Chapter 1. Conceptual Foundations
Why Is Forgiveness Important?
Social Science Approaches
Chapter 2. Elements of the Forgiveness Process
Sensitizing Concepts: Communication as an Observational Lens
Transgressions and Traumatic Relational Events
Chapter 3. Theorizing Forgiveness
Uncertainty Management Frameworks
Identity Management Theories
Toward a Negotiated Morality Theory (NMT) of Forgiveness
Chapter 4. Communicating Forgiveness
The Forgiveness Episode: Six Communication Processes
Revealing and Detecting Transgressions
Relationship Negotiation and Transition
Chapter 5. Practicing Forgiveness
The Dark Side of Forgiveness
Prescriptive Models of Forgiveness
Communication Tasks of Forgiveness (CTF): A New Prescriptive Model
Reconciliation: A Possible Outcome of Forgiveness
Contributions From Long-Term Couples
Chapter 6. Studying Forgiveness: Methodological Conundrums and Transformational Experiences
Why Do We Study Forgiveness?
Conceptual Definition: What Is Forgiveness Anyway?
Picking Our Paradigm: Which Questions Matter Most?
How Do You Measure Forgiveness?
Appendix A. Interview Questions/Instructions for Long-Term Married Couples Study
Appendix B. Instructions for Three Types of Forgiveness Narratives
Appendix C. Abbreviated Survey Questions and Selected Instructions
