Model test to explain happiness based on marital adjustment and life satisfaction: The mediating role of forgiveness

Happiness is one of the most important factors that strengthens and maintains a marital relationship. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of forgiveness in the relationship between marital adjustment, life satisfaction and happiness. The present study was a descriptive correlational study. The sample of the present study was 300 married students (170 women and 130 men) of Pishva Branch Azad University. Research Participants were asked to collect data, complete the Spanier’s Dyadic Adjustment Questionnaires (DAS), Rye’s Forgiveness (FS), Diener's Satisfaction with Life (SWLS) and Oxford Happiness (OHQ). The results of the present study showed that marital adjustment, life satisfaction and forgiveness have a significant relationship with happiness. The results of the structural equation model showed that marital adjustment, life satisfaction and forgiveness have direct and significant positive effects on happiness, as well as marital adjustment and life satisfaction have direct positive and significant effects on forgiveness. The results also showed that the two variables of marital adjustment and life satisfaction have indirectly positive and significant effects on happiness. The findings of the present study were discussed in detail.