Unforgiving motivations among divorced parents: Moderation of contact intention and contact frequency

Abstract

This research tests the prediction that unforgiving motivations (feelings of revenge and distance) toward the ex-spouse are associated with less reported well-being of divorced parents and their children when the intent to maintain contact with the ex-partner is high rather than low. It is also predicted that unforgiving motivations are associated with more reported conflict with the ex-partner and subsequently with less reported well-being of their children when the actual contact frequency with the ex-partner is high rather than low. Results from an Internet sample of Dutch divorced parents (N = 108) largely support these predictions. It is concluded that unforgiving motivations can have both intrapersonal and interpersonal negative effects for divorced parents, but only when contact is frequent or intended.