Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of depressive response styles on the relationship between forgiveness and depression. Enright Forgiveness Inventory-Korea, Responses to Depressed Mood Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory were administered to a sample of 122 undergraduate students. Results showed that forgiveness was positively correlated with depression. The ruminative response style was a significant mediator with respect to the relationship between forgiveness and depression. However, the reflective response style was not associated with depressive symptoms. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed as well as limitations. (Korean J Str Res 2009;17:63∼70)

• Keywords: Forgiveness, Depressive response styles, Ruminative response style, Reflective response style, Depression;