The Mediating Role of Forgiveness on the Relationship Between Dimensions of Perfectionism and Interpersonal Problems

Recent studies have shown that forgiveness can predict mental health and the quality of relationships. The present study investigate the moderating role of types of forgiveness (self, other, and position) on the relationship between perfectionism and interpersonal problems. A total of 286 students (154 girls, 132 boys) from University of Tehran participated in this study. Participants completed Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Besharat, 2007), Dispositional Hartland Forgiveness Scale (Thompson, Snyder, Hoffman, Michael, Rasmussen, et al., 2005), and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (Besharat, 2016). Results showed that the types of forgiveness are negatively related to dimensions of perfectionism and this relationship was different between girls and boys. Also dimensions of perfectionism were positively related to interpersonal problems in both men and women. Generally, types of forgiveness mediated the association between perfectionism and interpersonal problems. Based on these results, it can be concluded that perfectionism is not entirely a maladaptive trait. When perfectionism is accompanied by forgiveness, it may be efficient. A comparison between girls and boys revealed an influential role for sex on the relationships between variables studied.