The role of forgiveness and experiential avoidance in the relationship between posttraumatic growth and distress

The relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress has shown mixed results in previous studies, varying by distress type. The present study examined forgiveness and experiential avoidance (EA) as possible mediators and moderators of the relationship between growth and two forms of distress, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. Participants were 120 homeless or low-income, housed adults with trauma histories. Offense-specific forgiveness moderated the relationship between PTSD and PTG. Dispositional forgiveness and EA both independently mediated the relationship between depression and PTG. Thus, increased forgiveness and decreased EA may facilitate growth and reduce distress. EA was negatively related to PTG and forgiveness, suggesting that contact with private events following trauma may promote growth and forgiveness.