The role of commiment in motivating forgiveness in a romantic relationship within African context

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the role of commitment in motivating forgiveness in romantic relationships within an African context. The South African concept of ubuntu (humanness/ humanity) and the influence it has or does not have on forgiveness was also explored. A purposive sample of 218 students in their second year of study was selected for this investigation. The students were from the Mafikeng Campus of the North West University. Participants responded to questions with regard to the degree of commitment in their relationships, forgiveness and certain measures of psychological well-being. The results of the investigation indicated that most of the measures were reliable and valid. Findings indicate that commitment does not play a significant role in forgiveness within an African context. However, the level of commitment is strongly influenced by the degree of fulfillment experienced within a relationship. Thus, the higher the degree of fulfillment within a relationship, the higher the level of commitment within such a relationship. Findings also indicated that neither commitment nor ubuntu plays a significant role in forgiveness within a collectivistic relationship. Pertinent conclusions and recommendations are made.