Disgusted by vengeance: Disgust sensitivity predicts lower vengeance

Stephanie B. Richman, C. Nathan Dewall, Richard S. Pond, Nathaniel M. Lambert, Frank D. Fincham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

To forgive someone is to forsake vengeance. However, vengeful behavior could also be decreased by motivational states that promote avoiding aggression. Disgust sensitivity is one such state; elevated levels of disgust sensitivity are associated with less aggression. Heightened disgust sensitivity may therefore relate to low levels of vengeance. Using data from a longitudinal study (N = 186), we applied Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques to examine the cross-lagged effects of disgust sensitivity on vengeance toward a close friend. Controlling for initial levels of vengeance, disgust sensitivity predicted lower vengeance one month later. This research highlights the potential positive role of disgust sensitivity in promoting relationship well-being through its association with vengeance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)831-846
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology
Volume33
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Guilford Publications, Inc.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

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