Forgiveness and Cohesion in Familial Perceptions of Alcohol Misuse

Abstract

The authors examine the relationships between forgiveness, family cohesion, and alcohol. In Study 1 ( N = 190), participants reported lower levels of trust and forgiveness for family members who misuse alcohol. In Study 2 ( N = 141), the authors present a model demonstrating family cohesion and trait forgiveness related to state forgiveness of an alcohol‐misusing family member. State forgiveness was related to trust in that family member and, subsequently, higher levels of perceived misuser drinking refusal efficacy.