interpersonal offense is high. The current research shows that activating justice cognitions can enhance or impinge on forgiveness in predictable ways. We discuss contributions to emerging justice theory, potential implications, and future directions.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/17439760.2017.1303533
Uncontrolled keywords: Justice beliefs, forgiveness, distributive justice, procedural justice, personal justice, general justice, social values, belief in a just world, Cyberball
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Robbie Sutton
Date Deposited: 19 Apr 2017 09:20 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 05:07 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/61378 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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