Personal Constructs of Betrayed Spouse's Understanding of Forgiveness

The aim of this study was to provide a theoretical framework and a paradigmatic model of forgiveness based on personal constructs of betrayed couples in their lives. For this purpose, qualitative methodology and grounded theory was used. Through purposive sampling and after conducting 20 deep interviews with participants including 13 females and 7 males referred to several counseling centers in Isfahan, theoretical saturation was reached. Participants were people whose spouses (male or female) committed infidelity but they had forgiven their transgression. To achieve theoretical framework a three-stages coding was conducted. More than 170 significant statements, 34 subcategories, 14 major categories and a core category with the title of "forgiveness as a humanistic, spiritual, social, purposeful and rational representation to keep marriage in a benefit-seeking template" were extracted. This theoretical framework suggests that fear of being unforgiven causes more injuries and forgiveness provides the most desirable and inevitable strategy for solving individual and family problems. By presenting and displaying a humanistic, spiritual, rational and purposeful forgiveness, forgiving partners invest in saving and preserving their marriage.